High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer characterized by a linear molecular structure with minimal branching, resulting in high stiffness and strength relative to other polyethylenes. It is widely used across packaging, automotive, and infrastructure sectors where a balance of rigidity, impact resistance, and chemical durability is needed at moderate temperatures. Engineers select HDPE over lower-density polyethylenes when higher modulus and creep resistance are required, and over rigid plastics like polycarbonate when cost and processability are priorities.
Compliance & Regulations
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compressive Strength(σc) | 3.857 | ksi | — | ||
Elongation at Break(εf) | 215.2 | - | — | ||
Flexural Strength (MOR)(σf) | 14.22 | ksi | — | ||
Hardness (Vickers)(HV) | 53.87 | HV | — | ||
Ultimate Tensile Strength(σUTS) | 5.391 | ksi | — | ||
Young's Modulus(E) | 173.9 | ksi | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Glass Transition Temperature(Tg) | -125.5 | °F | — | ||
Melting Point / Solidus(Tm) | 269.2 | °F | — | ||
Maximum Service Temperature(Tmax) | 392 | °F | — | ||
Thermal Conductivity(k) | 0.8190 | BTU/(hr·ft·°F) | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Band Gap(Eg) | 3.030 | eV | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Refractive Index(n) | 1.534 | - | — |