Polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE)

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Polyethylene Thermoplastic Characteristics

Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely used thermoplastic polymer for fabricated parts and components. It is available in a variety of grades and formulations to suit different needs. In general, polyethylenes offer excellent chemical and impact resistance, electrical properties and low coefficient of friction. It is considered a dielectric material. In addition, polyethylenes are lightweight, easily processed and offer near-zero moisture absorption. See details of its material properties in the chart below.

There are four categories of polyethylene thermoplastic material based on density/property: low, medium, high (HDPE) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Characteristics of these include:

  • Economical
  • Low co-efficient of frictionhere to help button
  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • Stable in cryogenic environments
  • Good impact resistance
  • FDA/USDA approved (HDPE)
  • Resistant to many solvents (HDPE)
  • Good fatigue and wear resistance (HDPE)
  • Zero water absorption (HDPE)

Applications for Polyethylene (PE) Thermoplastic

  • Conveyor guides
  • Chute liners
  • Chemical holding tanks
  • Food processing parts
  • Medical equipment
  • Packaging applications
  • Conveyor wear strips (HDPE)
  • Piping systems (HDPE)
  • Liquid dispensing equipment (HDPE)
  • Marine components (HDPE)

Contact a Dielectric Manufacturing knowledge expert to discuss the use of polyethylene for fabrication of your plastic parts, or to purchase polyethylene material.

Call 800-367-9122 or email sales@dielectricmfg.com.

Polyethylene Material Properties

PropertyMetricunitsEnglishunits
General
Density952 - 965kg/m^300.344 - 0.0349lb/ft^3
Mechanical
Yield Strength2.62e7 - 3.1e7Pa3.8 - 4.5ksi
Tensile Strength2.21e7 - 3.1e7Pa3.21 - 4.5ksi
Elongation11.2 - 12.9% strain1.12e3 - 1.29e3% strain
Hardness (Vickers)7.75e7 - 9.71e7Pa7.9 - 9.9HV
Impact Strength (un-notched)1.9e5 - 2e5J/m^290.4 - 95.2ft.lbf/in^2
Fracture Toughness1.52e6 - 1.82e6Pa/m^0.51.38 - 1.66ksi/in^0.5
Young's Modulus1.07e9 - 1.09e9Pa0.155 - 0.15810^6 psi
Thermal
Max Service Temperature113 - 129°C235 - 264°F
Melting Temperature130 - 137°C266 - 279°F
Insulator or ConductorInsulatorInsulator
Specific Heat Capability1.75e3 - 1.81e3J/kg °C0.418 - 0.432BTU/lb. °F
Thermal Expansion Coefficient1.06e-4 - 1.98e-4strain/°C59 - 110µstrain/°F
Eco
CO2 Footprint1.95 - 2.15kg/kg1.95 - 2.15lb/lb
RecyclableYesYes

Dielectric Manufacturing, Richfield, Wisconsin USA dielectricmfg.com

Polyethylene Material Properties Provided By Dielectric Manufacturing, Richfield, Wisconsin

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