LDPE – Low 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. As a family, they are light in weight and possess toughness, chemical resistance, impermeability as well as excellent electrical insulating properties. Low density polyethylene is the softest and most flexible version of this material. It has high elongation giving it excellent impact strength. This is offset by its permanent deformation upon impact.
Applications: Consumer products, houseware items, electronic wire/cable insulators and medical products.
| Tensile Strength | Flexural Modulus | Impact Strength | Max Temp. | Chemical Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,200-4,000 psi | 35,000-48,000 psi | No break ft-lb/in notched izod | 130°-150° F | Good to Excellent |
Advantages
- Low cost
- Impact resistance from -40° to 194° F
- Moisture resistance
- Food grades available
Disadvantages
- Poor weather resistance
- High thermal expansion
- Higher cost
- Subject to stress cracking
- Difficult to bond
- Flammable
- Poor temperature capability
Brand Names: Borealis, Certene, Dow, ExxonMobil, Marlex