Polyethylene Specifications

904 West 6th Street, Shiner, Texas 77984 USA

Phone: 1-361-594-2941 Fax: 1-361-594-2349 E-Mail: [email protected]

1-800-444-3485
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Polyethylenes are semi-crystalline materials with excellent chemical resistance, good fatigue and wear
resistance, and a wide range of properties (due to differences in length of the polymer chain.) Polyethylenes
are easy to distinguish from other plastics because they float in water.

GENERAL PROPERTIES OF POLYETHYLENES

Polyethylenes provide good resistance to organic solvents, degreasing agents and electrolytic attack. They
have a higher impact strength, but lower working temperatures and tensile strengths than polypropylene. They
are light in weight, resistant to staining, and have low moisture absorption rates.

POLYETHYLENE GRADES
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
This extruded material offers good corrosion resistance and low moisture permeability. It can be used in
applications where corrosion resistance is important, but stiffness, high temperatures, and structural strength
are not. A highly flexible product, LDPE is used widely in orthopaedic products, or where mobility without
stress fatigue is desired. LDPE is also frequently used in comsumer packaging, bags, bottles, and liners.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Representing the largest portion of the polyethylene applications, HDPE offers excellent impact resistance,
light weight, low moisture absorption, and high tensile strength. HDPE is also non-toxic and non-staining and
meets FDA and USDA certification for food processing.

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW PE)

Light weight (1/8 the weight of mild steel), high in tensile strength, and as simple to machine as wood,
UHMW PE is the ideal material for many wear parts in machinery and equipment as well as a superb lining in
material handling systems and storage containers. UHMW PE is self-lubricating, shatter resistant, long-
wearing, abrasion and corrosion resistant. It meets FDA and USDA acceptance for food and pharmaceutical
equipment and is a good performer in applications up to 180 °F (82 °C) or when periodically cleaned with live
steam or boiling water to sterilize.

( see also Lennite® Conductive and Tivar® 1000 AntiStatic UHMW Specifications )
( see also QuickSilver® Liners )

TYPICAL PROPERTIES of POLYETHYLENE

ASTM or UL test Property LDPE HDPE UHMW

PHYSICAL
Density (lb/in³) 0.033 0.035 0.034
D792
(g/cm³) 0.92 0.95 0.93
D570 Water Absorption, 24 hrs (%) <0.01 0 0
 MECHANICAL
D638 Tensile Strength (psi) 1,800-2,200 4,600 3,100
D638 Tensile Modulus (psi) - - 125,000
D638 Tensile Elongation at Yield (%) 600 900 -
D790 Flexural Strength (psi) - - -
D790 Flexural Modulus (psi) - 200,000 125,000
D695 Compressive Strength (psi) - - 2,000
D695 Compressive Modulus (psi) - - -
D785 Hardness, Shore D D41-D50 D69 D62-D66
D256 IZOD Notched Impact (ft-lb/in) No Break 3 No Break
THERMAL
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion
D696 3 6 11
(x 10-5 in./in./°F)
Heat Deflection Temp (°F / °C)
D648 at 66 psi 120 / 48 170 / 76 203 / 95
at 264 psi 105 / 36 150 / 40 180 / 82
D3418 Approx. Melting Temperature (°F / °C) 230 / 110 260 / 125 280 / 138
- Max Operating Temp (°F / °C) 160 / 71 180 / 82 180 / 82
Thermal Conductivity
C177 (BTU-in/ft²-hr-°F) - - 2.92
(x 10-4 cal/cm-sec-°C) - - 10.06
UL94 Flammability Rating n.r. n.r. H-B
ELECTRICAL
D149 Dielectric Strength (V/mil) short time, 1/8" thick 460-700 450-500 900
D150 Dielectric Constant at 1 kHz 2.25-2.30 2.30-2.35 2.30-2.35
D150 Dissipation Factor at 1 kHz 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002
D257 Volume Resistivity (ohm-cm) at 50% RH 1015 10 15 1018
D495 Arc Resistance (sec) 135-160 200-250 250-350

NOTE: The information contained herein are typical values intended for reference and comparison purposes only. They should NOT
be used as a basis for design specifications or quality control. Contact us for manufacturers' complete material property datasheets.
All values at 73°F (23°C) unless otherwise noted.

Boedeker Plastics, Inc.

904 West 6th Street, Shiner, Texas 77984 USA
USA TOLLFREE : 1-800-444-3485
Phone: 1-361-594-2941 Fax: 1-361-594-2349 E-Mail: [email protected]

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