Interstate Plastics

LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene), the first developed polyethylene, is characterized by its toughness and flexibility, low heat resistance, low-temperature impact resistance, and transparency. Like the medium and high-density grades, LDPE has good resistance to chemical attack. At room temperature, it is insoluble in most organic solvents but is attacked by strong oxidizing acids. At higher temperatures, it becomes increasingly more susceptible to attack by aromatic, chlorinated and aliphatic hydrocarbons. LDPE is used for prosthetic devices and in manufacturing containers, dispensing bottles, wash bottles, tubing, plastic bags and computer components. LDPE rods are known for its low temperature flexibility, toughness and corrosion resistance. Ease of fabrication and cost effectiveness make this material the ideal choice for many applications. Its not suited for applications where stiffness, high temperature resistance and structural strength are required. Polyethylene is susceptible to stress cracking when exposed to ultraviolet light and some chemicals. Wetting agents such as detergents accelerate stress cracking. Some copolymers of LDPE are available with improved stress-crack resistance.