Reinforced polyethylene (LLDPE-R) is a favorite choice for projects that need serious strength without serious weight. By sandwiching a reinforcing scrim between polyethylene layers, LLDPE-R delivers puncture and tear resistance that performs well above what one might expect when looking at its thickness.
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What is reinforced polyethylene?
LLDPE-R is a multi-layered sheet: polyethylene film bonded to a woven scrim (the reinforcement) and often includes a second film layer. The scrim carries load and arrests tears, so a lighter sheet of reinforced LLDPE outperforms an unreinforced heavier one on a strength-to-weight ratio.
The advantages of LLDPE-R
- Strength-to-weight: high tensile and tear strength at a fraction of the weight of comparable unreinforced liners.
- Hydrocarbon resistance in secondary containment applications.
- Multiple product design options.
- Puncture and tear resistance: the scrim stops small punctures from propagating.
- Fewer field seams: LLDPE-R can be factory-prefabricated into very large panels, so seaming happens under controlled shop conditions and not as much in the field.
- Lighter, cheaper logistics: less weight means lower freight costs and easier handling on remote or difficult sites.
LLDPE-R vs. HDPE/LLDPE
Unreinforced HDPE/LLDPE relies on sheet thickness for strength. LLDPE-R relies on reinforcement. When prefabrication, low weight, and fast deployment matter, such as at remote sites or over large, exposed areas or for potable liquid applications, LLDPE-R often wins.
Best applications for LLDPE-R
Rely on LLDPE-R for Oil and Gas industries for primary and secondary containment, fish hatcheries (LLDPE-R FG), evaporation ponds, canal and pond liners, projects requiring an up to 20 year exposed warranty (LLDPE-R OIT 20) and projects where minimizing field seams by taking advantage of factory fabrication matters. And when lighter shipping weight is a prime factor, look to LLDPE-R.
E Squared’s FlexLiner®, FlexLiner® FG (Fish Grade) and FlexLiner® OIT 20 LLDPE-R are built for projects exactly like these. Explore products or contact us to see if LLDPE-R fits your job.
