Material	HDPE - high density polyethylene
	HDPE is the high density version of PE plastic. It is harder, stronger and a little heavier than LDPE, but less ductile. Dishwasher safe. HDPE is lighter than water, and can be moulded, machined, and joined together using welding (difficult to glue). The appearance is wax-like, lustreless and opaque. The use of UV-stabilizators (carbon black) improves its weather resistance but turns it black. Some types can be used in contact with food.
Danish Name	HDPE - høj massefylde polyethylen
Category	Plastics, Thermoplastics
Products	Milestone Bottle for motor oil Bottle for organic solvents Street bollard Hedge cutter Gasoline tank Milk bottles Plastic bag (stiff type that crackles) Children's toys Lid for honey pot Beer crate Dolphin bicycle trailer
Processes	Plastic moulding Plastic injection moulding Extrusion Film blowing Blow moulding
Similar materials	PP and many other plastics
Price	Low cost plastic (see also Plastics general overview)
Environmen- tal notes	Creation: Production of 1 kg of HDPE requires the equivalent of about 1 3/4 kg of oil (raw material and energy). Use: - Disposal: Used PE plastic can be recycled through remelting although there is a quality loss. Incineration is straightforward and comparable to oil, since PE only consists of hydrogen and carbon atoms. In an incineration plant only water and carbon dioxide are produced. However common additives like UV-stabilizators (e.g. carbon black), dyeing agents and fire protectors can produce other waste products. Heating value is equivalent to 3/4 kg of oil.
Additional Info	HDPE is highly resistant to many acids, alcalis and solvents.
Photo	Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
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