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POLYETHYLENE

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE): A corrosion resistant, extruded material that sustains low moisture permeability. It also has a relatively low working temperature, soft surface and low tensile strength.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): is a high impact strength and high density polyethylene. HDPE has excellent tensile strength, energy absorption, abrasion resistance and resistance to stress cracks.

Pipe Grade Polyethylene (HMW HDPE): features a higher molecular weight than our standard HDPE for a variety of applications requiring higher performance characteristics.  With 2% carbon black, it is used in demanding outdoor applications.  Used in wide applications, including flanges, stub ends and manhole covers for industrial piping systems.


Product Applications

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE): LDPE services the following industries: Anodizing, Chemical, Dyeing/Bleaching, Electronics, Fertilizer, Food Processing, Marine, Paper, Petroleum, Pharmaceutical, Plating, Steel Pickling, Textile, Tanning, Transportation and Utilities.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Business Machine Parts, Cams/Washers/Shims, Guides/Wear Plates, Laboratory Vessels, Low Speed Bearings, Nuclear Storage Containers, Packing/Rings in Chemical Applications, Roll Stand Bearings, Rotors/Blades, Skids/Deflector Plates and Tank/Chute/Bin Linings.

Pipe Grade Polyethylene (HMW HDPE): is used in a wide variety of applications requiring higher performance characterisitics than HDPE.  Pipe Grade has better UV resistance than standard natural HDPE, which makes it the product of choice in many outdoor applications such as piling protectors and buoyancy aids in the marine industry.


Typical Properties

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

  • Design versatility
  • Dimensional stability
  • Low cost fabrications
  • Excellent electrical properties
  • Machinable
  • Formable
  • Maintenance free
  • Good light stability
  • Unusually lightweight
  • High impact resistance
  • Weldable
  • Impressive colors and textures
  • Wipes clean

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

  • Abrasion resistance
  • Low coefficient of friction
  • Chemical resistance
  • Self lubricating
  • Excellent machinability
  • Stress-cracking resistance
  • High impact
  • Water/salt water resistance

Pipe Grade Polyethylene (HMW HDPE)

  • Performs in applications to 180°F (82°C)
  • Resists mild acids, alkalis and solvents
  • Is classified by ASTM and Plastic Pipe Institute as PE3408
  • Meets NSF Standard 14 for use in potable water piping systems
  • Contains carbon black for UV resistance

Physical Properties

Test Name   ASTM Test Method HDPE LDPE HDPE Pipe Grade
ISO Equivalent
Density, g/cm³   D792 0.955 .910-.925 0.955
1183: 1987      
Tensile Strength at Yield, PSI-MPa  D638 4600 1800-2200 N.A.
527-1 & 2: 1993 31.8 12.5-15.2 N.A.
Tensile Elongation at Yield, %  D638 900% 600% 800%
527-1 & 2-1993      
Tensile Modulus, PSI-MPa  D638 N.A. N.A. 113,000
527-1 & 2: 1993 N.A. N.A. 780
Flexural Strength, PSI-MPa  D790 N.A. N.A. N.A.
178: 1993 N.A. N.A. N.A.
Flexural Modulus, PSI_MPa  D790 200,000 N.A. 136,000
178: 1993 1380 N.A. 940
Izod Impact - Notched,
Ft.lb./in. @ 73°F
kJ/m2@23°C
 
D256 3 No Break N.A.
180: 1993 6.3 No Break N.A.
Heat Deflection Temp.
°F @ 66 PSI
°C @ 0.45 MPa
 
D648 N.A. 100-121 172
75-1 & 2: 1993 N.A. 37.8-49.4 77.8
Mean Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion In./In./°F D696 N.A. N.A. 6.1 x 10^-5
Hardness - Rockwell R or Shore D where noted D785 69 Shore D 41-50 61 Shore D
Water Absorption , %  D570 0 <.01 0
62: 1980     0
Flamability Rating UL-94 N.R. N.R. N.R.
Maximum Operating Temperature  °F 180 160 180
°C 82 71 82

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