High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum. It takes 1.75 kilograms of petroleum (in terms of energy and raw materials) to make one kilogram of HDPE. HDPE is commonly recycled, and has the number "2" as its recycling symbol. In 2007, the global HDPE market reached a volume of more than 30 million tons.
HDPE has little branching, giving it stronger intermolecular forces and tensile strength than lower-density polyethylene. It is also harder and more opaque and can withstand somewhat higher temperatures (120 °C/ 248 °F for short periods, 110 °C /230 °F continuously).
Advantages of High Density Polyethylene
Impact, and wear resistant. Flexible, can have very high elongation before breaking. Generally good chemical resistance.
- UV Stabilized
- Lightweight
- Tear/Tensile
- Puncture Resistance
- Water Proof
- Food Contact Acceptable
- Copolymer
- ESCR, High (Stress Crack Resistance)
- Antioxidant
- Good Impact Resistance
- Good Toughness
Application of HDPE Tarpaulin
- Transportation: Truck Liner
- Railway Wagon Covers
- Floor Lining
- Ground work Sheet
- Sheds, Warehouses
- Agricultural uses
- Construction sites
- Poultry Shading
- Car & Motorcycle Covers
- Fumigation Covers
- Pond Lining
- Tents
- Geomembrane
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. HDPE contains the chemical elements carbon and hydrogen.