Properties

HDPE has greater rigidity, hardness, heat distortion temperature (HDT) and chemical resistance but a lower impact strength than LDPE, Its low temperature properties are better than polypropylene homopolymer but its not as hard or flexible.

With polypropylene (PP) the material is resistant to boiling water. HDPE is translucent white normally and so can have a wide range of colours. Its UV stability is good but if the material has long exposure to UV then it is recommended to add UV stabilisers for longevity of the product.

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Finishing

HDPE has a waxy surface so adhesives are not suited for bonding mouldings. alternate methods of joining, such as snap-fits or welding, need to be considered. Machining of the parts is difficult but is possible.

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