Medium-density Polyethylene (MDPE)

Properties and Applications

Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) is a type of polyethylene having a density in the range of 0.926 – 0.940 g/cm³. Like LLDPE, it is produced by low pressure polymerization techniques using transition metal catalysts such as Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalysts. It is less opaque than HDPE but not as clear as LDPE and has better impact and environmental crack resistance than HDPE but is less rigid and hard. Like other polyolefins, it has excellent chemical resistance, is easy to process and is very low in cost. Films made of this polyolefin are usually stronger than LDPE but do not stretch as much but are very tough.

MDPE is produced on a much smaller scale than HDPE and is mainly used for garbage bags and for flexible consumer packaging where both stiffness and flexibility is required like stand up pouches, over-wrap films and shrink and stretch wrap. Other applications include flexible pipes and fittings for fuel gas use where enhanced resistance to environmental stress cracking is needed.

 

Manufacturers & Distributors

Companies Chevron-Phillips Dow Nova Chemicals

Brands Marlex® Dowlex™ Novapol®