EPiC database - Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pipe

This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach. Polyethylene (PE) is the most common plastic and is a thermoplastic polymer. It has low strength and rigidity buy high impact strength and ductility and low friction. It is highly waterproof. PE is produced by polymerising ethylene monomers using different catalysts (typically metal chlorides or metal oxides). Different densities can be obtained with different properties. Multiple additives are also used to obtain different grades and properties of PE. PE is thermoformed into moulds or extruded. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is generally cheaper than HDPE. LDPE pipes are usually used for lower pressure systems and are typically smaller than HDPE pipes.