HDPE (HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE)
Material Information
HDPE is a thermoplastic that belongs to the polyolefin group of materials. HDPE is used for the largest portion of polyethylene applications, and has much more rigidity and tensile strength than LDPE, but impact strength is slightly lower due to its stiffness. Overall, HDPE offers excellent impact resistance, is lightweight, has low moisture absorption, and has high tensile strength. It is also non-toxic, non-staining, and meets FDA and USDA certification. This makes HDPE ideal for food processing. HDPE is available in sheet, strip, rod, tube, and film.
Application
- Packaging for food and household liquid products
- Film products
- Industrial containers
- Housewares
- Tote boxes
- Water and gas distribution pipe
- Wire insulation
- Structural foam housings
- Agriculture
- Structural tanks
- Industrial piping systems
- Washers and stampings
Properties
- High rigidity
- High tensile strength
- High impact resistance
- Light weight
- Low moisture absorption
- Property values remain high at low temperatures
Physical |
Astm Test Method |
HDPE |
| Density (lb/in^3) | D792 | 0.035 |
| Specific Gravity | D792 | 0.95 |
| Water Absorption @ 24 hours (%) | D570 | 0 |
Mechanical |
||
| Tensile Strength (PSI) | D638 | 4,600 |
| Tensile Modulus (PSI) | D638 | – |
| Tensile Elongation at Yield (%) | D638 | 900 |
| Flexural Strength (PSI) | D790 | – |
| Flexural Modulus (PSI) | D790 | 200,000 |
| Izod Impact (Notched), ft-lb/in | D256 | 3 |
| Shore D Hardness | D785 | D70 |
Thermal |
||
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, 10^-5/°F |
D696 | 6 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature 264 psi, ºF | D648 | 170 |
| Melting Point, °F | D3418 | 260 |
| Continous Service Temp (Operating), °F | – | 180 |
| Flammability Rating | UL94 | HB |
Electrical |
||
| Dielectric Strength, Short Term, (Volts/Mil) @ .125″ Thick |
D149 | 450-500 |
| Arc Resistance (sec) | D495 | 200-250 |
| Volume Resistivity (ohm-cm) @ 50% RH | D257 | 10^15 |
| Dielectric Constant at 1 kHz | D150 | 2.30-2.35 |
| Dissipation Factor at 1 kHz | D150 | 0.0002 |
NOTE:
The information contained herein are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT be used as a basis for design specifications or quality control. Contact us for manufacturers' complete material property datasheets. All values at 73°F (23°C) unless otherwise noted.