Qualities and Uses of HDPE Plastic

From furniture, toys and electronic casings to containers and bottles, plastic material is all around us, steadily replacing wood and metals in this modern age. One such kind of plastic is known as HDPE plastic. In this blog we will explore the qualities of HPE plastic and why it has become such a common material to make products from.

What is HDPE?

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer that is stiff, tough, and sturdy. It has a high chemical resistance, so it does not corrode during contact with acids. Moreover, it cannot shatter or break easily as it is since it is not brittle. HDPE is manufactured from a derivative of petroleum. It does not absorb water easily, so it is also waterproof and is not damaged by moisture. HDPE plastic is known to be lightweight, tough, and durable. This plastic has a high density which makes it quite strong. Since it is resistant to water and chemicals, HDPE is suitable material for use in extreme weather conditions. HDPE can tolerate water temperature of 100 degrees without melting or getting damaged. Hdpe has a melting point of 267 degrees, so it should not be exposed to extremely high temperatures. In addition to this, HDPE is not resistant to UV radiation and becomes damaged if left in the sunlight. The strength of HDPE can be altered during the molding process depending on the product being made and its applications. 

Key Advantages of Using HDPE Sheet

HDPE possesses qualities that make it an immensely useful product for a diverse range of applications. It can be produced worldwide quite cheaply by many HDPE sheet manufacturers. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic sheeting is an incredibly versatile material that finds a broad range of applications, including but not limited to, cutting boards and water bottles. In fact, HDPE is considered one of the most adaptable plastics globally, owing to its diverse properties. Let us explore the diverse properties that make 

Malleability

HDPE can be molded into any shape or size once it reaches its melting point. This means that practically anything from furniture to plastic pipes. Complex shapes can be made through molding, and since plastic has a lower melting point than metal, less energy is required to melt and mold the plastic for use.

Long-lasting

Being a hard plastic, HDPE is durable and can withstand rough use. Moreover, its strength can be increased through an oxidation process to manufacture enhanced HDPE, which is 25% tougher. HDPE plastic products have the ability to last more than fifty years.

Eco-Friendly

This type of plastic can be recycled without harming the environment. Once recycled, HDPE can be used to manufacture a wide range of products. Hence, 

Lightweight and Portable

Unlike metal and wood, HDPE plastic is light and easy to transport anywhere. This makes it a preferable material to mold into various shapes. Being easily transportable means that large quantities of plastic products can be shipped easily and makes them possible to be 

Corrosion Resistant

Since HDPE plastic is resistant to chemicals, it does not rust or rot. This makes it all-weather resistant, and materials made from this kind of plastic do not need a high maintenance cost or need to be replaced.

Affordable

HDPE plastics are cheap to manufacture and transport, and this makes them useful to utilize on a large scale. 

Popular Products Manufactured from HDPE Plastic

Plastic Bottles

HDPE plastic can be molded in various shapes through the blow molding process. One such use of blow molding is to make water bottles. Since HDPE plastic is a non-toxic material that is resistant to mold and corrosion, it is an excellent material to store water. Plastic bottles do not face this problem unlike metal bottles that will pollute the water once it starts rusting, plastic bottles do not face this problem. Furthermore, plastic bottles can be recycled easily, so they become cost-effective, and if disposed of properly, the plastic can be reused again.

High-Quality Toys

Another widely popular product manufactured from HDPE plastic is children's toys. HDPE plastic is a highly preferred material when it comes to toys since it is UV resistant and does not discolor as easily. However, many children's toys contain lead, a poisonous material that can be hazardous to children. That is not the case with toys manufactured from plastic, as no chemical polyethylene is quite a neutral polymer.

Chemical Storage Containers.

Whether it is a small bottle or a huge water tank, HDPE plastic can be molded to make a container of any shape and size. Not only this but the strength of this plastic is increased even more once pigmentation is added to clear plastic. Since plastic does not react with chemicals, HDPE is increasingly utilized for making shampoo, perfume, and medicine containers. 

Plumbing Pipes

The HDPE pipe grade sheet exhibits a higher molecular weight than the standard HDPE material demonstrated in the preceding examples. This characteristic and its inherent UV resistance make it particularly suitable for outdoor applications and piping. Moreover, the pipe-grade sheet boasts exceptional thermal stability, withstanding temperatures as low as -220 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 180 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, it has remarkable durability against a wide range of chemical substances, making it valuable in various industrial contexts.