LDPE properties

Tb (barrel temperature) = 80 °F bed temperature is initially 80 °F At = 80 rpm Material properties LDPE properties are given in Appendix B... 

Linear Low Density Polyethylene. Films from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) resias have 75% higher tensile strength, 50% higher elongation-to-break strength, and a slightly higher but broader heat-seal initiation temperature than do films from LDPE. Impact and puncture resistance are also improved over LDPE. Water-vapor and gas-permeation properties are similar to those of LDPE films. 

Hypercompressors. In an LDPE plant a primary compressor, usually of two stages, is used to raise the pressure of ethylene to about 25—30 MPa and a secondary compressor, often referred to as a hypetcomptessot, is used to increase it to 150—315 MPa (22,000—45,700 psi). The thermodynamic properties of ethylene ate such that the secondary compressor requires only two stages and this results in a large pressure difference between the second stage suction and discharge pressures. 

Properties of the three most important types of PE (LDPE, HDPE, and LLDPE) are described in the following articles. 

The mechanical properties of LDPE fall somewhere between rigid polymers such as polystyrene and limp or soft polymers such as polyvinyls. LDPE exhibits good toughness and pHabiUty over a moderately wide temperature range. It is a viscoelastic material that displays non-Newtonian flow behavior, and the polymer is ductile at temperatures well below 0°C. Table 1 fists typical properties. 

Structure. The physical properties of LDPE depend on the molecular weight, the molecular weight distribution, as well as the frequency and distribution of long- and short-chain branching (2). 

Optical Properties. Owing to the high crystallinity of HDPE, most thick-waHed articles made from HDPE resins are opaque. Significant surface roughness can also add to the opacity. Thin HDPE film, in contrast, is translucent, but its transparency is significantly lower than that of LDPE or LLDPE film. The ultraviolet transmission limit of HDPE is around 230 nm. 

Film. By far the largest appHcation for LLDPE resins (over 60% in the United States) is film. Because LLDPE film has high tensile strength and puncture resistance, it is able to compete with HDPE film for many uses. The toughness and low temperature properties of LLDPE film also exceed those of conventional LDPE. Furthermore, because LLDPE resins exhibit relatively low strain hardening in the molten state and lower extensional viscosity, it can be produced at high rates with Httle risk of bubble breaks. 

Blending with LLDPE is used to upgrade the properties and improve the processing of conventional LDPE. For example, by adding 25% of ethylene—1-butene LLDPE resin with I2 of 0.5 to conventional LDPE resin, the dart impact strength of 75 p.m film is increased from 490 to 560 g, the puncture strength from 41 to 49 J /mm (770-920 ft-lbf/in.), and the tear strength from 43 to 63 N /mm (246—360 ppi). CompositionaHy uniform VLDPE resins are used in blends with HDPE, commodity LLDPE, and polypropylene (PP) (70,71,89). 

Fig. 21. Dynamic viscoelastic properties of a low density polyethylene (LDPE) at 150°C complex dynamic viscosity Tj, storage modulus G and loss modulus G" vs angular velocity, CO. To convert Pa-s to P, multiply by 10 to convert Pa to dyn/cm, multiply by 10.

Properties of plastic LDPE LLDP E HDPE PP PVC (flexible ) PS ABS Polyacryhc (glazing) Polycarbonat e (glazing) Epoxy (minera 1 fihed) Acetal homopolym er... 

Phenolics are consumed at roughly half the volume of PVC, and all other plastics are consumed in low volume quantities, mosdy in single apphcation niches, unlike workhorse resins such as PVC, phenoHc, urea—melamine, and polyurethane. More expensive engineering resins have a very limited role in the building materials sector except where specific value-added properties for a premium are justified. Except for the potential role of recycled engineering plastics in certain appHcations, the competitive nature of this market and the emphasis placed on end use economics indicates that commodity plastics will continue to dominate in consumption. The apphcation content of each resin type is noted in Table 2. Comparative prices can be seen in Table 5. The most dynamic growth among important sector resins has been seen with phenoHc, acryUc, polyurethane, LLDPE/LDPE, PVC, and polystyrene. 

In order to improve the physical properties of HDPE and LDPE, copolymers of ethylene and small amounts of other monomers such as higher olefins, ethyl acrylate, maleic anhydride, vinyl acetate, or acryUc acid are added to the polyethylene. Eor example, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), although linear, has a significant number of branches introduced by using comonomers such as 1-butene or 1-octene. The linearity provides strength, whereas branching provides toughness. 

Low density polyethylene (LDPE). This is one of the most widely used plastics. It is characterised by a density in the range 918-935 kg/m and is very tough and flexible. Its major application is in packaging him although its outstanding dielectric properties means it is also widely used as an electrical insulator. Other applications include domestic ware, tubing, squeeze bottles and cold water tanks. 

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