Plexar® Adhesive Resins for Composite Pipe Applications
Composite pipe (multi-layer pipe, MLP) applications based on cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) and containing aluminum or ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) as barrier layers require high performance adhesive layers.
Composite pipe (multi-layer pipe) has been used in residential plumbing and radiant heating applications for over two decades, and continues to grow in acceptance globally. Applications for radiant heating include residential interiors (kitchens, bathrooms, workshops) residential exteriors or semi-exteriors (garages, indoor/outdoor rooms, sun-rooms, deck/patios, driveways-snow/ice removal), commercial indoor applications (fitness clubs, running tracks, tennis/basketball/racquetball courts) commercial exterior or semi-exterior applications (football/soccer fields, greenhouses, seedbeds, snow/ice removal for driveway/sidewalks for hospitals, car washes and loading zones).
Polyethylene crosslinking technologies include PEX-A - peroxide crosslinking, PEX-B - silane crosslinking and PEX-C - irradiation mechanism.
Crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) is non-corrosive, elastic, resistant to stress fracturing, abrasion-proof, and is resistant to chemicals. Aluminum (Al) provides minimal linear thermal expansion, resistant to high temperature and pressure, dimensionally stable, and oxygen-tight.
The combination of crosslinked polyethylene and aluminum provides many advantages including:
- Extremely flexible & dimensionally stable
- Fast & easy installation with fewer connections
- Smooth inner walls
- Neutral in contact with drinking water, DVGW registered
- Resistant to corrosive media
- Excellent insulation against cold and heat
- Easy to install
- Resistance to freeze damage
- Excellent long-term performance
- Compression proof
The leading market is in Europe where composite pipe it is the first choice for all new housing projects and domestic and industrial schemes.
Typical composite/multi-layer pipe construction is five layers: PE(X) (outside) / adhesive / Aluminum or EVOH / adhesive / PEX (inside). The manufacturing processes are typically cross-head extrusions in tandem or cross-head co-extrusions. Composite pipe technologies vary and include Unicor/Kitec, SwissCab, Maillefer (previously Nextrom) and Kuhne.
Equistar offers specific Plexar 3000 and 5000 Series tie-layer products for composite pipe applications that provide superior adhesion performance in the most demanding end-use areas (elevated temperatures, thermo-cycling conditions). Equistar offers precise Plexar resins for composite pipe that are highly engineered and specifically designed for either aluminum or EVOH barrier applications. Plexar resins are marketed and available globally. Contact us regarding your specific country or region.
In order to meet specific and precise application needs in composite pipe applications for material property or end-use performance, Equistar is prepared to develop customized versions of Plexar products. Additionally, Equistar works diligently with certification agencies throughout the EU (European Union) to ensure compliance and assist in testing of Plexar adhesive resins. Contact us to discuss your particular needs.
General product information