Polythene

A thermoplastic that is a pure synthetic hydrocarbon with ex­cellent electrical characteristics that makes it very suitable as an insulating material for practically every type of cable. Produced by the direct polymerization of ethylene. It has good abrasion resistance, but a tendency to cutting by a sharp edge. It has fair flexibility, though it tends to be stiff in thicker sections. It is unaffected by fresh or salt water, and dilute acids and alkalis, but slowly oxidizes in the presence of air and ultraviolet light unless precautions are taken.