From Wikipedia, High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD) is a thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. It is sometimes called “alkathene” or “polythene” when used for HDPE pipes. With a high strength-to-density ratio, HDPE is used in the production of plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes, and plastic lumber. HDPE is recycled and has the number “2” as its resin identification code.

High Density Polyethylene is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. It is most known and referred to as HDPE sheet plastic. This thermoplastic is made from a string of ethylene molecules (hence, the poly part of polyethylene). It is known for being both lightweight and strong. With more and more companies embracing sustainability initiatives, High Density Polyethylene sheet popularity has skyrocketed as it can cut down on the material used to produce and package products due to its weight and strength.

High Density Polyethylene is durable and will not splinter or rot. Its high tensile strength and corrosion resistance mean it can be used in a wide range of applications. It including those that involve sharp items or corrosive materials. It resists absorbing harmful bacteria, and this means its exceptional for use in food service facilities where bacteria resistance is critical.

Properties

High Density Polyethylene is known for its high strength-to-density ratio. The density of High Density Polyethylene can range from 930 to 970 kg/m3. Although the density of HD-PE is only marginally higher than that of low-density polyethylene, HDPE has little branching, giving it stronger intermolecular forces and tensile strength than LDPE. The difference in strength exceeds the difference in density, giving HDPE a higher specific strength. It is also harder and more opaque and can withstand somewhat higher temperatures (120 °C/248 °F for short periods). High-density polyethylene, unlike polypropylene, cannot withstand normally required autoclaving conditions. The lack of branching is ensured by an appropriate choice of catalyst (e.g., Ziegler–Natta catalysts) and reaction conditions.

The physical properties of PEHD can vary depending on the molding process that is used to manufacture a specific sample. To some degree a determining factor is the international standardized testing methods employed to identify these properties for a specific process. For example, in Rotational Molding, to identify the environmental stress crack resistance of a sample, the Notched Constant Tensile Load Test (NCTL) is put to use.

Owing to these desirable properties, pipes constructed out of HDPE are ideally applicable for potable water, and wastewater (storm and sewage).

Types of HDPE Sheet

There are a variety of types of high density polyethylene plastics, all which have different applications and uses.

HDPE Smooth Sheet

Smooth HDPE sheeting has a variety of qualities that make it an ideal material for many applications. Smooth HDPE is easily fabricated and features good chemical resistance, tensile strength, and is moisture and impact resistant. One of the most common applications of HDPE smooth sheeting is tank lining.

HDPE Matte Sheet – Textured HDPE Sheet

Matte HDPE sheeting was specially formulated to manufacture items such as cutting boards, as the material ensures a long product life and won’t dull knives. Compliances: FDA, USDA, NSF, RoHS Compliant.

HDPE Color Core – Eegraving Plastic

HDPE Color Core have the same resilient properties as our regular HDPE sheets, but are made with a special process that fuses two different colored sheets together.

This process results in one HDPE sheet with two different colors that acts as a perfect engraving plastic for a variety of applications.

HDPE Antiskid

Antiskid HDPE sheets were created specifically for marine applications where a non-slip or skid surface is required.

All grades of HDPE plastic sheeting provide the same basic features and benefits that set them apart from plastic sheeting materials such as polycarbonate or acrylic sheet.

Common Applications of HDPE

Aside from the antiskid HDPE sheet which was designed for marine applications, HDPE plastic is used across a wide range of industries and applications. Without realizing it, you’ve likely used something made of HDPE before. Common applications include:

Fuel tanks

Telecom ducts

Piping systems

Milk jugs

Shampoo bottles

Bread bags

Hard hats

Bottles

Outdoor furniture

Kick plates on vehicles

Plastic lumber

Plastic surgery (skeletal and facial reconstruction)

Potable water mains

Root barrier

Shampoo Bottles

Sewage mains

Snowboard rails and boxes

Stone paper

Storage sheds

Swimming pool installation

Playground equipment

Boats

RVs

Emergency vehicle interior cabinetry

Water Bottles

And the list goes on. Next time you pick up a plastic item, please check the bottom. If its recycle number is a 2, it contains HDPE.

In any application where corrosion or bacteria is a risk, HDPE sheet is an excellent choice. If you have interesting in learning more about the versatility and applications of HDPE sheet, contact Kiridor Plastics today by lacey@peboards.com.