High density polyethylene (HDPE) is used in a variety of applications and industries where excellent impact resistance, high tensile strength, low moisture absorption and chemical- and corrosion-resistance properties are required.
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Polyethylene is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic with high toughness and chemical resistance, but rather low mechanical strength in comparison to other plastics and cannot be used at high temperatures. The different polyethylenes differ in regard to their molar mass (molecular weight), which is important for the respective physical properties. This means that in addition to the common properties that all types have, certain ones have type-specific properties.
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Standard Colours: White / Black​
Polyethylene (PE) a.k.a HDPE | PE300 | PE-HD
Polyethylene (polyethene, polythene, PE) is a family of similar materials categorized according to their density and molecular structure. For example:
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) | High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Properties:
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Good sliding properties
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High bending- and impact strength
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Easy to machine, easy for welding
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Anti-bacterial
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Good chemical and electrical resistance
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No humid or water absorption
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Wear and impact resistance is high
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Low coefficient of friction
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Virtually unbreakable – even at low temperatures
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Weldable – suitable for fabrication
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Light weight – easy to handle without special equipment
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Electrical insulation – it is a good insulator
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Low Coefficient of Friction – does not require any lubrication providing low drag load and reduced energy consumption (e.g. chain guides)
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Chemical resistance – resists corrosive chemicals (e.g. Sulphuric Acid, Caustic Soda)
Fields of Application:
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Food industry
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Mechanical engineering
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Transport and conveyor systems
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Brewery technology
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Fish and meat cutting boards,
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Food items preparation boards,
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Medical parts, water tanks,
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Carrying apparatus, sliding parts
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Blockhouse materials, ice rinks
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Truck haulage and dumper floor lining
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Cutting Boards
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Tank Building
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Sliding properties
PE-HD (PE 300; molar mass approx. 200,000 g/mol) is very suitable for welding due to its relatively low molar mass; however, it is not abrasion resistant and has low strength values. This leads to a high level of sliding abrasion, which excludes its use in sliding applications.
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Chemical resistance
All PE types are resistant to acids, alkaline solutions, salts and salt solutions, alcohols, oils, fats, waxes and many solvents. Aromatics and halogenated hydrocarbons cause swelling. All PE types are not resistant to strong oxidising materials (e.g. nitric acid, chromic acid or halogens), and there is a danger of stress corrosion cracking.
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Weathering effects
As a general rule, no PE types are resistant to UV rays. This does not apply to the black coloured types, which are resistant to UV rays also in combination with atmospheric oxygen.
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Behaviour in fire
All PE types are rated as normal flammable. When the source of ignition is removed they continue to burn and form droplets. However, apart from carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and water, only small quantities of carbon black and molecular constituents of the plastic develop as conflagration gases. The oxygen index (the oxygen concentration required for combustion) at 18% is low compared to other plastics.
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Machining
In addition to the good welding properties of PE-HD and PE-HMW, all PE types can also be machined on machine tools. The semi-finished products can be drilled, milled, sawed, planed and turned on a lathe. It is also possible to cut a thread into the material or insert a threaded element. As a rule, no cooling or lubricating emulsion is necessary
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When machining thermoplastic stock shapes, remember...
• Thermal expansion is up to 10 times greater with plastics than metals.
• Plastics lose heat more slowly than metals, so avoid localized overheating.
• Softening (and melting) temperatures of plastics are much lower than metals and plastics are much more elastic than metals.
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