What is linear low-density polyethylene?

When you're choosing a polyethylene water tank, you may find that many look the same. Other than their size, colour and shape, how do you decide which has the best properties to allow it to last in the testing Australian environment?

Water tank buyers are right to ask themselves this question. Poly water tanks made overseas tends to only deal with the pressures of their local environments, meaning when it is put into a harsher climate, it is not built from the right polyethylene grades.

Alkatuff is the only Australian manufacturer of polyethylene for water tanks, and it shows in the quality of the finished product. We also use linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) to ensure your manufacturer has the best plastic for the job.

What is linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)?

LLDPE is a polymer made of short branches rather than longer ones, to ensure an even distribution of polyethylene during the rotational moulding process and to improve the strength of the finished poly water tank.

Before the early 1990s, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) powders were commonly used in rotomoulding, though that all changed as LLPDE became the go-to resin for the job. 

LLDPE also comes in a number of varieties. For example, Alkatuff LL711UV is a premium-grade plastic for water tank construction, allowing for high levels of rigidity, impact strength, creep resistance and UV protection.

Choosing the best polyethylene water tank

Although to the naked eye, poly water tanks tend to look the same, there is a vast difference in quality on the market. There are two main ways you will know whether your tank is designed to last in the Australian climate: either it fails the test of time, or you can enquire with your supplier before making a purchasing decision.

If you want to see the benefits of a poly water tank made from Australian-grade LLPDE, ask your supplier for a tank made from Alkatuff.