HDPE and UHMW Polyethylene Sheet – Cutting Boards
FDA – NSF Approved Cutting Boards
HDPE and UHMW Polyethylene Sheets
Next time you are cutting vegetables on your cutting board, the material most likely to be used is Polyethylene. Because it is stain, moisture and odor resistant, Polyethylene is a perfect choice. Other cutting boards made out of wood are more susceptible to bacteria and odors because they lack the properties that Polyethylene sheets offer, such as its chemical resistance and FDA approval for food contact. Polyethylene is a very durable and lightweight material that comes in many forms and is a great for a wide variety of applications.
NSF Approved Cutting Boards
The HDPE is available in .500″ thick in several FDA / NSF approved colors, and is great for use in kitchens where cross contamination is a problem.
The Ultimate Cutting Board
Polyethylene has many names. The most common are HDPE, LDPE, and UHMW. The difference has to with the molecular weight and branching which is when a monomer or atom is replaced by a longer chain of polymers (a long repeating chain of atoms). High Density is commonly used for milk jugs and food containers. Low Density is commonly used for bottles and plastic bags. UHMW, which has higher molecular weight (2-6 million) allows for an even transfer over the length of material which makes it stronger and able to be used for bearing applications due to its great wear resistance. Commonly used in the food and dairy industry, UHMW is a great replacement for other materials and solution to many problems. All of these polymers are derived from the same family but all have certain properties that make them a little different. HDPE provides great chemical resistance, with high impact strength and great energy absorption. LDPE has most of the same properties as High Density but is not as dense at 9.15, opposed to HDPE which is 9.34. It also has a lower tensile strength and easier formability.
UHMW is a strong material that has great durability and low co-efficient making it an ideal for sliding applications. Polyethylene offers a wide range of material choices and properties and has great durability that can be suitable for a number of applications. From the food industry to automotive, the kitchen or the warehouse, whatever your Polyethylene needs are; High Density, Low Density or UHMW, Polyethylene is a great choice.
Typical Resin Properties:
General Property | ASTM Test | Typical Value HDPE | Typical Value LDPE | Typical Value UHMW |
Specific Gravity | D792 | .941 – .965 | .91 – .925 | .93 – .94 |
Tensile Strength Yield | D638 | 3,800 – 5,500 | 1,400 – 2,000 | 6,800 |
Izod Impact – Notched | D256 | 2.0 – 3.5 | >16 | No Break |
Vicat Softening Temp | D1525 | 257ºF | 219ºF | 260 |
Hardness – Rockwell | D785 | D60 -70 | D42 – 50 | R64 |
Continuous Use Temp | – | -100 – 180ºF | 174ºF | 180ºF |
Deflection Temp @ 66 psi | D648 | 171 | 124 | 174 |
Co. Thermal Expansion | D696 | 7X10-5 | 4.6 -5.5X10-5 | 11.0X10-5 |
Please contact us for more information on FDA and NSF approved plastic materials. Email us here, or call us at: 866-832-9315
Topic: HDPE Cutting Boards – NSF Approved