What is LDPE? | Low-Density Polyethylene | The Complete Guide

What is LDPE?

Low-density Polyethylene or LDPE belongs to the Polyethylene branch of thermoplastics. It is soft, lightweight, tough, and flexible in its nature. The thermoplastic material is also known for having low-temperature compatibility and good corrosion resistance. The polymer also boasts good chemical properties and impact resistance which makes it easy to fabricate or process. It has a melting point of 110°C.

Their names themselves can figure out the major difference between LDPE and HDPE. HDPE has a higher density than LDPE, which means that the former has more mass than its volume.

It is more branched out in its structure rather than being in perfect rows, and that the reason for its low-density/volume, thus is often used in applications where structural strength and stiffness are an important requirement.

How is LDPE Made?

Like other thermoplastics, the polyethylene monomer is derived from using a process called polymerization where small molecules called “fractions” are removed, and some of them are transformed into desired thermoplastic.

Presently, two methods are widely used for LDPE production – stirred autoclave or tubular routes. However, the later methods are gaining popularity currently because of their high ethylene conversion ratio.

From that, LDPE plastic is extracted from gaseous ethylene under very high pressure and high temperatures(up to 350 °C) with the catalyst oxide initiators in the presence. It is the first polyethylene to be priced, even before HDPE.

The process creates a polymer structure with both long and short branches, the polymer with shorter branches in Low-density polyethylene.

LDPE Properties – 

Low-Density polyethylene comes with a wide range of properties. There are several differences in high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene properties, but some similar applications. Below are the main attributes:

1. Great resistance to alcohols, acids, and dilute alkalis
2. Fantastic electrical insulating properties
3. Meager water absorption
4. High impact strength at low temperature
5. Decent weatherability
6. Good processability as compared to price (inexpensive)
7. Density: 0.910–0.940 g/cm3
8. Meager resistance to mineral oils, halogenated and aromatic hydrocarbons, and oxidizing agents
9. Normal temperature resistance  – 80°C continuously and 95°C for shorter times.

Interesting Read – What is TPR Material? | Advantages of TPR material | Disadvantages of TPR Material | Properties of TPR | Difference Between TPR Material and TPE Material

Comparison: Low-density polyethylene and High-Density Polyethylene Properties:

Disadvantages – 

1. The processing attribute at low temperatures makes LDPE’s applications limited as they can’t be processed at higher temperatures.
2. High permeability towards gases, especially carbon dioxide
3. Meager UV resistance
4. Susceptible to stress cracking
5. Highly flammable

Applications – 

Lightweight plastics are extremely useful, let alone LDPE plastics. It is mainly used for pricing wash bottles, shopping bags, containers, dispensing bottles, tubings, computer components, etc. Here are some of the major applications:

1. Packaging Applications: Pertaining to LDPE material’s inexpensiveness and good flexibility, it is extensively used in packaging applications for both consumer and industrial divisions – lunch boxes, squeeze bottles, pharmaceutical packaging, liners, trash bags, liners, laminations, food packaging films, etc.
2. Consumer Goods: Agriculture films used for packaging and storing all sorts of agriculture products, flexible and lightweight toys, housewares, etc.
3. Pipes & Fittings: Low water absorption and lightweight properties make LDPE the go-to thermoplastic for water-related applications. Example – water pipes, hoses, etc.
4. Wires & Cables: Good electrical properties make low-density polyethylene a prime choice for manufacturing cable jacketing & coatings and sub-consumer insulators.

Is LDPE Toxic?

The plastic recycling code of LDPE is #4. It does not contain BPA but is susceptible to leaching estrogenic chemicals. It is recyclable plastic. However, recycling is not as common and easy compared to other thermoplastics as you read earlier in the applications that it 100% safe for human consumption.

Additionally, it’s not compostable, and a low-density polyethylene particle may take thousands of years to degrade.

Engaging Read – What is ABS Plastic | How is ABS Material Made | Key Properties of ABS | Applications of ABS Plastic | Advantages & Disadvantages of ABS Plastic

Processing of LDPE – 

The most common processing methods for low-density polyethylene are injection molding and extrusion. Let’s see some steps for injection molding.

1. The crystallization tendency holds significant importance in the process.
2. Specifically, for injection molding, the speed of molding materisl should be higher, and injection pressure should be lower.
3.  Processing temperature – 160° to 220°C
4. High shrinkage rate is susceptible

The Future of LDPE Plastic – 

According to a study conducted by Mordor Intelligence, the global LDPE market reached a capacity of 22 million tons in 2020, and it is going to exhibit a CAGR of 3% from 2021-2026.

The numbers will obviously be affected because of the Covid-19 pandemic because of a sharp drop in revenues for instruction and packaging industries, which are the largest LDPE consumers. But, there is a piece of good news, the e-commerce and healthcare sectors have shown impressive even during the pandemic.

Asia-pacific was the largest LDPE plastic processing and consuming region with almost 30% market share. Countries like China, Japan, and India are witnessing rapid growth in the packaging and construction sectors(Even being in the midst of a pandemic).

As of writing this piece, a Covid-19 vaccine has been discovered by scientists, and people have started to come out, go to work, and trying to make things normal, so the severe damage caused by the pandemic might be short-lived.

With the rapid economic recovery in the Asia-Pacific region with growth in packaging and construction verticals, the LDPE market momentum will be stable until the end of the forecast period.

Final Thoughts –

Finally, I would like to say that LDPE is a very useful thermoplastic that can help you cut costs and boost your profits. Kindly share your reviews and something you feel I’ve missed in the post in the comment section.

Peace Out!!!