LDPE

LDPE - Low-density polyethylene 

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. It was the first grade of polyethylene, produced in 1933 by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) using a high pressure process via free radical polymerization.

Conventional or high pressure low density polyethylene is generally the softest and least crystalline of the polyethylenes. LDPE is widely used in applications requiring clarity, inertness, processing ease, sealability, moisture barriers, and good electrical properties.

The LDPE plants across the world use different technologies for production. LyondellBasell (Lupotech) technology is the most used technology by LDPE plants globally. A close second is the Univation (Unipol) technology which is also used a lot for the production of LDPE worldwide.

LDPE is defined by a density range of 0.910–0.940 g/cm3. It is not reactive at room temperatures, except by strong oxidizing agents, and some solvents cause swelling. It can withstand temperatures of 80 °C continuously and 95 °C for a short time. Made in translucent or opaque variations, it is quite flexible, and tough but breakable. Ethylene is the feedstock for the production of polyethylene commodities like HDPE, LPDE, and LLDPE.

The Dow Chemical Company, Exxon Mobil, LyondellBasell, China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation and The National Petrochemical Company, Reliance Industries Ltd are some of leading producers of LDPE. The LDPE markets in key regions: Asia, Europe, North America, Middle East and South and Central America. LDPE markets in key countries: China, Japan, South Korea, India, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, the US, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Brazil and Mexico. The global capacity of LDPE is estimated at 24.5 MMT in 2016 while the consumption is pegged at 20.8 MMT for 2016. The LDPE demand in India is projected at 703 KTA for 2016–17 against the current capacity of 205 KTA which would be enhanced by over 400 KT with the arrival of J3 of Reliance Industries. Presently domestic production is supplemented by imports.

The major application wise share is in the order of general purpose film, extrusion coating, milk packaging, heavy duty, injection moulding, wire & cables & others. Flexible Packaging constitutes major part of LD consumption. The growing sectors are general purpose film, heavy duty, milk packaging, injection moulding sectors, adhesive laminates. LDPE is widely used for manufacturing various containers, dispensing bottles, wash bottles, tubing, plastic bags for computer components, and various molded laboratory equipment. Its most common use is in plastic bags. Other Products made from it include:

• Trays and general purpose containers
• Corrosion-resistant work surfaces
• Parts that need to be weldable and machinable
• Parts that require flexibility, for which it serves very well
• Very soft and pliable parts
• Plastic wraps
• Juice and milk cartons is made of liquid packaging board, a laminate of paperboard and LDPE (as the water-proof inner and outer layer), and often with of a layer of aluminum foil (thus becoming aseptic packaging).