STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF PIPE MADE FROM CROSS-LINKED POLYETHYLENE AND POLYBUTYLENE

In an earlier report the suitability of polyolefins for use as materials for plastics pipe was discussed in detail and the conclusion was drawn that polybutylene (PB) and cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X) are the preferable materials for water and heating pipe. It, thus, appears plausible to test the properties of commercial PB and PE-X pipe applying equal performance requirements. Such a study was concentrated on oxidation damage to PB and PE-X pipes within range III of the failure curves. The report deals with the physical properties of commercial PB and PE-X pipes.