HDPE - High Density Polyethylene

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a high density polymer produced by an ethylene polymerization reaction at low pressure. In standard conditions it is a solid, rigid, relatively transparent substance used as a raw material for the production of items of both technical and household purpose. Because of the special structure of the molecular cell with a high degree of intermolecular bonds, it has a slightly higher density than other types of polyethylene.

Highlights HDPE:

The monomer for the production of HDPE binds in a dense polymer structure due to the presence of catalysts and stabilizers, some of which then become an integral part of polyethylene. This structure and composition explains its properties and capabilities, which gave him such a high popularity.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is produced in the form of granules with a diameter of 2-5 mm, has a density of about 0.960 g/cm3, a melting point of + 129-135 °C, a brittle temperature of -70 °C and has the following physico-chemical characteristics:

• High hardness, explained by the high crystallinity of the substance,
• High tensile and compressive strength,
• Virtually absolute vapor and liquid impermeability,
• Good chemical resistance against most aggressive environments with acids, alkalis, fats and oils,
• Excellent dielectric properties,
• Possibility of processing by thermal methods, ease of welding and gluing.

HDPE differs from LDPE and LLDPE:

HDPE is the most rigid polymer among other plastics produced from the same monomer. For plastics, increase of density usually means a change of the two most important properties - increasing strength and chemical resistance. Hence, it differs from the least common polymers - LDPE and LLDPE.

In comparison with LDPE, this polyethylene (HDPE) has:

• Increased hardness, but less transparency and waxy,
• Greater strength, but less resistance to deformation and greater brittleness (especially at low temperatures),
• A higher melting point, at which sterilization of articles from it is possible even with steam,
• Less water absorption and vapor permeability,
• Better resistance to various reagents, especially oils and fats.

HDPE and LLDPE:

Linear polyethylene LLDPE is chemically characterized between HDPE and LDPE. It practically does not concede HDPE in rigidity and chemical inertness, but at the same time it possesses greater plasticity and resistance to cracking and puncture.

Main fields of application:

The wide use of HDPE in industry and in the home is explained not only by its high performance, but also by the relatively cheap production. The ease of imparting any shape under heating conditions above the melting point makes it possible to manufacture various products from it, therefore the granules of this polyethylene become the raw material for the manufacture of the following necessary materials:

The HDPE extrusion process produces:

• The films are smooth and bubbly,
• Film sleeve for making bags,
• Communication pipes,
• Insulation of electrical cables,
• Sheet and mesh materials.

Under pressure cast:

• Household goods (toys, dishes, tools, kitchen and bathroom products, lids for cans, bottles, etc.),
• Sewing and furniture accessories,
• Accessories for various equipment (cars, household appliances, etc.).

Form the rotor method:

• Tanks,
• Road blocks,
• Large-scale constructions in the form of playgrounds, wells, overpasses.

In addition, when HDPE is foamed, a qualitatively new product, foam polyethylene, is used, which is used in heat-insulation construction works.

Specifications:

The values given in the table are indicative, they should not be considered as absolutely accurate.

We offer:

INEX supplies HDPE on an individual request in accordance with the needs of the customer's production. There are primary and secondary HDPE granules.