Iran LDPE

Properties of Iran Low density polyethylene (LDPE)

Under the polyethylene class of materials, Low density polyethylene (LDPE) has shaped the packaging and manufacturing industry’s landscape, Being the oldest and most mature of the polyethylene’s.

LDPE was first produced in 1933 by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) using a high-pressure process via free radical polymerization. Its manufacturers employ the same method today.

It is a highly branched polyethylene, having various amounts of short and long branches, giving it a density range of 917-930 kg/m3.

Although it does not have the other polyethylene’s strength, LDPE has good clarity and processability due to its short and long chain branches. It is also more flexible than other polyethylene’s.

Other advantages of LDPE are listed below:

1. Impact resistant from -40 C to 90 C
2. Moisture resistance
3. Good chemical resistance
4. Good electrical insulation
5. Easy to process and mould
6. Food grades available
7. Readily processed by all thermoplastic methods

The good chemical resistance of LDPE makes it immune to:

• Dilute Acid
• Dilute Alkalis
• Some Oils and Greases
• Alcohols

It also has some low chemical resistance to Aliphatic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic Hydrocarbons, and Halogenated Hydrocarbons.

However, there are some disadvantages to using LDPE. Some of them are:

1. High thermal expansion
2. Poor weathering resistance
3. Subject to stress cracking
4. Difficult to bond
5. Flammable
6. Poor temperature capability
7. High permeability to gases like carbon dioxide and others
8. Very low UV resistance

Iranian manufacturers produce LDPE granules. If the LDPE required by the customer needs to be in the form of powder, Iranian manufacturers can also oblige. During LDPE granulation, different kinds and amounts of additives, such as anti-block agents, antioxidants, and UV stabilizers, are usually added to the various grades produced.

Iran LDPE manufacturers are proud to announce that they produce their various grades according to global standards, and their properties can compete with or even beat their foreign competition.

Iranian manufacturers produce various grades with varying properties of LDPE, each suitable for application in a particular field. Some of the most well-known grades include:

1. Film
2. Injection molding
3. Roto molding
4. Blow molding

Application of LDPE

LDPE is used primarily in film applications. These films are used for both packaging and non-packaging applications and can be in the form of shrink-wrap and stretch films. Other applications include extrusion coatings, sheathing in cables, and injection moulding applications. In these applications, the products produced are:

plastic bags, wraps, and packaging

1. Trays and general-purpose containers like bottles
2. Very soft and pliable parts such as Snap-On lids
3. Corrosion protection layer for work surfaces
4. Computer hardware covers and packaging
5. Features that need to be weldable and machinable
6. Parts that require flexibility, such as wires and cables
7. consumer goods such as housewares, flexible toys, and agricultural films

LDPE is considered a recyclable material, and recycled LDPE can be used to produce many different items such as shipping envelopes, garbage can liners, floor tile, panelling, furniture, compost bins, trashcans, landscape timber, and outdoor lumber.

LDPE is used primarily in film applications. These films are used for both packaging and non-packaging applications and can be in the form of shrink-wrap and stretch films. Other applications include extrusion coatings, sheathing in cables, and injection moulding applications. In these applications, the products produced are:

plastic bags, wraps, and packaging

1. Trays and general-purpose containers like bottles
2. Very soft and pliable parts such as Snap-On lids
3. Corrosion protection layer for work surfaces
4. Computer hardware covers and packaging
5. Features that need to be weldable and machinable
6. Parts that require flexibility, such as wires and cables
7. consumer goods such as housewares, flexible toys, and agricultural films

LDPE is considered a recyclable material, and recycled LDPE can be used to produce many different items such as shipping envelopes, garbage can liners, floor tile, paneling, furniture, compost bins, trashcans, landscape timber, and outdoor lumber.

It is well known that the price of crude oil and natural gas are two of the main determining factors of the cost of polymeric material. Also, in Asian economies, a direct relationship between the price of crude oil and natural gas exists, further influencing the price of polymeric material. As the demand for crude oil and natural gas increases and the supply shortens, the cost of polymeric material increases and a decrease in the price happens when supply is high and demand is low.
The four largest oil reserve owners of the world are Iran, with 21.7 thousand million tonnes (9.3 % share of total), Venezuela (with 17.5 % share of total), Saudi Arabi (15.7 % share of total), and Canada (10.2 % share of total). Iran’s share of the world’s total oil production is only 4.0 %.
On the other hand, with 34.0 trillion cubic meters (18.2 % share of total) of natural gas, Iran has the world’s second-largest natural gas reserves in the world. These extensive oil and gas resources have made Iran one of OPEC’s leading members (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) and the Organization of Gas Exporting Countries (GECF).
The Oil Ministry’s news portal has reported that $14.5 billion has been generated from oil and gas sales, with 23 million tons exported to international markets, generating $9.5 billion in revenue.
Observing the price trends indicates that crude oil prices have had a decrease in recent years, causing a reduction in the price of polymeric material, including various grades of Iran LDPE.
However, a slow and steady increase in the price of crude oil and the demand for HDPE has been happening, causing Iran LDPE’s price to increase. Constant monitoring of its market and expenses in order to avoid any negative impacts on the business is of crucial importance.