History
When was polyethylene invented?
The polymer was first produced accidentally in 1898 by the German chemist Hans von Pechmann while heating diazomethane. An industrially viable production process 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 is a soft, closed-cell thermoplastic that does not allow air or water to pass through.
LDPE is therefore not resilient in the same way as, for example, polyurethane foam, which contains open cells (air-filled cavities).
Due to the higher mechanical resistance of LDPE plastic, it is very suitable for packaging or insulating purposes, and has very good shock absorption. LDPE plastics are resistant to both heat and chemicals, are easy to seal, colour, and are relatively lightweight.
The opposite of LDPE plastic is HDPE plastic, which stands for high-density polyethylene. HDPE plastic is composed of narrower molecules than LDPE plastic, making HDPE plastic much harder and denser and with higher tensile strength than LDPE. HDPE plastics are therefore often used in the manufacture of more dimensionally stable, robust containers, such as plastic rubbish bins, water pipes or children’s toys, etc.
Facts about the LDPE plastic we sell
The plastic is 100% recycled and can be 100% recycled after its use.
| Material type | Low Density Poly Ethene (LDPE) | ||
| Raw material | recycled LDPE plastic | ||
| Form of material | discs | ||
| Standard surface | smooth or with a chequered pattern | ||
| Colour options | all | ||
| Standard colours | grey/black/white | ||
| Processing opportunities | |||
| Sawing | Yes | ||
| Drilling | Yes | ||
| Milling | Yes | ||
| Heat shaping | Yes | ||
| Mechanical properties | |||
| DIN EN ISO | Enhet | ||
| Density | 53479 | g/cm³ | 0.92 |
| Carbon hardness | 53456 | (N/mm2) | > 18 |
| E-module bending | 53457 | (N/mm2) | > 140 |
| Breaking stretching | 53455 | % | < 4 |
| Breaking strength | 527 | MPa | > 40 |
| Point pressure (recommended maximum load)' | N/A | ton | 50 (depending on the substrate) |
| Thermal properties | |||
| DIN EN ISO | Enhet | ||
| Min./max. use temperature | °C | -40 till 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 | |||
| DIN EN ISO | |||
| UV resistance | 10640 | N/A | OK |
| Water absorption | 62 | % | < 0.01 |
All values are indicative and may vary depending on preparation methods, additives, influence of the use environment, etc. The values cannot be guaranteed.
Characterisation 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 any other substances
listed as SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) are detected at levels above 0.1 wt% (1000 mg/kg).
(1000 mg/kg). The analysis results do not show any compounds that violate REACH,
candidate list or listed in the BASTA* property criteria.
*BASTA
BASTA is an independent environmental assessment system for building and construction products aimed at contractors, clients/developers, property owners, architects, consultants, wholesalers and material suppliers.
Our LDPE discs are rated ‘Recommended’ by Byggvarubedömningen, which is the best rating on their three-level scale.
Byggvarubedömningen is a non-profit economic organisation that assesses and provides information on sustainability assessed products.
Their vision is to promote development towards a non-toxic and good built environment that takes responsibility for both this and future generations.
Their members today consist of architectural firms, municipalities, county councils, property companies, government agencies, contractors, players in the construction industry and others.
Their vision is to promote development towards a non-toxic and good built environment that takes responsibility for both this and future generations.
Their members today consist of architectural firms, municipalities, county councils, property companies, government agencies, contractors, players in the construction industry and others.
For more information on the Construction Products Assessment, click HERE
