All about Plastics: LDPE

LDPE is the original polymerization of the monomer ethylene. The first industrial synthesis of polyethylene was in 1933 by British company, Imperial Chemical Industries, and it was made by accident! However, the experiment was not easily replicated and it wasn’t until 1935 that a replicable method was discovered. This discovery became the basis for industrial production of LDPE in 1939. Due to the breakout of World War II, LDPE was deemed to be important for the construction and safety of the cables used in devices using Very High Frequency (VHF) electromagnetic radio waves. The use in military radios, radar sets, as well as other communication devices, meant the production process was a necessary secret. In 1944, two American companies began large commercial scale production of LDPE under license from Imperial Chemical Industries.

Where is LDPE used?

LDPE is used in plastic wrap, plastic coatings on wires, computer components, snap-on lids, six-pack rings for canned drinks and laboratory squeeze bottles. Like HDPE and MDPE, LDPE also has a lower cost which helps keep final product costs down.

Pros:

• Has the ability to be very squeezable
• Has a lower cost than PET or other plastics
• Is naturally translucent
• Is recyclable
• The best way to sanitize is to dip in water/Hydrogen Peroxide solution containing 3% Hydrogen Peroxide and allow to air dry.
• When dipped in a 3% Hydrogen Peroxide solution to sanitize, any remaining dry water marks are less obvious.
• Shatterproof and ideal for slippery bathrooms!
• Can handle rapid temperature changes.

Cons:

• Can’t be transparent or clear
• Lower density of this plastic does mean that there is more gas permeability

Whew! I loved the history aspect about LDPE today. What did you think? Don’t miss out on tomorrow’s post on PP (Polypropylene)!