HDPE from Kitchenware to a Picnic Chair
HDPE is a hydrocarbon polymer prepared from ethylene/petroleum by a catalytic process. It is a kind of thermoplastic which is famous for its tensile strength. Its unique properties can stand high temperatures.
After its experimental preparation in the 1930s the application in high frequency radar cables during World War II gave impetus to its commercial production. High Density Polyethylene is a boon to developing countries like India where it is used to prevent groundwater pollution. It can be easily molded and welded together. Due to its high chemical resistance property, it is used in piping systems. HDPE pipes are used to both carry potable water and hazardous waste. It has other applications also like in making backpacking frames, bottle caps, food storage containers, vehicle fuel tanks, folding chairs etc.
Applications
Chemical drums, jerrycans, carboys, toys, picnic ware, household and kitchenware, cable insulation, carrier bags, food wrapping material. It has been used in recent years for garden furniture as it resists the weather and can be cleaned very easily. It is lightweight which means furniture made from this material can be handled and transported very easily. It is an ideal material for the injection moulding process making it suitable for batch and continuous production. It has the following properties: Stiffness, strength, toughness, resistance to chemicals and moisture, permeability to gas, ease of processing, and ease of forming.
Properties
Flexible, translucent/waxy, weatherproof, good low temperature toughness (to -60°C), easy to process by most methods, low cost offering good chemical resistance.
Advantages
High Density Polyethylene is somewhat harder and more opaque than LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and it can withstand rather higher temperatures (120° Celsius for short periods, 110° Celsius continuously). High density polyethylene lends itself particularly well to blow molding.
Please call Euro extrusions Ltd on 01254 886662 for details.
HDPE Properties Data
| HDPE Physical Properties | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 0.20 - 0.40 N/mm² |
| Notched Impact Strength | no break |
| Thermal Coefficient of Expansion | 100 - 220 x 10ˉ⁶ |
| Max. Continued Use Temperature | 65˚C (149˚F) |
| Melting Point | 126˚C (259˚F) |
| Density | 0.941 - 0.965 g/cm³ |