High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE or PEHD), a plastic polymer with diverse properties. A kind of Thermoplastic polymer with a wide range of applications that makes it so suitable for numerous uses like, plastic lumber, geomembranes, and even plastic bottles, etc.
A long-lasting material and only one of the most effective and efficient when it comes to its cost and chemical resistant properties.
A most commonly asked question, when it comes to such material,
– How is HDPE produced and processed?
The two ways to produce HDPE are either by gas-phase polymerization or slurry polymerization, from ethylene monomers.
Then you move on to Separation and Drying.
Then comes the processing of the material for consumers or industries by using 3 methods.
– Injection Moulding
– Extrusion
– Blow Moulding
There are numerous factors acting as a backbone when it comes to the increasing popularity of HDPE. The HDPE granules are so commonly used, even in many of our households’ things like bottles, toys, helmets, food containers, etc.
And besides the domestic use, the pipes made from this material are efficient also in agriculture and sewage lines.
Easily Recyclable – When we talk about plastic recycling, the following material has even shown environmental benefits by introducing canvas bags and biodegradable materials.
Once the material has gone through the recycling process from, sorting and cleaning, homogenizing, shredding, and then melting down to a fine polymer. Once the process is done, the material is made into pellets for manufacturing.
Resistance – The following material has proven to be highly resistant to impacts. HDPE granules provide you with a splendid rigidity than most of the other forms of plastic.
Alongside maintaining a solid and protective structure, HDPE has also shown effective moisture resistance.
This polymer is highly resistant to alcohols, acids, alkalis, and solvents.
Superior Flexibility – This high-quality flexible material is flexible enough to speed up the installations when it comes to piping. And is adaptable to bends and impacts.
Yes, HDPE plastic tubing is less flexible than LDPE but due to the better chemical and physical properties, it turns out to be a better option.
Waterproofing Property – Yes, the material is waterproof and is highly suitable for waterproofing building foundations. It doesn’t matter what use or application we talk of; HDPE turns out to hold onto its waterproofing resistance.
The following HDPE is made from a kind of virgin resin that lasts not just for weeks or years but decades.
Durability – HDPE is an efficiently durable material. Along with being resistant to external impacts, this type of PE has proven to be tear and puncture-resistant. Hence, the material is strongly durable for many of its uses from packaging and piping to bathroom partitions.
Due to HDPE’s durable and strong structure, it has also helped in low-cost maintenance.
Most commonly uses or applications of HDPE
– Consumer Products like Recycling and trash bins, toys, and even ice chests, plastic bottles.
– Playground structures including slides and swings
– HDPE vehicle fuel tanks
– Industrial fabrics and fibers for nets and various ropes as well.
– Filament for 3D printers
– From Piping and tubing material to chairs and tables.
– Rigid packaging material like bottle caps, milk bottles, drums, etc.
– Last but not the least, Boat parts.
Conclusion
By now you’ve learned about the major chunk of how physical and chemical properties of HDPE make it, one of the most popular plastic materials.
A test demonstration carried out by ESE World B.V. has proved that HDPE can be recycled at least 10 times. And now imagine how many environmental benefits just this one recycling feature brings.
So, by a very large margin, this type of PE is by far one of those splendid plastics that are safe for use with food and water.
HDPE for potable cold-water applications has been proved to be highly appropriate by standard organizations and even code agencies.
One important thing to keep in mind while using HDPE in hot water applications, to ask the vendors for certification in chemical migration and high-temperature performances.
Hence, HDPE has proven to stand up to its elements.
And after reading about how effective and efficient HDPE really is, you should realize that it’s a high-quality choice.
