CPVC 4120 IM
Grade
ASTM D1784 Cell Class 23447
IM = injection-molding fitting compound
Lower-viscosity 23447 compound for thick-wall socket fittings and valve bodies; slightly lower notched impact than extrusion grade.
Values for the IM 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 |
IMThis page 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 |
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 IM?
CPVC 4120 IM is CPVC 4120 in the IM grade — lower-viscosity 23447 compound for thick-wall socket fittings and valve bodies; slightly lower notched impact than extrusion grade. CPVC 4120 IM 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 18% and the elastic modulus is 3 GPa (0.435 Msi). CPVC 4120 IM has a density of 1.53 g/cm³ (0.0553 lb/in³), heavier than 89% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 120°C (248 °F).
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 91/100, better than 87% 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
- Easy to machine — 75/100, better than 78% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Heavy — 1.53 g/cm³ (0.0553 lb/in³), worse than 89% of polymer grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.14 W/m·K (0.0809 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 81% of polymer grades
CPVC 4120 IM properties
Typical room-temperature values for CPVC 4120 IM; 25 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 IM has a density of 1.53 g/cm³ (0.0553 lb/in³), heavier than 89% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 120°C (248 °F).
Mechanical16
CPVC 4120 IM 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 18% and the elastic modulus is 3 GPa (0.435 Msi).
Thermal11
CPVC 4120 IM is rated for continuous service to 90°C (194 °F). It conducts heat at 0.14 W/m·K (0.0809 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 81% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 65 µm/m·K (36.1 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
CPVC 4120 IM 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 (91/100), better than 87% of polymer grades. UV resistance is fair.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of CPVC 4120 IM 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 IM's machinability is very good (75/100, better than 78% of polymer grades); weldability fair (50/100); formability poor (30/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with CPVC 4120 IM
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 IM — frequently asked
What is CPVC 4120 IM used for?
CPVC 4120 IM 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 IM?
CPVC 4120 IM 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 IM easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (75/100, better than 78% 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 IM be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (50/100). 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 IM?
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 IM 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 IM?
CPVC 4120 IM is rated for continuous use to about 90°C (194 °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.