What is the difference between HDPE and PVC?
1. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a low-cost and durable vinyl polymer used in construction projects, while high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum.
2. Polyvinyl chloride is the third most widely used plastic, while polyethylene, of which HDPE is the most widely used plastic.
3. PVC is amorphous, while HDPE is semi-crystalline.
4. Both are rugged, but their strengths are different, and they have different applications. PVC is heavier and stronger, while HDPE is harder, and more resistant to wear and heat.
5. HDPE tubes inhibit and absorb shock waves, thereby minimizing surges that can affect the system, while PVC does not.
6. HDPE is more suitable for low-pressure installation, while PVC is more suitable for direct buried and trenchless installation.
HDPE pipe vs pvc
In the more common HDPE pipe and PVC pipe, we use, we have always been unclear about the difference between the two. In addition to the use, connection method, etc., let’s understand their essence.
Plastic materials are very elastic and plastic. They can be molded, pressed, or cast into different shapes. They are mainly made from petroleum and natural gas, and there are two types of plastics – thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers.
While thermosetting polymers can only be melted and molded once, but remain solid once cooled, thermoplastics can be melted and molded repeatedly, and therefore can be recycled.
Thermoplastics can be used in containers, bottles, fuel tanks, folding tables and chairs, and sheds, and used to make plastic packaging bags, cable insulation, bulletproof panels, pool toys, upholstery, clothing, and plumbing systems.
There are several types of thermoplastics, and they are classified as amorphous or semi-crystalline. Two of them are PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is amorphous, and HDPE (high-density polyethylene), which is semi-crystalline, both of which are product polymers.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a cheap and durable vinyl polymer used in construction projects. It is the third most widely used plastic after polyethylene and polypropylene and is widely used in pipe production. It is lightweight and strong, making it ideal for above- and underground pipe applications. It is suitable for direct burial and trenchless installations because it is very strong.
On the other hand, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum. It has higher strength, is tougher, and can withstand high temperatures.
HDPE pipes are convenient for pre-buried underground pipes, and many cities in my country can use trenchless technology, the industry term is (PE jacking/drag pipe); they also have the best joint pressure resistance and also have better wear and heat resistance.
Both materials are strong and durable, but their strength and other aspects are different. For example, their design pressure pressure capacity is different.
To achieve the same pressure rating of PVC pipe, the HDPE pipe wall must be 2.5 times thicker than the PVC pipe.
