High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a tough, chemically non-reactive plastic made from petroleum. It is denser than other polymer plastics due to its linear crystallization structure. HDPE is used in packaging, storage systems, and wood plastic composites. It is not biodegradable but can be recycled. Concerns exist about potential toxins and leeching hazards.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a type of plastic made from petroleum. Because this material can be reshaped by subsequent melting and shaping, it is classified as a polyethylene thermoplastic. It can also be joined into segments when welded or machined. However, it does not take stickers very well. Also known as High Density Polyethylene (PEHD), products made from High Density Polyethylene are marked with the imprint of the number “2” surrounded by the Möbius strip recognized as the universal recycling symbol.
As the name suggests, HDPE is denser than most other polymer plastics, i.e. low density polyethylene. This is due to its crystallization structure which occurs in a linear fashion rather than branching to form long polyethylene chains. Instead, the lack of branching causes its carbon molecules to bond with more hydrogen molecules. This allows the final product to possess greater tensile strength, even though it is lighter than water. It also makes the high density polyethylene highly resistant to acids and solvents.
However, the production of high density polyethylene does not happen by chance or natural event. In fact, the lack of branching during the polymerization process is intentionally induced by the addition of a type of reagent known as a Ziegler-Natta catalyst. Usually, these catalysts are derived from titanium compounds.
Because HDPE is so tough and chemically non-reactive, it has numerous applications across various industries. It is used in many different types of packaging containers, such as milk and laundry detergent bottles, as well as plastic grocery bags. It is also found in storage systems designed to store chemicals and fuels. In fact, high-density polyethylene is used to produce materials that act as chemical barriers, such as liners that are placed under landfills to help prevent soil and groundwater contamination. One of the most common uses of this material is in the production of wood plastic composites to make furniture, flooring, fencing and landscaping materials.
In terms of environmental impact, HDPE products are not readily biodegradable in landfills. Such products can be recycled, however, albeit at the risk of losing some of its original tensile strength. Since this material is made up of hydrogen and carbon, being subjected to high heat simply causes the release of water and carbon dioxide. However, additives, such as flame retardants, UV stabilizers and dyes, can produce other toxins. Additionally, some environmental groups are expressing concern about the potential leeching hazard of phthalates used in the manufacture of some children’s toys made from high-density polyethylene, such as teething rings.
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