High density polyethylene (HDPE) is the third largest commodity thermoplastic. A major outlet for HDPE is in blow-moulding applications such as milk bottles, packaging containers, drums, fuel tanks for automobiles, toys and house wares. Injection-moulded articles made from HDPE include crates, pallets, packaging containers and caps, paint cans, house wares and toys.
Global demand has been reasonably strong and growing ahead of GDP in most countries. Regions expected to exhibit growth rates above average include Central and Eastern Europe, South America, Asia especially China, the Middle East and Africa. A large amount of export-oriented HDPE capacity is under construction in the Middle East with product not only destined for Asia but also Europe and possibly the US.
HDPE is produced by catalytic polymerisation of ethylene in either slurry (suspension), solution or gas phase reactors. The choice of catalyst and/or the use of bimodal processes are used to modulate the quality of the output.
High density polyethylene is a thermosetting white solid whose molecular chains are comparatively straight and closely aligned. It is resistant to most chemicals, insoluble in organic solvents and has high impact and tensile strength.
Webinar - Understanding Polyethylene Margins
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Polyethylene high density
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Polyethylene high density
Uses and Outlook
High density polyethylene (HDPE) is the third largest commodity thermoplastic after polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene with global demand around 25m tonnes in 2004.
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Polyethylene high density
Process Technologies
Production of HDPE first became possible in the 1950s by the discovery of new catalysts capable of polymerising ethylene at lower pressures and temperatures. The polymer produced had a more crystalline structure and higher density due to its linearity and short chain branching. To differentiate it from low density polyethylene, it was called high density polyethylene.
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