HDPE
HDPE also known as High-density polyethylene is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. It is made from little branchings this means it has strong intermolecular forces and tensile strength, where as LDPE doesn’t have these string bonds. HDPE has a high specific strength, is hard, has an opaque colour, can withstand high temperatures and contains the chemical elements carbon and hydrogen. Some HPDE products include: milk tubs, watering cans and folding chairs
LDPE
LDPE also known as Low-density polyethylene is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. Its was the first grade of polyethylene first produced in 1933 by Imperial Chemical Industries, one of the largest chemical producers in the world, using a high pressure process which is still used to produce this plastic today. LDPE is non reactive at room temperatures and can withstand temperatures of up to 95 °C, it comes in opaque and translucent, it is quite flexible but breakable. It is made from more branchings than HDPE so it has weaker intermolecular forces its tensile strength is also lower but resilience is higher, it contains the chemicals carbon and hydrogen. Some LDPE products include: trays, six pack rings & plastic wraps
