HDPE: Technical Guide for Industrial Applications
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a high-performance thermoplastic widely used in infrastructure, packaging, and industrial manufacturing. Thanks to its high strength-to-density ratio, chemical resistance, and long service life, HDPE is a preferred material for pressure systems, containers, and structural plastic products.
HDPE is produced through low-pressure polymerization, creating a dense molecular structure with excellent rigidity and durability. This structure allows HDPE to perform reliably in demanding environments where mechanical stability and resistance to chemicals are required.
Key Properties of HDPE
HDPE combines mechanical strength with long-term performance, making it suitable for both structural and processing applications.
Density range: 0.940 – 0.970 g/cm³
Melting temperature: 125–135°C
High tensile and impact strength
Excellent chemical and corrosion resistance
Low moisture absorption
Strong environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR)
Suitable for long-term outdoor and underground use
These properties make HDPE one of the most widely used polymers in industrial and infrastructure projects.
Main Applications of HDPE
HDPE is used across multiple industries due to its durability and processing flexibility:
Water and gas pipelines
Industrial and municipal piping systems
Blow-molded containers and jerry cans
Packaging and transport containers
Caps, closures, crates, and pallets
Cable insulation and protective layers
Woven sacks and raffia products
Chemical and industrial storage systems
HDPE Pipe Grades (PE80 / PE100)
Pipe-grade High Density Polyethylene is engineered for pressure applications where safety and service life are critical. These materials are widely used in potable water networks, gas distribution systems, and underground infrastructure.
Typical Applications
Drinking water pipelines
Gas transmission and distribution
Underground utility systems
Industrial piping
Available Pipe Grades
| Grade | Type | MFI (190 °C / 5 kg) | Density (g/cm³) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMCRP100N | PE100 (Natural) | ~0.22 | ~0.948 | Water pipelines |
| HMCRP100B | PE100 (Black) | ~0.22 | ~0.957 | Gas & outdoor pipelines |
| HMCRP100O | PE100 (Blue) | ~0.22 | ~0.948 | Drinking water systems |
| HM5010T2N | PE80 (Natural) | ~0.45 | ~0.945 | Utility piping |
| HM5010T3 | PE80 (Black) | ~0.43 | ~0.944 | Underground infrastructure |
HDPE Film Grades
Film-grade HDPE is used in blown film extrusion where stiffness, strength, and processing stability are required. These grades provide good tear resistance and dimensional stability for industrial and commercial packaging.
Typical Applications
Packaging films
Shopping and carrier bags
Industrial liners
Heavy-duty packaging
Available Film Grades
| Grade | Type | MFI (190 °C / 5 kg) | Density (g/cm³) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HM9455HT | Film | ~0.18 | ~0.944 | Heavy-duty film |
| HM9450F | Film (EX5) | ~0.28 | ~0.949 | General packaging |
| HM9450F1 | Film | ~0.22 | ~0.950 | Packaging film |
| HM9455F1 | Film | ~0.28 | ~0.956 | Industrial film |
HDPE Blow Molding Grades
Blow molding HDPE grades are designed for hollow containers that require uniform wall thickness and high mechanical strength.
Typical Applications
Jerry cans
Chemical containers
Detergent bottles
Industrial liquid packaging
Available Blow Molding Grades
| Grade | Type | MFI (190 °C / 5 kg) | Density (g/cm³) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HF4750K | Blow molding | ~1.0 | ~0.954 | Small containers |
| HF4760 | Blow molding | ~1.2 | ~0.954 | Medium containers |
| HH4765 | Heavy blow molding | ~1.5 | ~0.959 | Large containers |
| HM8355 | Blow molding | ~0.35 | ~0.951 | Jerry cans & packaging |
HDPE Injection Molding Grades
Injection molding grades provide controlled melt flow and dimensional accuracy for producing rigid plastic parts.
Typical Applications
Caps and closures
Crates and pallets
Household plastic items
Industrial molded parts
Available Injection Grades
| Grade | Type | MFI (190 °C / 5 kg) | Density (g/cm³) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HC7260 | Injection | ~23 | ~0.957 | Caps & molded parts |
| 18XF5N | Injection | ~11 | ~0.954 | Thin-wall molding |
HDPE Extrusion & Raffia Grades
Extrusion and raffia grades are optimized for continuous production of woven materials and monofilaments.
Typical Applications
Woven sacks
Raffia tapes
Industrial packaging
Monofilament fibers
Available Extrusion Grades
| Grade | Type | MFI (190 °C / 5 kg) | Density (g/cm³) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HF7740F | Raffia extrusion | ~1.8 | ~0.944 | Woven packaging |
| HF7740F2 | Raffia extrusion | ~1.8 | ~0.944 | Industrial sacks |
| HF7750M | Monofilament | ~2.5 | ~0.956 | Filaments |
| HF7750M2 | Monofilament | ~3.3 | ~0.956 | Technical fibers |
HDPE Cable Insulation Grades
Cable-grade High Density Polyethylene offers stable dielectric performance and smooth surface quality for electrical insulation.
Typical Applications
Power cable insulation
Communication cables
Industrial wiring
Available Grade
| Grade | Type | MFI (190 °C / 5 kg) | Density (g/cm³) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HF4750K (EX7C) | Cable insulation | ~3.5 | ~0.946 | Power & control cables |
HDPE Pipe Coating Grades
Pipe coating HDPE is used to protect steel pipelines from corrosion, moisture, and mechanical damage in harsh environments.
Typical Applications
Oil & gas pipelines
Water transmission systems
Industrial steel pipes
Available Grade
| Grade | Type | MFI (190 °C / 5 kg) | Density (g/cm³) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS4047 | Pipe coating | ~5.0 | ~0.948 | Steel pipe coating |
HDPE Price Overview
HDPE prices depend on several key factors, including grade type, application, origin, order volume, and global market conditions.
Typical price drivers include:
Type of HDPE (pipe, film, blow molding, injection, coating)
Grade specification (PE80 / PE100, MFI range, density)
Packaging (bag, jumbo bag, bulk)
Order volume
Shipping terms (EXW, FOB, CIF)
Destination market
High Density Polyethylene prices are usually quoted per metric ton and vary by grade and region.
For accurate and up-to-date pricing, buyers typically request a quotation based on technical requirements and delivery terms.
Request HDPE Price & Technical Documents
Basekim supplies HDPE grades for industrial, packaging, and infrastructure applications. We support buyers with:
Competitive High Density Polyethylene pricing
Grade selection assistance
Technical Data Sheets (TDS)
Export documentation
Reliable international logistics
To receive the latest High Density Polyethylene price, specifications, or technical documents, contact our team directl
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Q1:What is HDPE?
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) is a thermoplastic polymer made from ethylene with a dense molecular structure. It is known for its high strength, rigidity, chemical resistance, and long service life, making it suitable for industrial, packaging, and infrastructure applications.
Q2:What is HDPE used for?
HDPE is used in a wide range of applications such as water and gas pipes, industrial containers, blow-molded bottles, packaging materials, crates, pallets, cable insulation, and chemical storage products. Its durability and resistance make it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Q3:What is the difference between HDPE and LDPE?
HDPE has a more compact molecular structure, making it stronger, more rigid, and more resistant to chemicals than LDPE. LDPE is softer, more flexible, and mainly used for films and coatings, while HDPE is preferred for pipes, containers, and rigid products.
Q4:What is the density range of HDPE?
HDPE typically has a density range between 0.940 and 0.970 g/cm³, depending on the grade and application. Higher density generally results in greater stiffness and strength.
Q5:What is the difference between PE80 and PE100?
PE80 and PE100 are pressure-rated HDPE pipe grades.
PE100 has higher strength and allows thinner pipe walls while maintaining the same pressure rating, which results in material savings and longer service life compared to PE80.