HDPE

Material Type

HDPE

Material Full Name

High-Density Polyethylene

Process Compatibility

Injection Molding, CNC Machining

HDPE Description

Price

$$$$$

Strength

High strength-to-density ratio, excellent chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and good impact resistance.

Weakness

Vulnerability to stress cracking under certain conditions, limited resistance to high temperatures, and poor resistance to UV radiation.

Common Application

Packaging containers, pipes for water and gas distribution, geomembranes for environmental containment, toys, bottles, and household goods.

HDPE Properties

HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene, is a thermoplastic polymer known for its high strength-to-density ratio. It exhibits excellent chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and good impact resistance. HDPE is commonly used in various applications due to its durability and versatility.

Properties at a Glance

*Pease note: The following material properties are for reference only. Actual values may vary depending on the selected material brand.

Property	Metric	English
Density	0.941-0.965 g/cm³	58.8-60.3 lb/ft³
Shore Hardness D	60-70	60-70
Min Temp. Air	-70°C	-94°F
Max Temp. Air	100~120 °C	212~248°F
Flammabilitiy, UL94	HB	HB
Elongation at Break	500-700%	500-700%

Chemical Properties

High resistance to acids, bases, and solvents.
Inertness to most chemical reagents.
Minimal reactivity with other substances

How Additives Improve HDPE Properties

Additives such as antioxidants, UV stabilizers, and processing aids can be added to HDPE to improve its resistance to degradation, enhance its UV resistance, and aid in processing. Blending HDPE with other polymers or additives can also alter its properties, such as increasing flexibility or impact resistance. Cross-linking HDPE through processes like radiation or chemical cross-linking can enhance its thermal stability and mechanical properties. Additionally, fillers like talc or calcium carbonate can be incorporated to modify properties such as stiffness or density.

When modifying HDPE properties, it's essential to consider the compatibility of additives with the base polymer to avoid any adverse effects on processing or final product performance.

Get Custom HDPE Parts with Zhongde

FAQs of HDPE Materials

View our FAQ center for more questions.

Is HDPE recyclable?

Yes, HDPE is recyclable. It is one of the most widely recycled plastics globally due to its high demand and versatile applications in various industries.

Can HDPE be used for food packaging?

HDPE is often preferred for food packaging because it is inert and does not react with food substances, ensuring the safety and integrity of the packaged products. Its resistance to chemicals and moisture also helps in preserving the quality of food items.

How does HDPE compare to other types of polyethylene?

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is stronger and more rigid than LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) due to its denser structure. However, UHMWPE (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene) surpasses both in wear resistance and toughness, making it ideal for demanding applications. While HDPE is versatile and cost-effective, UHMWPE offers superior durability in specialized uses.