Product Name
Maven Plastics LDPE Sheet - 1/32" x 24" x 48"
Brief Description
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a flexible, lightweight, and durable thermoplastic sheet known for its good toughness, impact resistance, and chemical resistance. It is easily fabricated and offers low moisture permeability.
Popular Applications & Uses
- Packaging (bags, liners, wraps, bottles, food containers)- Construction (vapor barriers, waterproof membranes, protective covers)- Agricultural (greenhouse covers, mulching, pond liners)- Chemical tank lining and containers- Orthotics and prosthetics- Electrical insulation and wire protection- Fabrication of ducts, hoods, and other plastic parts- Protective covers for machinery and sensitive equipment
Industries that Commonly Use It
- Packaging Services or Contractor- Construction/ Building Services- Plastic Fabrication- Medical Device/ Prosthetics- Chemical Industry- General Manufacturing- Electrical Services or Products- Food & Beverage Company or Distributor- Prosumer- Marine
Special and Unique Features
- Highly flexible and pliable, even at low temperatures.- Good impact and abrasion resistance.- Excellent corrosion resistance to a wide range of items.- Easily welded with a plastic welder; cannot be cemented.- Can be cut with a carbide-tipped saw blade and drilled with regular metal bits.- Low moisture absorption and good water resistance.- FDA compliant grades available.
Key Properties
- Material: Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)- Thickness: 1/32"- Dimensions: 24" x 48"- Color: White translucent.- Density: 0.92 g/cm³.- Forming Temperature: 245°F (118°C).- Temperature Range: 0°F to 140°F (-18°C to 60°C).- Chemical Resistance: Excellent to dilute and concentrated acids, alcohols, bases, and esters. Good to aldehydes, ketones, and vegetable oils. Limited to aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, mineral oils, and oxidizing agents. Poor to halogenated hydrocarbons.- Electrical Properties: Bad conductor of electricity, resists electrical shock.- Recyclability: Recyclable (SPI resin ID code 4), though less commonly recycled than PET or HDPE.
Surface Compatibility
- Not compatible with cementing.- Easily welded with plastic welder.- Susceptible to stress cracking when exposed to UV light and certain chemicals, accelerated by wetting agents.
Known backups / known substitutes
- **HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene):** Harder, higher chemical resistance, can withstand higher temperatures, but less flexible than LDPE.- **LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene):** Offers improved impact, tear, heat-seal strengths, and environmental stress-crack resistance compared to conventional LDPE.- **Bio-degradable polyethylene / Bio-based plastics:** Emerging sustainable alternatives with similar chemical structures, designed for easier recycling and lower energy production.- **UHMW Polyethylene:** Known for outstanding abrasion, wear, and impact resistance, often used for conveyers and machine guards.- **Acetal Plastic Sheet:** Known for wear and moisture resistance, slippery surface, high strength, and good machinability.
Comparison Note
LDPE is generally softer, more flexible, and melts at a lower temperature than HDPE. While it offers excellent flexibility and chemical resistance, it is not ideal for applications requiring high stiffness, high temperatures, or significant structural strength. Newer, more sustainable alternatives are being developed to address recyclability and production energy consumption.
