LDPE Microspheres – Low-Density Polyethylene Microplastic Reference Standard | PolyRef™
LDPE Microspheres – Low-Density Polyethylene Microplastic Reference Standard | PolyRef™
Product Overview
PolyRef™ LDPE Microspheres are research-grade Low-Density Polyethylene microspheres manufactured by RIGOR Science using proprietary synthesis routes from high-purity commercial LDPE feedstock. Submicron, true-spherical LDPE particles have long been a gap in commercial supply — LDPE's high branching and low melting point make spherical morphology far harder to achieve than for PS, PMMA, or other common polymers.
Each batch retains the characteristic chemical structure of LDPE (FTIR branched methyl peak at ~1378 cm⁻¹) and is verified by FT-IR, SEM, and DLS. Particles are clean-surfaced, fully spherical, and free from debris or aggregation.
Why LDPE?
- Dominant marine microplastic type. LDPE accounts for ~30–40% of surface marine microplastic pollution — packaging films, agricultural mulch, single-use bags.
- Submicron supply is scarce. While HDPE microspheres are commercially available (e.g., Cospheric), submicron true-spherical LDPE microspheres remain rare globally.
- Closer to real environmental microplastics. LDPE's branched structure and lower crystallinity better mimic weathered marine microplastics than HDPE.
- Preferred for UV-aging studies. LDPE undergoes photo-oxidative degradation more readily than HDPE — the standard model for plastic environmental aging research.
Specifications
| Material | Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) |
| CAS No. | 9002-88-4 |
| Chemical Formula | (C₂H₄)ₙ |
| Particle Size | ~200 nm and ~500 nm (custom sizes available) |
| Morphology | True spherical, clean surface, free of aggregates |
| PDI (DLS) | ~0.16 |
| Density | 0.92–0.94 g/cm³ (floats in water; vortex before use) |
| Dispersion | Aqueous suspension with 0.1% SDS as stabilizer |
| Concentration | 5 mg/mL or 10 mg/mL |
| Package Size | 10 mL (custom volumes on request) |
| Storage | 2–8 °C, protect from light; do not freeze |
| Shelf Life | 12 months at 4 °C |
| Characterization | FT-IR, SEM, DLS; batch-specific COA included |
Applications
- Microplastic identification and FTIR/Raman method development
- Solid-phase adsorption and partition studies
- Filtration membrane performance evaluation
- Marine microplastic simulation
- UV / photo-aging and weathering studies
- Environmental fate and transport research
Not Recommended For
Direct cell toxicity assays without prior dialysis to remove SDS surfactant. For surfactant-free or custom-stabilized versions, please contact us.
Quality Documentation
Each shipment includes a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) with SEM images, FTIR spectrum, and DLS size distribution. Raw-material FTIR reference spectra available on request for batch verification.
Sub-micron grades (100–200 nm) are characterized by DLS; micron grades (≥1 μm) are characterized by laser diffraction / optical microscopy. Representative data shown; see COA for lot-specific values.