Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE):

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a polymer of ethylene produced mostly by the addition polymerization. LDPE is prepared by a high-pressure process. The monomer for polyethylene was obtained largely from molasses, a by-product of the sugar industry. From molasses, ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH) is obtained, which upon dehydration yields ‘ethylene,’ a monomer for low-density polyethylene.

Low-density polyethylene properties:

Low-density polyethylene has various properties.

LDPE has more branching than HDPE.
Intermolecular forces are weaker.
Poor ultraviolet rays’ resistance.
High gas permeability, particularly carbon dioxide
Very low water absorption.
Processing temperatures are low compared with other plastic materials.
It is not reactive at room temperature.
The density of LDPE is 0.910–0.930 g/cm³.
Flow properties are dependent on molecular weight and amount of branching.

Low-density polyethylene is more used in plastic industries, so it has many types of grades for use.

I explain different types of grades in this article.

A list of different grades of LDPE material,

J1005 FY20
J1020 FA20
1070 LA17
22FA002
24FS040

1005 FY20–

1005 FY20 is specially designed for the production of the multilayer film.

Density	0.915-0.935 g/cc
Melt flow index (MFI)	0.50 g/10 min
Tensile strength at break (MD/TD)	21 / 20 MPa
Dart Impact Strength	3.7 g/µm
Elongation at break (MD/TD)	95/705 %
Hardness	D 45 – 60
Melting point	105-115 °C

1005 FY20 Granule

1020FA20–

1020 FA20 is specially designed for the production of the multilayer film.

1020 FA 20 is nonslip material.

Properties of 1020 FA20 (I explain 1020 FA20 all properties for reliance material),

Density	0.918-0.920 g/cc
Melt flow index (MFI)	1.998 g/10 min
Tensile strength at break (MD/TD)	21/ 20 MPa
Dart Impact Strength	3.6 g/µm
Elongation at break (MD/TD)	276/426 %
Hardness	D 46 – 61
Melting point	105 – 113 °C

1070LA17–

1070 LA20 is specially designed for the production of the multilayer film.

This grade is specially developed for extrusion coating on different substrates and contains no additives 1070 LA 17 is nonslip material. This grade mostly uses to make easy-tear poly.

1070 LA 17 is not intended for use in medical and pharmaceutical applications.

Properties of 1070 LA17 (I explain 1070 LA 17 all properties for reliance material),

Density	0.917-0.919 g/cc
Melt flow index (MFI)	6.998 g/10 min
Tensile strength at break (MD/TD)	17 / 16 MPa
Dart Impact Strength	3.0 g/µm
Elongation at break (MD/TD)	249/401 %
Hardness	D 45 – 60
Melting point	106 – 112 °C

1070 LA17 is mostly used in extrusion coating and makes easy-tear pouch-like coffee, tea, and masala.

22FA 002–

22FA002 is a film-grade low-density polyethylene produced by a high-pressure tubular process.

It’s used in the film industry for heavy-duty applications.

It is also used for purging and flushing the screw-in-blown film extrusion process.

Density	0.918-0.920 g/cc
Melt flow index (MFI)	0.201 g/10 min
Tensile strength at break (MD/TD)	26/24 MPa
Dart Impact Strength	5.5 g/µm
Elongation at break (MD/TD)	401/601 %
Hardness	D 45 – 60
Melting point	110-115 °C

22FA002 can be used to make a heavy-duty bag, pouch, lamination film, shrink film, etc.

Note:

Read more about LDPE Material
Read more about HDPE Material

FAQ of LDPE:

What is LDPE?

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) is a thermoplastic polymer made from the monomer ethylene.
It is characterized by its low density, flexibility, and transparency. It is widely used in packaging, films, and containers due to its excellent chemical resistance and ease of processing.

What are the key properties of LDPE?

Low density: lightweight and flexible.
Chemical resistance: resistant to acids, bases, and alcohols.
Transparency: Can be made transparent or translucent.
Flexibility: soft and pliable at room temperature.
Moisture resistance: excellent barrier to moisture.
Low melting point: easily melted and molded.

What are the common uses of LDPE?

Packaging: Plastic bags, shrink wraps, and films.
Containers: Squeeze bottles, lids, and caps.
Household items: Food storage containers, trash bags, and disposable gloves.
Industrial applications: wire and cable insulation, coatings, and liners.
Medical devices: Tubing and sterile packaging.

How is LDPE different from HDPE?

Density: LDPE has a lower density (0.910–0.940 g/cm³) compared to HDPE (0.941–0.965 g/cm³).
Flexibility: LDPE is more flexible and softer, while HDPE is more rigid and durable.
Strength: HDPE has higher tensile strength and is more resistant to impact.
Applications: LDPE is used for films and bags, while HDPE is used for bottles, pipes, and heavy-duty containers.

Is LDPE recyclable?

Yes, LDPE is recyclable and is labeled with the resin identification code #4. However, its recycling rate is lower compared to other plastics like PET or HDPE due to its lightweight and contamination issues.

Is LDPE safe for food contact?

Yes, LDPE is considered food-safe and is commonly used for food packaging, such as plastic wraps, bags, and containers. It does not leach (extract) harmful chemicals into food.

What is the melting point of LDPE?

LDPE has a melting point range of 105–115°C (221–239°F). It softens at lower temperatures, making it easy to process.

Low density polyethylene – LDPE Properties

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