PE-RT
ASTM F2769 · GB GB/T 28799 · ISO 22391
PE-RT is an octene-comonomer polyethylene with a controlled crystalline structure that provides elevated-temperature pressure resistance without cross-linking, supplied to ASTM F2769 and GB/T 28799 as Type I and Type II resins, with UV-black, EVOH oxygen-barrier and aluminium-composite pipe constructions.
Reference datasheet — PE-RT is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the TYPE-I condition
PE-RT grades and fills
PE-RT is supplied in 6 conditions, soft to hard. TYPE-I is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 6 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TYPE-IDefault PE-RT Type I | Default for underfloor heating loops and general hot and cold water lines: soft, easy to coil and with a wide processing window, rated for 70 °C long-term service. | 18 | 24 | 750 | 56 Shore D |
PE-RT with EVOH oxygen-barrier layer | Use in closed heating and underfloor systems that must stop oxygen diffusion and the resulting corrosion of metal components, meeting DIN 4726; the multilayer wall is rated to 70 °C. | 18 | 23 | 550 | 57 Shore D |
PE-RT black / UV-stabilized | Choose for outdoor, buried or sun-exposed pipe and fittings, where the ≥2 % carbon black loading gives UV-ageing resistance; the black pigment rules out colour coding of circuits. | 19 | 25 | 700 | 58 Shore D |
Heat-stabilized / chlorine-resistant grade | Choose for hot-water systems with high residual chlorine or disinfectant, where the high-antioxidant package extends pipe life per ASTM F2769 / NSF chlorine class up to 80 °C. | 19 | 25 | 700 | 58 Shore D |
PE-RT Type II | Choose the high-density bimodal resin when higher design stress, thinner walls or 70–80 °C continuous service is needed, as in large-diameter hot water and heating mains; less flexible. | 21 | 28 | 700 | 61 Shore D |
PE-RT/Al/PE-RT aluminium-composite pipe compound | Pick for surface-mounted hot-water and underfloor runs needing bend-and-hold shaping, zero oxygen permeation and low linear expansion; the aluminium core raises modulus to 3.5 GPa. | 30 | 50 | 25 | 60 Shore D |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways PE-RT is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
FDA | Potable-water / food-contact certified grade | Certification |
What is PE-RT?
PE-RT is an octene-comonomer polyethylene with a controlled crystalline structure that provides elevated-temperature pressure resistance without cross-linking, supplied to ASTM F2769 and GB/T 28799 as Type I and Type II resins, with UV-black, EVOH oxygen-barrier and aluminium-composite pipe constructions. Engineers choose it because it fuses like ordinary PE (butt, socket, electrofusion) unlike PEX, and it is coilable for fast installation; density 0.935 g/cm3, 18 MPa yield, 24 MPa tensile, 750% elongation, Shore D 56, service to 70 C. Above that temperature, or where higher long-term pressure at temperature is required, PEX-a is the nearest alternative. PE-RT has a density of 0.94 g/cm³ (0.0338 lb/in³), lighter than 77% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -110°C (-166 °F). PE-RT has a yield strength of 18 MPa (2.61 ksi) and a tensile strength of 24 MPa (3.48 ksi) — weaker than 82% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 750% and the elastic modulus is 0.8 GPa (0.116 Msi).
What is PE-RT used for?
- radiant floor heating pipe
- hot water plumbing pipe
- district heating supply pipe
Advantages
- Readily welded — 96/100, better than 100% of polymer grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 750%, better than 99% of polymer grades
- Forms and bends easily — 92/100, better than 97% of polymer grades
- Low moisture uptake — 0.01%, better than 97% of polymer grades
- Low embodied carbon — 2.1 kg CO₂/kg, better than 94% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 18 MPa (2.61 ksi), worse than 82% of polymer grades
- Hard to polish — 30/100, worse than 82% of polymer grades
- High mold shrinkage — 2%, worse than 81% of polymer grades
- Limited service temperature — 70°C (158 °F), worse than 77% of polymer grades
- Degrades in UV without stabilisers — 25/100, worse than 76% of polymer grades
PE-RT properties
Typical room-temperature values for PE-RT-TYPE-I; bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical5
PE-RT has a density of 0.94 g/cm³ (0.0338 lb/in³), lighter than 77% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is -110°C (-166 °F).
Mechanical15
PE-RT has a yield strength of 18 MPa (2.61 ksi) and a tensile strength of 24 MPa (3.48 ksi) — weaker than 82% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 750% and the elastic modulus is 0.8 GPa (0.116 Msi).
Thermal11
PE-RT is rated for continuous service to 70°C (158 °F). It conducts heat at 0.4 W/m·K (0.231 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 93% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 180 µm/m·K (100 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
PE-RT is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 22 kV/mm (558.8 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (92/100), better than 91% of polymer grades. UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PE-RT takes about 80 MJ of energy and emits 2.1 kg of CO₂ — less than 85% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability8
PE-RT's machinability is good (55/100, worse than 64% of polymer grades); weldability excellent (96/100); formability excellent (92/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the polymer family
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade FabDigit runs. PE-RT is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with PE-RT
Is PE-RT easy to machine?
Turning, milling and drilling are possible, but the material is soft with high elastic recovery: use sharp high positive-rake tools, high speed, light feed and air blast for chips, and allow for clamping distortion and more than 2% post-machining spring-back.
Can PE-RT be welded?
Butt fusion, socket fusion, electrofusion and hot-air extrusion welding all apply at roughly 200-230 C, which is the core advantage over PEX. Type I and Type II and other PE pipe can in principle be fused together, but qualify the procedure first.
Can PE-RT be formed, bent or molded?
Single-screw pipe extrusion at 200-230 C melt with vacuum sizing and water cooling, or injection-moulded fittings at 20-50 C mould temperature with 1.5-3% shrinkage. Cold bend radius down to 5xD; allow for creep under sustained high temperature.
PE-RT 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1-octene (comonomer)some grades use 1-hexene; SCB distribution forms tie molecules | 2 – 8 | 4 |
| antioxidant / heat stabilizerhindered phenol plus phosphite blend | 0.1 – 0.6 | 0.3 |
| carbon black ( / )outdoor/black compounds only | 2 – 2.6 | 2.3 |
| pigmentwhite/orange/red masterbatch | 0 – 2 | 0.5 |
| ethylenebackbone monomer unit | ≥ 92 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on PE-RT?
Low surface energy (about 31 mN/m) means corona or flame treatment before printing, bonding or coating. No protective coating is required; marking is normally ink-jet coding plus co-extruded colour stripes.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to PE-RT in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- ASTM
- F2769
- ISO
- 22391
- GB (China)
- GB/T 28799
How much does PE-RT cost?
PE-RT is a standard-cost polymer ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
PE-RT — frequently asked
What is PE-RT used for?
PE-RT is typically used for radiant floor heating pipe, hot water plumbing pipe and district heating supply pipe. In short: fusion-weldable PEX alternative; hot-water rated polyethylene; coilable, 5xD cold bend.
What is the yield strength of PE-RT?
PE-RT has a typical yield strength of 18 MPa (2.61 ksi) and a tensile strength of 24 MPa (3.48 ksi) — weaker than 82% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is PE-RT easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (55/100, worse than 64% of polymer grades). Turning, milling and drilling are possible, but the material is soft with high elastic recovery: use sharp high positive-rake tools, high speed, light feed and air blast for chips, and allow for clamping distortion and more than 2% post-machining spring-back.
Can PE-RT be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (96/100). Butt fusion, socket fusion, electrofusion and hot-air extrusion welding all apply at roughly 200-230 C, which is the core advantage over PEX. Type I and Type II and other PE pipe can in principle be fused together, but qualify the procedure first.
What surface finishes work on PE-RT?
Low surface energy (about 31 mN/m) means corona or flame treatment before printing, bonding or coating. No protective coating is required; marking is normally ink-jet coding plus co-extruded colour stripes.
Can PE-RT be formed, bent or molded?
Single-screw pipe extrusion at 200-230 C melt with vacuum sizing and water cooling, or injection-moulded fittings at 20-50 C mould temperature with 1.5-3% shrinkage. Cold bend radius down to 5xD; allow for creep under sustained high temperature.
What is the maximum service temperature of PE-RT?
PE-RT is rated for continuous use to about 70°C (158 °F), and briefly to 95°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between PE-RT TYPE-I and PE-RT AL-COMP?
TYPE-I is the default condition — default for underfloor heating loops and general hot and cold water lines: soft, easy to coil and with a wide processing window, rated for 70 °C long-term service. AL-COMP: pick for surface-mounted hot-water and underfloor runs needing bend-and-hold shaping, zero oxygen permeation and low linear expansion; the aluminium core raises modulus to 3.5 GPa. Yield strength is 18 MPa in TYPE-I versus 30 MPa in AL-COMP.
How much does PE-RT cost?
PE-RT is a standard-cost polymer ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ISO 22391-1/-2 Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water — Polyethylene of raised temperature resistance (PE-RT) — ISO (2009)
- ASTM F2769 Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Plastic Hot- and Cold-Water Tubing and Distribution Systems — ASTM (2022)
- PE-RT pipe resin technical datasheets (Dow DOWLEX / SK Chemicals / LG Chem / PE-RT) (2024)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol.2 — Engineering Plastics (Polyethylene section) — ASM International (1988)
- CAMPUS plastics database — PE-RT / HDPE pipe grades — CWFG (2024)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.