Polyethylene is one of the most widely used plastic types and is made from the polymerization of ethylene gas. They have extensive applications ranging from plastic bags and bottles to certain industrial parts and components. Depending upon the application, the density of the plastic is decided. For instance, high-density plastics which are absolutely non-permeable are used in making pipes, tanks, and so on. On the other hand, low-density plastic is used to make shopping bags, water bottles, and so on. These are categorized as high density, low density, linear low density polyethylene. This post explains the difference between custom HDPE, LDPE, and LLDPE bags.
Types of Polyethylene
The process of polymerization of ethylene results in long linear chains of hydrocarbons branching in various directions. The degree of this branching decides the type of polyethylene. Using various types of polyethylene has several advantages, such as they have very high melting and freezing points. Here are the different types of polyethylene used for a range of products from polythene bags to pipes and fixtures:
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE): This has minimal number of branches of chains resulting from polymerization. This leads to densely packed and bonded molecules making this type of polyethylene rigid, robust, and durable. This is used in making pipes, cans, toys, tubing, fixtures, and so on. So, this has more of an industrial usage.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): This is generated from free radical polymerization which leads to long and short branching of chains. This makes this type of polyethylene highly ductile but its tensile strength and durability are low. This commonly finds applications in plastic film wraps, grocery polythene bags, and slightly right plastic bowls and bottles among others.
- Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE): The polymerization of this type of polyethylene results in multiple short branches. LLDPE is strong and durable and offers puncture resistance to the product. The structurally short branches of this type of polyethylene easily slide against each other, without entangling in each other, when elongated. This results in high tensile strength and durability which is more than LDPE.
While there are plenty of industrial and domestic applications of all the types of polyethylene, they are used to make polythene bags for specific applications. So you can make custom HDPE, LDPE, and LLDPE bags from light to heavy gauges. For instance, LLDPE bags in various gauges can be used for food packaging; however, these need to comply with FDA regulations pertaining to food packaging. With LDPE, they are ideal to create flat, as well as gusseted poly bags. Gusseted bags can accommodate bulky goods and increased quantities than flat bags. HDPE, although robust, is also used for making bags for packaging of food grains, minerals, fertilizers, cement, and most other bulky materials.
Are you looking for specific types of polyethylene bags, polytubing racks, or anything specific? If yes, ensure you source good-quality plastic bags that meet the norms of the concerned regulatory body in the state. Also, make sure you get these bags from a reliable manufacturer and supplier such as Universal Plastic. The company provides HDPE and LDPE polyethylene bags in different specifications to meet your application requirements.