Thermoplastic Materials Options

Acronym

Full Name

Key Properties

Temperature Range

ABS

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Exceptional impact strength, it is non-toxic and suitable for use at low temperatures. Lightweight, it is joined with solvent cement and has good chemical resistance making it ideal for most pipework applications.

-40°C to 70°C

EVA

Ethylene Vinyl Chloride

Excellent resistance to hydrocarbons, it is highly flexible and transparent in its natural state.

-70°C to 60°C

HDPE

High Density Polyethylene

Widely used for buried utilities such as gas and water, it has low frictional loss, excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals.

-40°C to 60°C

HIPS

High-impact Polystyrene

Very tough, its crystal-clear transparency makes it ideal for packaging and point of sale applications. Limited resistance to dilute acids and alkalis. Not suitable for outdoor use.

0°C to 70°C

LDPE

Low Density Polyethylene

Outstanding flexibility at low temperatures with good chemical resistance. Potable water grades available.

-40°C to 60°C

MDPE

Medium Density Polyethylene

Suitable for both fusion and compression-type fittings, it is resistant to aggressive chemicals and abrasion.

-40°C to 60°C

PEX

Cross-linked Polyethylene

Good chemical resistance, it is flexible and has excellent mechanical properties.

0°C to 95°C

PP

Polypropylene

Has excellent resistance to chemicals and high levels of heat, plus good abrasion resistance. Not UV-stable so not suited to outdoor applications.

-10°C to 110°C

PVDF

Polyvinylidene Fluoride

Highly flexible, it is lightweight, has low thermal conductivity with extremely high chemical corrosion and heat resistance.

-40°C to 120°C

Filled PP

Filled Polypropylenes

Increases rigidity of standard polypropylene

-10°C to 110°C