A new raised-temperature-resistant polyethylene (PE-RT) targeting under-floor heating and plumbing applications, Hostalen 4731B high-density PE from LyondellBasell (Rotterdam, Netherlands), has good long-term creep performance and thermal stability. This multimodal resin is a PE-RT type II material that meets ISO standard 24033 and can be used to process hot water pressure pipes.

Sweden’s Bodycote Materials Testing Institute conducted tests that simulated a 50-year service life at 70°C and showed the new grade exceeded the minimum requirements of type II materials in the most important application classes by more than 10%, based on ISO 10508 standards. With its creep resistance, the resin can be considered for use in solid-wall and aluminum composite pipes with a typical pressure of up to 10 bar at 70°C. “Hostalen 4731B provides performance without crosslinking, thereby offering a cost-effective alternative to a market traditionally dominated by XLPE,” says Hansjörg Nitz, LyondellBasell’s global pipe business development manager. The material is available in all regions except North America. —[email protected]