Commodity Thermoplastic

HDPE High-Density Polyethylene

HDPE is a workhorse commodity polymer known for its excellent chemical resistance, toughness, and low cost. It is the standard material for milk jugs, detergent bottles, and gas piping.

HDPEPE-HDAlathonHostalenMarlex
Manufacturers
5
Grades
4
Applications
5
Equivalents
2

Physical Properties

Density
0.95 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
< 0.01 %
Transparency
Translucent to opaque
Shrinkage
1.5 – 3.0 %

Mechanical Properties

Young's Modulus
1.1 GPa
Tensile Strength
25 – 35 MPa
Impact Strength
No break
Elongation at Break
500 – 1000 %

Thermal Properties

Melting Point
130 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
80 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
75 °C

Electrical Properties

Dielectric Constant
2.3
Volume Resistivity
10¹⁶ Ω·cm

Chemical Resistance

Acids
Excellent
Bases
Excellent
Alcohols
Excellent
Oils
Good
UV Resistance
Poor unless stabilized

Sustainability

Recyclability
Widely recycled
Recycling Code
2
Bio-based Content
0 – 100 %
Carbon Footprint
~1.9 kg CO₂e / kg

Manufacturing compatibility

Blow MoldingInjection MoldingExtrusionRotomoldingWelding

Applications

Milk & detergent bottles
Gas & water pipes
Chemical tanks
Cutting boards
Playground equipment

Available grades

HDPE Blow MoldingHDPE InjectionHDPE Pipe (PE100)HDPE Film

Manufacturers

Equivalent materials

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