LDPE (LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE)
Material Information
LDPE is a thermoplastic that belongs to the polyolefin group of materials. LDPE is an extruded material that is characterized by good flexibility and resilience, good corrosion resistance and low moisture permeability, low heat resistance, low-temperature impact resistance, and clarity when in film form. At room temperature, LDPE is attacked by strong oxidizing acids, but is insoluble in most organic solvents. When exposed to certain chemicals or ultraviolet light, LDPE is susceptible to stress cracking, which is accelerated by wetting agents. LDPE is ideally used for applications that require strong corrosion resistance, but stiffness, operation at high temperatures, and structural strength are not important. LDPE is available in sheet, film, and rod.
Application
- Packaging
- Orthopedic products
- Bags
- Bottles
- Liners
- Toys
- Hot-melt adhesives
- Housewares
- Wire insulation
- Agricultural tanks
- Chemical shipping containers
- Battery jars
- Medical equipment
- Prosthetic appliances
Properties
- Highly flexible
- Good corrosion resistance
- Low moisture permeability
- Low heat resistance
- Low – temperature impact resistance
- Clarity (in film form)
- Good resistance to chemical attack
Physical |
Astm Test Method |
LDPE |
| Density (lb/in^3) | D792 | 0.033 |
| Specific Gravity | D792 | 0.92 |
| Water Absorption @ 24 hours (%) | D570 | – |
Mechanical |
||
| Tensile Strength (PSI) | D638 | 1,800 – 2,200 |
| Tensile Modulus (PSI) | D638 | – |
| Tensile Elongation at Yield (%) | D638 | 600 |
| Flexural Strength (PSI) | D790 | – |
| Flexural Modulus (PSI) | D790 | – |
| Izod Impact (Notched), ft-lb/in | D256 | No Break |
| Shore D Hardness | D785 | D41 – D50 |
Thermal |
||
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, 10^-5/°F |
D696 | 3 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature 264 psi, ºF | D648 | 120 |
| Melting Point, °F | D3418 | 230 |
| Continous Service Temp (Operating), °F | – | 160 |
| Flammability Rating | UL94 | HB |
Electrical |
||
| Dielectric Strength, Short Term, (Volts/Mil) @ .125″ Thick |
D149 | 460-700 |
| Arc Resistance (sec) | D495 | 135-160 |
| Volume Resistivity (ohm-cm) @ 50% RH | D257 | 10^15 |
| Dielectric Constant at 1 kHz | D150 | 2.25-2.30 |
| 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.