What is  HDPE? 

Polyethylene ranks among the most widely utilized plastics in today's market. It was first discovered in the early 20th century by the British firm Imperial Chemical Industries. The production process required extreme pressure and resulted in a branched, low-density polymer known as Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE). This flexible, transparent plastic is commonly used for products like bubble wrap, grocery bags, cling wrap, and water bottles. However, LDPE lacks load-bearing capacity and tends to collapse under pressure. Shortly after the discovery of LDPE, as World War II was coming to a close, the demand for oil decreased. This shift provided chemists at Phillips Petroleum Company in Oklahoma the opportunity to explore new variations of polyethylene, aiming to expand product options. While many experiments led to unproductive outcomes, a breakthrough occurred when chemists combined nickel oxide with small amounts of chromium oxide, resulting in the creation of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This groundbreaking discovery not only transformed the industry but also earned the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1963. HDPE is recognized for its strength, hardness, and stiffness, making it the most durable plastic available. The enhanced strength and rigidity of HDPE are utilized globally in products such as kayaks, car bumpers, 5-gallon pails, outdoor water tanks, and 55-gallon drums, including Whaly boats! HDPE boasts five times the impact resistance of fiberglass. Unlike fiberglass, which is layered, HDPE features solid color throughout, allowing for easy repairs of scratches and scrapes using sandpaper, a heat welder, or a heat gun. Additionally, HDPE is inert, meaning it won't chemically react with seawater, preventing issues like blistering, peeling, or fading. Its inherent flexibility allows it to absorb vibrations and shocks, and it is naturally buoyant, enabling it to float, unlike fiberglass or aluminum.