Resources - Product Comparison - HDPE vs. LDPE

HDPE (high density polyethylene) is a durable, versatile, low-cost, abrasion- and chemical-resistant plastic material . HDPE is easy to fabricate and weld using thermoplastic welding equipment. It is commonly used for fabricated water tanks and chemical tanks.

LDPE (low density polyethylene) is a soft, flexible, lightweight plastic material. It is often used for orthotics and prosthetics. LDPE offers good chemical and impact resistance and is easy to fabricate and thermoform.

HDPE sheets | LDPE sheets

HDPE Material Characteristics	LDPE Material Characteristics
Good chemical resistance Easy to weld Low moisture absorption Easy to machine Impact resistant Easy to fabricate	Good chemical resistance Easy to weld and heat seal Low moisture absorption Soft and pliable
HDPE Applications	LDPE Applications
Orthotics and prosthetics – AFOs, KAFOs Chemical tanks Cutting boards for food preparation Water pipe flanges (HDPE pipe grade) Outdoor/indoor playground systems Marine construction (pile guards, bumpers) Light-duty tank, chute, and bin linings Outdoor cabinetry and furniture	Orthotics Prosthetics
HDPE Common Brands	LDPE Common Brands
Polystone® G, Sanatec®, Orthoform®, Sanalite®, Seaboard®, StarLite®, King StarBoard®, Playboard®, SIMOLIFE, Hitec®	Orthoform®, C-TEK® MODStiff™, Denesetec, TECAFINE®

Property	Units	ASTM Test	HDPE	LDPE
Specific gravity (73°F)	–	D792	0.96	0.92
Tensile strength (73°F)	psi	D638	4,000	1,400
Tensile elongation (73°F)	%	D638	600	500
Flexural modulus of elasticity (73°F)	psi	D790	200,000	30,000
Hardness (Rockwell & Shore D)	scale as noted	D785, D2240	Shore D 69	Shore D 55
Izod impact (notched, 73°F)	ft-lbs/in	D256	–	No break
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion	in/in/°F × 10^-5	D696	7.0	–
Heat deflection temperature (66 psi)	°F	D648	172	122
Water absorption (24 hrs immersion)	%	D570	0.10	0.10

HDPE vs. LDPE