Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Stress Relieved Sheet Description
Polyethylene or polythene is the most commonly produced plastic. It is a polymer, primarily used for packaging (plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes and containers including bottles, etc.). As of 2017, over 100 million tons of polyethylene resins are being produced annually, accounting for 34% of the total plastics market.
PE is usually a mixture of similar polymers of ethylene, with various values of n. It can be low-density or high-density: low-density polyethylene is extruded using high pressure (1000–5000 atm) and high temperature (520 kelvins), while high-density polyethylene is extruded using low pressure (6–7 atm) and low temperature (333–343 K). Polyethylene is usually thermoplastic, but it can be modified to become thermosetting instead, for example, in cross-linked polyethylene.
LDPE (low-density polyethylene) is a versatile, soft, flexible, lightweight plastic material that is easy to fabricate and form. LDPE is noted for its low temperature flexibility, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It is not suited for applications where stiffness, high temperature resistance and structural strength are required. LDPE also has good chemical and impact resistance.
Notable Attributes:
- Flexible
- Easy to fabricate and form
- Low temperature flexibility
- Corrosion resistance
- Good chemical and impact resistance
- Lightweight and tough
Applications Include:
- Packaging Films and Wraps
- Containers, trays, squeezable bottles
- Grocery, trash and cleaner bags
- Backyard Slides
- Electrical Wire Insulation
- Orthotics and prosthetics
