Materials

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)

Polyethylene is a widely used, inexpensive thermoplastic. It has good inherent lubricity and is easy to process. Polyethylene has good to excellent chemical resistance. It is also soft and cannot be used in temperatures much above 150° F. As a family, these materials are light in weight and possess toughness, chemical resistance, impermeability, and excellent electrical insulating properties. High density polyethylene is the hardest and stiffest version of this material. It does not have the impact strength of low density polyethylene, but is more resilient.

AlathonBorealisCerteneDowExxonMobilHiFillMarlex

Typical Properties

Tensile Strength3,200-4,500 psi
Flexural Modulus145,000-225,000 psi
Impact Strength.4-4 ft-lb/in notched izod
Max Temperature130°-150° F
Chemical ResistanceGood to Excellent

Applications

  • Consumer products
  • Housewares
  • Electronic wire and cable insulators
  • Medical products

Advantages

  • + Low cost
  • + Impact resistance from -40° to 194° F
  • + Moisture resistance
  • + Food grades available

Disadvantages

  • − Poor weather resistance
  • − High thermal expansion
  • − Subject to stress cracking
  • − Difficult to bond
  • − Flammable
  • − Poor temperature capability
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