Polyethylene is defined as a thermoplastic that is used in various products. Its named is derived from monomer phase ethylene, polyethylene is manufactured by using ethylene. It is abbreviated name in the plastic industry is PE.
Polyethylene is classified into various categories according to density and chemical properties. It depends on mechanical properties, molecular weight, crystal structure and branching type.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), it is defined as a thermoplastic material made of monomer ethylene. Polyethylene, which is produced by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in 1933 by using high-pressure process through this free radical polymerization, is defined as the low-density polyethylene with the highest quality. Today, this production uses the same method. Low-density polyethylene is generally used in the agriculture sector. Its use in the agricultural sector increased as early grown olericulture gained importance and fertilization increased. In addition, low-density polyethylene is frequently used in the packages of exported products. Its has a wide consumption area as cable in communication, energy distribution and industry. It use in such fields is increased for contributing to the industry. The production of low-density polyethylene first began in Turkey in 1970. LDPE with 5.7% EPA recycling (recycling percentage represents and estimate); although competition exists with modern polymers, LDPE continues to be an important plastic branch. In 2009, the global LDPE market reached a volume of 22.200.000.000 US Dollars (€ 15900000000). Low-density polyethylene is defined by a density of 0.910-0.940 g / sm3. Excluding strong solvents, some non-reactive solvents cause swelling under room temperature. It can continuously resist 80 ° C temperature and 95 ° C for a certain timeframe. With transparent or opaque variations, low-density polyethylene has a very flexible and hard but a fragile structure.
The inter-molecular forces in low-density polyethylene (momentary dipole-cause-dipole gravity) are low, meaning that drawing strength is low and its flexibility is high. But branching exists in polyethylene that is more intense (approximately 2% of carbon atoms). That is because side branches are full and includes less crystals due to its molecules. Furthermore, low-density polyethylene has a low density. LPDE includes the chemical elements of carbon and hydrogen.
PROPERTIES
• Specific Gravity: 0.92
• Tensile Force: 10-20 MPa
• Elastic Module: 300-500 MPa
• Impact Resistance: 500 kj/m²
• Deformation Temperature: 110 ºC
• Vicat Softening Point: 94 ºC
ADVANTAGES
• Wide mechanical property range
• Chemical resistance
• Electrical resistance
• Resistance against fatigue
• Flame retardant
• Price performance ratio
FIELDS OF APPLICATION
• Heavy duty bags
• Film production
• Paper coatings
• Barrels
• Toys
• Trash bags
• Electrical isolation
• Bottle production
PROCESSING
- LDPE can be shaped by the traditional thermoplastic processing methods.
- The recommended temperature interval for injection processing is 180-240°C.