HDPE

High density polyethylene (HDPE) is the third-largest commodity plastic material in the world, after polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene. It is a thermoplastic material composed of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms connected together to form high molecular weight products. HDPE is different from other forms of polyethylene because its side chain branching frequency is lower than other polyethylene types, where HDPE is often referred to as a ' linear ' chain. This linear structure gives HDPE greater intermolecular forces and tensile strength. In the world of polymers, HDPE has distinguished itself as a versatile and remarkable material.

Alfa Chemistry is a leading supplier of this material. We are committed to providing you with different specifications of HDPE to meet your scientific or industrial applications. With our extensive product portfolio, you can find the perfect HDPE to drive your research forward.

How to Make HDPE

The manufacture of HDPE mainly follows the following four steps:

(i) The first step is the production of ethylene, which is the primary monomer used to make HDPE. Ethylene can be obtained through the cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks, such as natural gas or petroleum.

(ii) After obtaining the required monomer, the metal catalyst (usually a transition metal compound) is mixed with ethylene gas and other compounds to catalyze the formation of polyethylene slurry.

(iii) The remaining catalyst in the slurry is subsequently removed and the HDPE is recovered by extraction, filtration and drying. The recovered HDPE is present in the form of resin pellets or powder.

(iv) Finally, the recovered HDPE can be processed by extrusion, injection molding or blow molding to create the desired final product.

Performance Characteristics

The performance characteristics of HDPE include, but are not limited to the following.

• High Strength to Weight Ratio: HDPE is known for its strength, toughness and impact resistance. It can withstand heavy loads and mechanical stresses. A typical example is that a 60g HDPE container can carry about 8 pounds of weight.
• Chemical Resistance: HDPE exhibits excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and solvents. It can withstand harsh environments without degradation.
• Weather Resistance: HDPE exhibits exceptional resistance to UV radiation, moisture and extreme weather conditions. When exposed to the natural environment of climate, light, temperature, humidity, weathering and other factors, HDPE can still maintain good performance and appearance.
• Malleability: Due to its high melting point, HDPE remains rigid at very high temperatures. However, once the melting point is reached, this plastic material can be molded quickly and efficiently for the production of many of products.
• Environmental Friendliness: HDPE is considered an environmentally friendly material. It is recyclable and can be melted down and reprocessed into new products, thus reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Applications

HDPE's strength, durability, chemical resistance and environmental friendliness make it the preferred choice for packaging, construction, transportation, agriculture and other industries. The main uses of HDPE plastics are listed below:

• Cutting boards for food preparation
• Pipes and fittings
• Agricultural mulch
• Boating components
• Outdoor cabinetry and furniture

• Food and beverage containers
• Wires and cables
• Construction films
• 3D printing filament
• Automotive fuel tanks, bumpers and interior components

Our Products

Alfa Chemistry provides customers with HDPE in different material forms. The specific products are as follows:

HDPE Sheets & Rods

HDPE Balls

HDPE Films

HDPE Granules & Powders