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 divided into two groups of high and low according to its density.
Polyethylene is classified into various categories according to density and chemical properties. It depends on mechanical properties, molecular weight, crystal structure and branching type.
HDPE, meaning high-density polyethylene, is a highly dense polyethylene material obtained from petroleum. Due to its high-density , it is more durable against chemicals compared to other polyethylene types. HDPE, meaning high-density polyethylene, is impact resistant and can be manufactured easily.
HDPE high-density polyethylene is quite appropriate for injection, it is sterilized and can be used up to 80 degrees Celsius when no load is present.
Although the appearance of high-density polyethylene is similar to low-density polyethylene, it is much stiffer and it represents a polymer with a molecule mass around 150.000-400.000. High-density polyethylene has good resistance against water and chemicals. It is not as much resistant as Low-Density Polyethylene against light and open weather conditions. This resistance can be increased by special fillings. Mechanical features are quite good and they especially have high impact and tensile resistance. These features can be improved further by some filling materials. The normal tensile resistance is around 225-350 kg /cm2. Temperature resistance is over 100 °C.
HDPE, which has a wide range of use, is used in pressurized pipes, gas distribution pipes, bottles, drums, white appliances, insulators, toys and the production of electronic and electrical furniture.
It is used in the industrial and production sector. It’s highly resistant against water and chemicals. It doesn’t dust or show dirt, it does not include toxic substances and it is easy to clean. It is not resistant against light and negative weather conditions. Another advantage of High-Density Polyethylene is the absence of need for protective coating. It is also very resistant against ageing. It unites easier compared to steel, aluminum or composite materials. Another feature is its resistance against freezing. As it’s water resistant, it has become more preferred during the recent years. For this reason, the use of high-density polyethylene began for boat and warehouse construction.
High-density polyethylene is appropriate for many shaping methods such as injection, powder coating, film coating, rotation molding, etc… Keeping the injection mold temperature between 50-70 °C increase the product quality yielded by the device. High-density polyethylene is also very appropriate for electrical applications.
AREAS OF USE
- Home furniture, toys
- Packaging films
- Pipes (rigid pipe) detergent and cosmetic bottles (non-transparent)
- Water and gas drums
- Rotational molding materials in sheet, paper, fabric and metal coating
- Athlete type bag, Plastic bags, Lamination, File sack
- Pressurized water pipe, gas and sewerage
- Water distribution, sewerage, irrigation distribution network pipes.