Plastic Properties Technical Information
Dynalab Corp offers technical plastic properties and chemical resistance information for a variety of materials.
The first of the polyolefins, Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) was originally prepared some fifty years ago by the high pressure polymerization of ethylene. Its comparatively low density arises from the presence of a small amount of branching in the chain (on about 2% of the carbon atoms). This gives a more open structure. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a most useful and widely used plastic especially in dispensing bottles or wash bottles. It is translucent to opaque, robust enough to be virtually unbreakable and at the same time quite flexible. Chemically LDPE is unreactive at room temperature although it is slowly attacked by strong oxidizing agents and some solvents will cause softening or swelling. It may be used at temperatures up to 95° Celsius for short periods and at 80° Celsius continuously. LDPE is ideally suited for a wide range of molded laboratory apparatus including wash bottles, pipette washing equipment, general purpose tubing, bags and small tanks. Dynalab Corp's plastic fabrication shop fabricates thousands of catalog and custom LDPE products.
LDPE fabrication quote request.
Don't see the answers to your low density polyethylene questions? It must be time to see what Mr. Plastic has to say. Mr. Plastic is a wealth of technical, practical and even some hysterical plastic advice. |
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LDPE is the material of choice in laboratory dispensing and wash bottles due to its excellent flexibility and the fact that it is virtually unbreakable. |
LDPE Resistance: |
| Excellent resistance (no attack) to dilute and concentrated Acids, Alcohols, Bases and Esters. |
| Good resistance (minor attack) to Aldehydes, Ketones and Vegetable Oils. |
| Limited resistance (moderate attack suitable for short term use only) to Aliphatic and Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Mineral Oils and Oxidizing Agents. |
| Poor resistance and not recommended for use with Halogenated Hydrocarbons. |
LDPE Fabrication: |
| Weldable and machinable |
| Good for parts that require flexibility |
| Trays & containers |
| Food storage and laboratory |
| Corrosion resistant work surfaces |
| Very soft and pliable |
LDPE Quick Facts: |
| Maximum Temperature: 176°F 80°C |
| Minimum Temperature: -58°F -50°C |
| Autoclavable: No |
| Melting Point: 248°F 120°C |
| Tensile Strength: 1700 psi |
| Hardness: SD55 |
| UV Resistance: Poor |
| Translucent |
| Excellent flexibility |
| Specific Gravity: 0.92 |
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