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.
HDPE is now produced by catalytic polymerisation of ethylene in either slurry (suspension), solution or gas phase reactors. Alpha-olefin comonomers, such as butene, hexene and octene, may be incorporated at low levels to modify the polymer's properties. Some processes can switch to linear low density polyethylene production ('swing' between HDPE and LLDPE).
The choice of catalyst and/or the use of bimodal processes are used to modulate the quality of the output. The traditional Ziegler-Natta and chromium catalysts have been augmented by metallocene catalysts which are claimed to give improved properties. Metallocenes also allow slurry loop operators to enter the LLDPE market, blurring the historical boundaries between the PEs. Bimodal processes, using twin slurry or gas phase or a combination of reactors, claim to produce resins competitive with those from metallocenes.
Basell has developed a single, multizone reactor which can produce bimodal and multimodal PEs using Ziegler-Natta or single site catalysts. Univation Technologies has claimed to have developed a family of advanced engineered catalysts that can enable a single gas phase reactor to produce bimodal polyethylene resins at substantially lower costs than the traditional staged processes. Borealis has launched Borstar PE 2G multi-modal technology.
Webinar - Understanding Polyethylene Margins
To understand the margin and cost curve analysis behind the Asian polyethylene market and the methodology of our data collection, click on the link to view and listen to the archived version of the presentation.
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Polyethylene high density
Price Reports
ICIS pricing gives you access on a weekly or real time basis to the latest price movements and critical market commentary on the Polyethylene high density market. Click below to see a quarterly market overview.
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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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