Differences between HDPE and LDPE

Milan Djordjevich is the president of Chicago-based MD Plastics, Inc. One of the goals of Milan Djordjevich as the owner of MD Plastics is to keep plastics out of landfills. The company buys and sells HDPE and LDPE.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and light-density polyethylene (LDPE) are two forms of polyethylene commonly used to make plastic products. Due to their difference in capability, one is more suitable than the other in some applications. For instance, HDPE suits applications that require strength, while LDPE is ideal for applications that require flexibility.

HDPE has a density equal to or more than 0.941 g/cm3. This is due to the polymer chain’s branching structure. The molecules in these structures are closely packed and have strong intermolecular bonds, which makes polyethylene a highly dense plastic. Due to its high tensile strength, plastic manufacturers use HDPE in making products like water pipes, garbage containers, detergent bottles, baby toys, butter tubs, and mugs and jugs.

LDPE has a lower density and ranges between 0.91g/cm3 and 0.94g/cm3. LDPE molecules are loosely packed and have weak intermolecular bonds compared to HDPE, making the polyethylene less dense plastic than HDPE. Because of its lower tensile strength, plastic manufacturers use LDPE in making products like plastic tubs, dispensing bottles, film wrap, and plastic bags.