High density Polyethylene (HDPE)

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a popular thermoplastic polymer that is widely used in a variety of applications due to its excellent chemical and physical properties.

HDPE is known for its durability, strength, and resistance to impact, chemicals, and UV radiation, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of industries such as packaging, construction, and transportation.

HDPE is available in different types and grades, each with its unique properties and applications. The most common types of HDPE include:

  1. Injection Moulded Grade: This type of HDPE is used for products that require high stiffness and dimensional stability, such as crates, pallets, and caps. It has a high melt flow index (MFI), making it easy to process using injection moulding techniques.
  2. Blow Moulded Grade: This type of HDPE is used for products that require good impact resistance and toughness, such as bottles, containers, and drums. It has a low MFI, making it easy to process using blow moulding techniques.
  3. Compression Moulded Grade: This type of HDPE is used for products that require excellent mechanical properties, such as pipe fittings, valves, and flanges. It is processed using compression moulding techniques.
  4. Extrusion Grade: This type of HDPE is used for products that require good flexibility, such as pipes, cables, and tubing. It has a medium MFI, making it easy to process using extrusion techniques.
  5. Rotomoulded Grade: This type of HDPE is used for products that require high impact resistance, such as tanks, containers, and playground equipment. It has a medium MFI, making it easy to process using rotational moulding techniques.
  6. Blown Film Grade: This type of HDPE is used for products that require good tensile strength, such as bags, liners, and films. It has a low MFI, making it easy to process using blown film extrusion techniques.

The differences between the various types of HDPE grades are mainly in their melt flow index, which is an indication of their processing characteristics and mechanical properties. Grades with higher MFI are easier to process but have lower strength and stiffness, while grades with lower MFI have higher strength and stiffness but are more difficult to process.

HDPE is a versatile material with various grades to cater to the different needs of applications. Whether you require high stiffness, impact resistance, tensile strength, or flexibility, there is an HDPE grade that can meet your needs. Consult with our materials specialist to determine the best type of HDPE for your application.