LDPE

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) was discovered by accident in 1933 by chemists Reginald Gibson and Eric Fawcett at Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in the United Kingdom. During an experiment involving the high-pressure polymerization of ethylene, they inadvertently produced a white, waxy substance, which turned out to be LDPE.

Gibson and Fawcett’s discovery marked the first successful synthesis of polyethylene and led to the commercial production of LDPE by ICI starting in 1939. LDPE’s properties, including its flexibility, toughness, and resistance to moisture, have made it a widely used material in packaging, containers, and various consumer goods.

Examples of our work in LDPE include an impression mat for decorating cakes, as well as shives for beer barrels.

Why choose LDPE for your injection moulding project?

  • 1. Flexibility and Toughness: LDPE is known for its flexibility and toughness. It can bend without breaking, making it suitable for applications that require a degree of flexibility.
  • 2. Impact Resistance: LDPE has good impact resistance, which makes it durable and capable of withstanding rough handling and mechanical stress.
  • 3. Chemical Resistance: It is highly resistant to chemicals, including acids, bases, and alcohols. This makes LDPE suitable for containers and packaging that need to resist chemical exposure.
  • 4. Moisture Resistance: LDPE has excellent moisture resistance, which makes it ideal for applications that need to be water-resistant, such as food packaging and waterproof membranes.
  • 5. Low Cost: LDPE is relatively inexpensive compared to other plastics, making it a cost-effective choice for a wide range of applications.
  • 6. Ease of Processing: LDPE is easy to process through injection molding, allowing for efficient production of complex shapes and designs.
  • 7. Lightweight: LDPE has a low density, resulting in lightweight parts, which can be beneficial for reducing shipping costs and for applications where weight is a critical factor.
  • 8. Good Electrical Insulation: It provides good electrical insulating properties, making it suitable for use in electrical and electronic components
  • 9. Transparency: LDPE can be made transparent or translucent, which is useful for applications requiring visibility, such as packaging.
  • 10. Recyclability: LDPE is recyclable, which makes it an environmentally friendly option for many applications, aligning with sustainability goals.
  • 11. Soft Touch: LDPE has a soft, smooth feel, which can be desirable for consumer products that require a pleasant tactile experience.
  • 12. Thermal Properties: While LDPE has a lower melting point compared to other engineering plastics, it still offers good thermal properties for many standard applications.

These properties make LDPE suitable for a wide range of injection molding applications, including packaging (bottles, caps, and containers), consumer goods (toys and household items), electrical components, and medical products. Its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of processing make it a popular choice in many industries.

If you have an injection moulding project and are considering using LDPE, please get in touch with our technical team on 01280 706335 for a free consultation!

X