High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE resins are thermoplastics made from petroleum. HDPE grades are used in a variety of processing techniques such as injection molding, extrusion, extrusion blow molding, and rotational molding. HDPE forms the largest product family in polyethylene, and is used in numerous customer applications such as industrial pipe, pipe fittings, plastic fuel tanks, industrial packaging, bottles, healthcare articles, containers, toys, films, tapes and fibers.
HDPE is known for its large strength-to-density ratio. The density of HDPE can range from 0.93 to 0.97 g/cm3 or 970 kg/m3. Although the density of HDPE is only marginally higher than that of low-density polyethylene, HDPE has little branching, giving it stronger intermolecular forces and tensile strength than LDPE. The difference in strength exceeds the difference in density, giving HDPE a higher specific strength. It is also harder and more opaque and can withstand somewhat higher temperatures (120 °C/ 248 °F for short periods). High-density polyethylene, unlike polypropylene, cannot withstand normal autoclaving conditions.
Read more about polyethylenes (HDPE & LDPE), or for more detailed information on high-density polyethylene resins check out some of our trusted suppliers’ links below.