HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene (PEAD in Portuguese). It is polyethylene with linear chains and almost no branching, which makes the material denser, stiffer and more chemically resistant than LDPE.
What PEAD (HDPE) stands for
PoliEtileno de Alta Densidade, Portuguese for high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Typical density ranges from 0.941 to 0.965 g/cm³. In the recycling triangle, HDPE is number 2.
HDPE properties
- Stiffness and impact resistance
- Good chemical resistance to acids, bases and many solvents
- Low moisture absorption
- Recyclable
Where HDPE is used
- Blow molding: bottles, jugs and drums.
- Injection molding: caps, crates and technical parts.
- Film: bags and thin technical films.
- Extrusion: pipes, sheets and profiles.
How to choose an HDPE grade
Each process calls for a different melt flow index: blow molding and pipe extrusion use a low melt flow index; injection molding uses a higher one. To recommend a grade, Esfera needs the process, the melt flow index and density your line uses today, the volume and the delivery city. See how to order HDPE from Esfera.
HDPE vs. LDPE
| HDPE | LDPE | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical density | 0.941 to 0.965 g/cm³ | 0.910 to 0.925 g/cm³ |
| Structure | linear | branched |
| Result | stiff and tough | flexible and clear |
| Recycling | symbol 2 | symbol 4 |
General ranges. The value for each grade is on the manufacturer's technical data sheet.