Key Properties of LDPE
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), as an important member of the polyethylene family, occupies a key position in many fields with its unique properties. From the molecular structure level, LDPE has a highly branched structure, which gives it a series of characteristics that are different from other polyethylene varieties.
LDPE, with a melting point between 105 and 115°C, determines its temperature requirements during processing. In the molding process of plastic products, this melting point range not only ensures that the material can melt and flow at a relatively low temperature, reducing processing energy consumption, but also avoids material degradation caused by excessive temperature.
When used in processes such as blow molding, extrusion and injection molding, operators can control the temperature more accurately and maintain it in a suitable range, so that LDPE can be smoothly molded into various required products, such as plastic films, packaging bags, injection molded containers, etc.
Its density is 0.910–0.940 g/cm³, which is lower than high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which makes LDPE lighter. In the field of packaging, this lightweight feature can not only reduce the weight burden of products during transportation and reduce logistics costs, but also bring consumers a more convenient use experience. For example, the common shopping plastic bags in supermarkets are made of LDPE, which is both light and practical.
In terms of chemical resistance, LDPE shows good resistance to alcohol, diluted alkali and acid. This feature makes it widely used in food packaging, daily chemical product packaging and other fields. In food packaging, in the face of trace alcohol components that may be contained in food, or some weakly acidic or weakly alkaline food additives, LDPE packaging can remain stable and will not react chemically, thereby effectively protecting the quality and safety of food.
However, it has only limited resistance to aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, mineral oils, oxidants and halogenated hydrocarbons. Therefore, when packaging products containing such substances, it is necessary to carefully evaluate or adopt composite packaging and other methods to enhance protection.
In terms of temperature tolerance, LDPE can work stably at temperatures of 80°C (continuously) and 95°C (short time). In some environments with normal or slightly higher temperatures, such as normal temperature food storage, ordinary industrial product packaging, etc., LDPE packaging or products can maintain good physical properties and chemical stability. However, in high temperature environments, such as placing LDPE plastic products in a high-temperature compartment, long-term high temperature may cause them to deform, which is also a problem that needs to be paid attention to when using them.
As a low-cost polymer, LDPE has good processability, which makes it the preferred material for many plastic product manufacturers. Its processing technology is relatively simple, with high production efficiency, and can quickly meet the market's large demand for plastic products.
At the same time, at low temperatures, LDPE exhibits high impact strength and good weather resistance. In cold areas, LDPE products used for outdoor packaging are not easy to break even in severe weather such as low temperatures and snow, and can effectively protect the internal products.
In addition, LDPE also has excellent electrical insulation properties, extremely low water absorption, and compliance with FDA standards. Its excellent electrical insulation performance makes it widely used in electrical fields such as the insulation layer of wires and cables, and electrical appliance housings; its extremely low water absorption ensures that it can maintain stable performance in a humid environment; and its compliance with FDA standards means that it can be safely used in food contact areas, such as food cling film and food containers, providing a guarantee for food safety.
LDPE in the form of film has good transparency, which has great advantages in food packaging, commodity display and other fields. Consumers can intuitively see the products in the package, increasing their desire to buy.
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