Polyethylenes are some of the most extensively used polymer type due to their acceptance to be processed and relatively low cost.
The low density range of LDPE (0.910 - 0.930) is due to the crystallinity of the polymer. It makes LDPE a soft and flexible material especially when compared to the tougher HDPE plastics.
Processing is comparatively easy by film blowing, injection moulding, blow moulding, rotational moulding and extrusion processes.
Further modifications of the plastic can be made by adding various compound and addititves. This can include such compounds as stabilisers, anti-slip, antistatic, flame retardants and antibacterial agents.
LDPE is generally used in film application (sandwich bags and bread bags) due to its robustness, flexibility and transparency. It is popularly used in processes where heat sealing is necessary due to its low melting point.
Other examples of LDPE applications include:
Shrink wrap and cling films; Covering of dry cleaning garments; Rubbish bags; Flexible storage packaging for use in fridges and freezers; Injection moulded food product containers; Blow moulded bottles for water, detergents, bleach, chemicals; Blow moulded car petrol tanks; Extrusion process produces pipe (sewage, water etc); and is also widely used in wire and cable applications due to its stable electrical properties.
Polycarbonate (PC) is a very useful polymer due to its excellent processing properties, compatability with other polymers and its transparancy and toughness.
