Polyethylene - Medium Density Powder - Material Information

Medium-Density Polyethylene (MDPE) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic that bridges the gap between low-density (LDPE) and high-density (HDPE) polyethylene. With moderate crystallinity and excellent toughness, MDPE offers a balance of flexibility, impact resistance, and chemical inertness. Its molecular structure—characterized by low chain branching—results in better mechanical strength and environmental stress crack resistance, making it ideal for coatings, films, containers, and chemical equipment.

Material Overview

MDPE typically exhibits a density between 0.926 and 0.940 g/cm³ and a crystallinity of around 50%. It combines the flexibility of LDPE with the stiffness and chemical durability of HDPE. Abhilash et al. (2020) investigated the mechanical properties of MDPE processed by rotational molding and found that while MDPE demonstrates higher impact strength, HDPE exhibits greater tensile strength. MDPE’s superior impact resistance makes it suitable for parts requiring deformation without fracture.
In a study on creep behavior, Mosavian et al. (2011) observed that MDPE maintains stable viscoelastic performance under stresses between 15–55 MPa at temperatures up to 90 °C, showing minimal chain degradation or flow. This thermal resilience allows for long-term performance in high-stress industrial settings. Furthermore, Thungphotrakul et al. (2020) demonstrated that nanoclay-filled MDPE/rice husk composites exhibit improved tensile and flexural strength, with up to 15% enhancement, while maintaining low moisture absorption and good thermal stability. These characteristics make MDPE a reliable matrix material for hybrid composites and sustainable polymer systems.

Applications and Advantages

MDPE powder is used in applications that demand balanced flexibility, strength, and resistance to stress cracking. Common uses include rotationally molded tanks, chemical storage containers, pipes, protective coatings, and packaging films. Its low permeability to gases and moisture makes it a preferred material in food and pharmaceutical packaging. Additionally, its toughness and resilience at sub-zero temperatures make it suitable for outdoor and cryogenic applications. When blended with nanofillers or fibers, MDPE demonstrates enhanced performance in structural composites and lightweight mechanical systems.

Goodfellow Availability

Goodfellow provides high-purity Medium-Density Polyethylene (MDPE) powder in research and industrial grades, suitable for sintering, molding, and composite applications. The powder offers excellent consistency, purity, and processability, and can be customized for specific density or particle size requirements.

Explore Polyethylene - Medium Density (MDPE) and other advanced materials in Goodfellow’s online catalogue: Goodfellow product finder.

References

• Abhilash, S. S., Luckose, R., & Singaravelu, D. L. (2020). Processing and characterization of HDPE and MDPE processed by rotational moulding. Materials Today: Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2019.09.052
• Mosavian, M. T. H., Bakhtiari, A. R., & Sahebian, S. (2011). Tensile creep behavior of medium-density polyethylene. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 24(5), 681–694. https://doi.org/10.1177/0892705710393125
• Thungphotrakul, N., Somboonwanna, J., & Prapainainar, P. (2020). Effect of nanoclay on properties of medium density polyethylene/rice husk flour composites. AIP Conference Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0023271
• Garrison, P. J., Wallace, L. R., Wise, D. L., Meas, J. H., Cribbs, L. V., Merrick-Mack, J. A., & Nygard, P. L. (2001). High molecular weight, medium density polyethylene. U.S. Patent.
• PDL Staff. (1997). Medium Density Polyethylene. In Plastics Design Library. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-188420717-4.50051-8