Overview
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.
Read this article from a comprehensive knowledge base, updated and supplemented with articles reviewed by scientific committees.
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
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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).
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