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ABSTRACT
High-density polyethylene is a widely used material in France and throughout the world. Due to its constantly improving intrinsic properties through the development of new production processes it has become essential in a wide range of applications. Such applications range from milk bottles to reusable plastic bags, including fuel tanks and pipes. This last application, less well-known as it is less visible, focuses on conveying drinking water and gas via pipes mainly composed of these types of polymers. As the life cycle of the high-density polymer is estimated to be of more than 50 years it is of major interest to use it in replacement of more traditional materials.
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Read the articleAUTHOR
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Christian PENU: Engineer EEIGM (École Européenne d'Ingénieurs en Génie des Matériaux) – Doctorate in process engineering INPL (Institut National Polytechnique de Lorraine) - Technical assistance and development PE pipe, blow moulding & rotomoulding – Polyolefins – Total Petrochemicals
INTRODUCTION
By volume, polyolefins account for around two-thirds of the world's thermoplastic polymer production. This family comprises various types of polypropylene and polyethylene. These include high-density polyethylene, which is widely used in France and around the world.
Since its discovery in the 1960s, high-density polyethylene has established itself in numerous applications thanks to its intrinsic properties, which are constantly being improved by the development of new manufacturing processes.
Today, when you buy a bottle of milk, a reusable plastic bag, a bottle of shampoo or a jug of washing powder, chances are they're made from high-density polyethylene.
Other more specific applications include fuel tanks, which offer a number of advantages over older steel tanks, including greater safety, optimum space utilization and weight savings. Today, the vast majority of automotive fuel tanks manufactured in Europe are made of high-density polyethylene.
Another lesser-known, and therefore less visible, sector is that of drinking water and gas distribution, which is largely carried out in high-density polyethylene pipes. With an estimated lifespan of over 50 years and ease of installation, these pipes have in some cases replaced more traditional materials such as ductile cast iron or concrete.
Last but not least, large containers for storing fuel oil or rainwater are manufactured by extrusion blow-molding or rotational molding.
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High-density polyethylene PE-HD
Definitions
Bibliography
- (1) - PEACOCK (J.A.) - Handbook of Polyethylene – Structure, properties & applications. - MARCEL DEKKER INC. (2000).
- (2) - GRANN-MEYER (E.) - Polyethylene Pipes in applied engineering – Handbook. - TOTAL (2005).
Also...
Standards and norms
• The two main control standards (§ 3.1) used to distinguish the different grades of PE-HD according to their density and melt flow rate at 190 ˚C (MFR) are:
- Plastics – Methods for determining the density of cellular plastics – Part 1: Immersion method, liquid pycnometer method and titration method - NF EN ISO 1183-1 - 2004
- Plastics – Determination of the melt flow rate (MFR) and melt...
Regulations
NF 388 mark – Plastic tanks used for unburied storage of domestic heating oil in premises.
NF 114 mark – Polyethylene pipes for combustible gas distribution networks, drinking water distribution networks, irrigation and industrial applications, non-drinking water and pressurized wastewater systems.
Directory
Applied Market Information LTD (AMI)
Chem Systems PPE Program (CMAI)
Petrochemical Market Dynamics Polyolefins. Report, july 2010
Borealis...
Statistical and economic data
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European market
Aside from the impact of the 2009 crisis, PE-HD production in Europe will continue to decline as a result of the announced closure of certain production units. Western Europe continues to export mainly to Central European countries such as Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic and Poland, the latter receiving the largest volume. Outside the...
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