CPVC 4120 FR-5VA
Flame-retardant grade
ASTM D1784 Cell Class 23447
FR-5VA = low smoke / plenum-rated flame-retardant compound
Use where UL 94 5VA and ASTM E84 25/50 flame-spread/smoke performance is mandated (plenum spaces, electrical duct).
Values for the FR-5VA condition
Other CPVC 4120 grades and fills
CPVC 4120 is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at CPVC 4120.
Compare all 6 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Impact-modified CPVC | Elevated acrylic/MBS modifier loading for cold-climate installation, thin-wall tube and drop-impact-critical parts. | 44 | 48 | 45 | 78 Shore D |
Injection-molding fitting compound | Lower-viscosity 23447 compound for thick-wall socket fittings and valve bodies; slightly lower notched impact than extrusion grade. | 51 | 54 | 18 | 81 Shore D |
FR-5VAThis page Low smoke / plenum-rated flame-retardant compound | Use where UL 94 5VA and ASTM E84 25/50 flame-spread/smoke performance is mandated (plenum spaces, electrical duct). | 51 | 54 | 20 | 83 Shore D |
UV-stabilized / outdoor-exposure compound | TiO₂-loaded, UV-stabilized version for exposed above-ground piping; still recommended to be painted with light-colored latex. | 52 | 55 | 24 | 82 Shore D |
Industrial Schedule 80 pipe/duct compound | Higher-temperature industrial process piping, chemical drain and corrosive fume duct up to 93–100 °C. | 53 | 56 | 24 | 83 Shore D |
20 % glass-fiber reinforced CPVC | Choose for rigid ducting, pump/valve components and supports needing higher stiffness, creep resistance and lower CTE. | — | 75 | 3 | 85 Shore D |
What is CPVC 4120 FR-5VA?
CPVC 4120 FR-5VA is CPVC 4120 in the FR-5VA grade — use where UL 94 5VA and ASTM E84 25/50 flame-spread/smoke performance is mandated (plenum spaces, electrical duct). CPVC 4120 FR-5VA has a yield strength of 51 MPa (7.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 54 MPa (7.83 ksi) — stronger than 54% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 3.2 GPa (0.464 Msi). CPVC 4120 FR-5VA has a density of 1.56 g/cm³ (0.0564 lb/in³), heavier than 91% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 120°C (248 °F).
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 92/100, better than 91% of polymer grades
- Low moisture uptake — 0.04%, better than 86% of polymer grades
- Low embodied carbon — 2.9 kg CO₂/kg, better than 85% of polymer grades
- Low, predictable mold shrinkage — 0.4%, better than 82% of polymer grades
- Stiff — 3.2 GPa (0.464 Msi), better than 77% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Heavy — 1.56 g/cm³ (0.0564 lb/in³), worse than 91% of polymer grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.15 W/m·K (0.0867 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of polymer grades
CPVC 4120 FR-5VA properties
Typical room-temperature values for CPVC 4120 FR-5VA; 26 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are CPVC 4120 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical5
CPVC 4120 FR-5VA has a density of 1.56 g/cm³ (0.0564 lb/in³), heavier than 91% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 120°C (248 °F).
Mechanical16
CPVC 4120 FR-5VA has a yield strength of 51 MPa (7.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 54 MPa (7.83 ksi) — stronger than 54% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 3.2 GPa (0.464 Msi).
Thermal11
CPVC 4120 FR-5VA is rated for continuous service to 93°C (199 °F). It conducts heat at 0.15 W/m·K (0.0867 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 65 µm/m·K (36.1 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
CPVC 4120 FR-5VA is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 22 kV/mm (558.8 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹³ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (92/100), better than 91% of polymer grades. UV resistance is fair.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of CPVC 4120 FR-5VA takes about 72 MJ of energy and emits 2.9 kg of CO₂ — less than 93% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 2%.
Manufacturability7
CPVC 4120 FR-5VA's machinability is very good (72/100, better than 76% of polymer grades); weldability fair (48/100); formability poor (28/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with CPVC 4120 FR-5VA
Is CPVC 4120 easy to machine?
Machines easily with sharp, high-rake carbide or HSS tools at moderate speed and generous chip clearance; use air or water-soluble coolant (no petroleum cutting oils) and avoid frictional heat that causes local degradation/HCl release.
Can CPVC 4120 be welded?
Joined mainly by two-step CPVC primer + solvent cement (ASTM F493) or threaded/flanged connections; hot-gas and hot-plate welding with CPVC rod work for sheet/duct but never use PVC cement or PVC rod.
Can CPVC 4120 be formed, bent or molded?
Extrude/mold at 185–215 °C melt with corrosion-resistant (Hastelloy/nitrided) screws and dies, no dead spots, and purge with PE at shutdown; sheet thermoforms at 130–155 °C, cold bending is not recommended.
What surface finishes work on CPVC 4120?
Solvent-wipe and paint with light-colored acrylic/latex for outdoor UV protection; can be printed, ultrasonically inserted or mechanically fastened — do not use plasticized vinyl tape, ammonia-based sealants or aggressive solvent cleaners on the surface.
CPVC 4120 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| impact modifier (acrylic / MBS / CPE)sets Izod cell digit | 3 – 9 | 6 |
| organotin heat stabilizermethyl/butyl tin mercaptide; potable-water compliant | 1.5 – 3.5 | 2.5 |
| lubricants (oxidized PE, paraffin wax, cinternal + external lubrication for fusion control | 1 – 3 | 2 |
| processing aid (acrylic) | 0.5 – 2 | 1 |
| titanium dioxide / pigmenttan (CTS), orange (sprinkler), gray (Sch 80) | 1 – 5 | 2 |
| antimony trioxide / smoke suppressant (oonly in 5VA / low-smoke variants | 0 – 3 | 0 |
| CPVC resin (chlorinated poly(vinyl chlorbase resin per ASTM D1784 cell 2 (CPVC) | ≥ 80 (balance) | — |
CPVC 4120 FR-5VA — frequently asked
What is CPVC 4120 FR-5VA used for?
CPVC 4120 FR-5VA is typically used for hot & cold water piping, fire sprinkler systems and industrial process piping. In short: hot-water rated rigid vinyl; 93 °C service temperature; sprinkler-listed piping compound.
What is the yield strength of CPVC 4120 FR-5VA?
CPVC 4120 FR-5VA has a typical yield strength of 51 MPa (7.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 54 MPa (7.83 ksi) — stronger than 54% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is CPVC 4120 FR-5VA easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (72/100, better than 76% of polymer grades). Machines easily with sharp, high-rake carbide or HSS tools at moderate speed and generous chip clearance; use air or water-soluble coolant (no petroleum cutting oils) and avoid frictional heat that causes local degradation/HCl release.
Can CPVC 4120 FR-5VA be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (48/100). Joined mainly by two-step CPVC primer + solvent cement (ASTM F493) or threaded/flanged connections; hot-gas and hot-plate welding with CPVC rod work for sheet/duct but never use PVC cement or PVC rod.
What surface finishes work on CPVC 4120 FR-5VA?
Solvent-wipe and paint with light-colored acrylic/latex for outdoor UV protection; can be printed, ultrasonically inserted or mechanically fastened — do not use plasticized vinyl tape, ammonia-based sealants or aggressive solvent cleaners on the surface.
Can CPVC 4120 FR-5VA be formed, bent or molded?
Extrude/mold at 185–215 °C melt with corrosion-resistant (Hastelloy/nitrided) screws and dies, no dead spots, and purge with PE at shutdown; sheet thermoforms at 130–155 °C, cold bending is not recommended.
What is the maximum service temperature of CPVC 4120 FR-5VA?
CPVC 4120 FR-5VA is rated for continuous use to about 93°C (199 °F), and briefly to 105°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ASTM D1784 — Rigid PVC and CPVC Compounds (cell classification) — ASTM International (2020)
- ASTM D2846 / F441 / F442 — CPVC CTS and Schedule 40/80 pipe and tubing — ASTM International (2021)
- NSF/ANSI 61 & 14 — Drinking Water System Components / Plastic Piping System Components — NSF International (2023)
- TempRite CPVC pipe and fittings compound property data — Lubrizol Advanced Materials (2023)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2: Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
- PPI TR-21 Thermal Expansion and Contraction of Plastic Pipe — Plastics Pipe Institute (2019)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.