LDPE – Plastic

History

When was polyethylene invented?

The polymer was first produced in 1898 by accident by the German chemist Hans von Pechmann when he heated diazomethane. An industrially viable process for its preparation was accidentally discovered in 1933 by British chemists Eric Fawcett and Reginald Gibson at Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in Northwich, England.

What is LDPE?

LDPE plastic stands for low-density polyethylene. Low-density polyethylene consists of a soft thermoplastic with tight cells, which therefore does not let air or water through.

The LDPE plastic is therefore not resilient in the same way as, for example, polyurethane foam, which contains open cells (air-filled cavities).

Thanks to the higher mechanical resistance of LDPE plastic, it is very well suited for packaging or insulating purposes, and has very good shock absorption. The LDPE plastic is resistant to both heat and chemicals, is easy to seal, color, and is relatively lightweight.

The opposite of LDPE plastic is HDPE plastic, which stands for high-density polyethylene. HDPE plastic consists of tighter molecules than LDPE plastic, which makes HDPE plastic much harder and denser and with higher tensile strength than LDPE. HDPE plastic is therefore often used in the manufacture of more shape-retaining robust containers, such as plastic dustbins, water pipes or children’s toys

The plastic is 100% recycled and can be 100% recycled after its use.

Material type	Low Density Poly Ethylene (LDPE)
Raw material	recycled LDPE plastic
Material form	sheets
Standard surface	smooth or with pattern
Color options	all
Standard colors	light grey, neutral dark grey, black, white

Processing possibilities
Sawing	Yes
Drilling	Yes
Milling	Yes
Heat forming	Yes

Mechanical properties	YOUR EN ISO	Unit
Density	53479	g/cm³	0.92
Bullet hardness	53456	(N/mm2)	> 18
E-module bending	53457	(N/mm2)	> 140
Fracture strain	53455	%	< 4
Crime force	527	MPa	> 40
Point pressure (recommended maximum load)	N/A	ton	50 (controlled by the substrate)

Thermal properties	YOUR EN ISO	Unit
min./max. operating temperature		°C	-40 to 70
Linear thermal expansion	11359	mm / m / 10 °C	1,8
Melting point	DIN 53765	°C	104
Thermal conductivity (Lamda value)		W/(m*k)	0,34

Chemical and physical properties	YOUR EN ISO
UV resistance	10640	N/A	OK
Water absorption	62	%	< 0.01

All values are indicative values and may vary depending on preparation methods, additives, influence from the use environment, etc. The values cannot therefore be guaranteed.

Characterization of chemical content in LDPE samples submitted to RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden AB) 2020-02-27

Results:
No organic compounds, heavy metals, halogens or other substances
which are listed as SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) are detected in concentrations above 0.1% by weight
(1000 mg/kg). The analysis results show no compounds that conflict with REACH,
the candidate list or which are listed in BASTA’s* property criteria.

*BASTA
BASTA is an independent environmental assessment system for building and construction products aimed at contractors, clients/builders, property owners, architects, consultants, wholesalers and material suppliers.

Our LDPE boards are rated “Recommended” by Byggvarubedomningen, which is the best rating on their three-level scale.

The construction product assessment is a non-profit economic association that assesses and provides information on sustainability-assessed goods.
Their vision is to promote development towards a non-toxic and well-built environment that takes responsibility for both the present and future generations.
Their members today consist of architectural firms, municipalities, county councils, real estate companies, government authorities, contractors, and other stakeholders in the construction industry.

For more information about the Byggvarubedomningen, click HERE