IUPAC Name
Polyethylene
Cas Number
9002-88-4
HS Code
390110
Formula
(C2H4)n
Appearance
Translucent & waxy
Common Names
-
Packaging
25 Kg Bag
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a relatively soft and flexible material that is known for its excellent chemical resistance, low permeability to gases and liquids, and good electrical insulation properties. It is made by polymerizing ethylene gas under high pressure and temperature in the presence of a catalyst. LDPE is typically translucent and has a waxy texture, making it a popular material for applications such as films, bags, and sheets. It is also commonly used to make molded products such as toys, housewares, and medical devices. Due to its low melting point and good processability, LDPE is easily formed into different shapes using various manufacturing techniques, such as extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding. As a low-density polyethylene distributor and low-density polyethylene supplier, it is essential to understand the diverse applications and properties of this material.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is manufactured by polymerizing ethylene gas under high pressure and temperature in the presence of a catalyst. The process can be divided into two main steps:
1. Polymerization: The polymerization process takes place in a reactor vessel, which contains ethylene gas, a catalyst, and a small amount of co-monomers (such as 1-butene or 1-hexene). The reactor is pressurized to between 1000 and 3000 bar and heated to between 120Β°C and 300Β°C. The catalyst initiates the reaction, causing the ethylene molecules to link together and form long chains of LDPE.
2. Extrusion and Molding: Once the LDPE has been polymerized, it is typically formed into pellets for storage and transportation. The pellets can then be melted and shaped into various forms using different manufacturing techniques, such as extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding.
Extrusion is a common method used to produce LDPE films, sheets, and pipes. In this process, the LDPE pellets are melted and then forced through a die, which gives the material its desired shape. Injection molding is used to produce more complex shapes, such as toys and automotive parts, by injecting the melted LDPE into a mold. Blow molding is used to produce hollow objects, such as bottles and containers, by blowing air into the melted LDPE to form the desired shape.