PVC-M CPE
Additive grade · default condition
Pick the chlorinated-polyethylene impact-modified compound as the lowest-cost pressure and sewer pipe formulation; weathering is only moderate, so TiO₂ opacification is required.
Values for the CPE condition
Other PVC-M grades and fills
PVC-M is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at PVC-M.
Compare all 4 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CaCO₃-filled | Pick 5–15% ultrafine or activated CaCO₃ filling to cut cost and raise stiffness to 3.1 GPa; impact toughness and long-term hydrostatic strength fall, so avoid high-pressure potable water pipe. | 40 | 41 | 55 | 80 Shore D |
methyl methacrylate–butadiene–styrene modified (transparent grade) | Use MBS modification when transparent or translucent impact-resistant parts are needed — sight tubes, packaging sheet, bottles — accepting the weakest weathering, so indoor or short-term service only. | 43 | 45 | 110 | 76 Shore D |
CPEDefaultThis page chlorinated-polyethylene impact-modified general pressure-pipe grade (default) | Pick the chlorinated-polyethylene impact-modified compound as the lowest-cost pressure and sewer pipe formulation; weathering is only moderate, so TiO₂ opacification is required. | 44 | 47 | 100 | 78 Shore D |
ACR/AIM | Choose acrylic (ACR/AIM) impact modification for outdoor profiles and exposed pipework, where weathering and colour retention clearly beat CPE systems and melt plastication is steadier, at higher cost. | 46 | 48 | 95 | 80 Shore D |
What is PVC-M CPE?
PVC-M CPE is PVC-M in the CPE grade — pick the chlorinated-polyethylene impact-modified compound as the lowest-cost pressure and sewer pipe formulation; weathering is only moderate, so TiO₂ opacification is required. PVC-M CPE has a yield strength of 44 MPa (6.38 ksi) and a tensile strength of 47 MPa (6.82 ksi) — weaker than 60% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 100% and the elastic modulus is 2.7 GPa (0.392 Msi). PVC-M CPE has a density of 1.4 g/cm³ (0.0506 lb/in³), heavier than 79% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 78°C (172 °F).
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 4.5 MPa·√m (4.1 ksi·√in), better than 96% of polymer grades
- Low, predictable mold shrinkage — 0.3%, better than 90% of polymer grades
- Readily welded — 80/100, better than 86% of polymer grades
- Low embodied carbon — 2.8 kg CO₂/kg, better than 86% of polymer grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 90/100, better than 82% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 60°C (140 °F), worse than 87% of polymer grades
- Heavy — 1.4 g/cm³ (0.0506 lb/in³), worse than 79% of polymer grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.16 W/m·K (0.0924 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 78% of polymer grades
PVC-M CPE properties
Typical room-temperature values for PVC-M CPE; 26 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are PVC-M reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical5
PVC-M CPE has a density of 1.4 g/cm³ (0.0506 lb/in³), heavier than 79% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 78°C (172 °F).
Mechanical17
PVC-M CPE has a yield strength of 44 MPa (6.38 ksi) and a tensile strength of 47 MPa (6.82 ksi) — weaker than 60% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 100% and the elastic modulus is 2.7 GPa (0.392 Msi).
Thermal11
PVC-M CPE is rated for continuous service to 60°C (140 °F). It conducts heat at 0.16 W/m·K (0.0924 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 78% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 75 µm/m·K (41.7 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
PVC-M CPE is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 25 kV/mm (635 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹³ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is excellent (90/100), better than 82% of polymer grades. UV resistance is good.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PVC-M CPE takes about 68 MJ of energy and emits 2.8 kg of CO₂ — less than 94% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 5%.
Manufacturability7
PVC-M CPE's machinability is very good (78/100, better than 81% of polymer grades); weldability very good (80/100); formability good (60/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with PVC-M CPE
Is PVC-M easy to machine?
Use sharp positive-rake tools with high spindle speed, light feed, free chip clearance and air cooling. Avoid local overheating: above 200 °C the compound releases HCl, which corrodes tooling and machine surfaces.
Can PVC-M be welded?
Solvent cementing (PVC cement with primer) or socket joints are the preferred methods; hot-gas and hot-plate welding are possible but have a narrow temperature window. It cannot be welded to PE or PP, and open-flame heating is prohibited.
Can PVC-M be formed, bent or molded?
Extrude or injection mould at 180–205 °C melt with a 30–55 °C tool; twin-screw lines need good plastication at low shear. Sheet hot-bends at 100–140 °C and pipe ends can be heated for belling or socket forming.
What surface finishes work on PVC-M?
Screen printing, UV printing and solvent-based or acrylic paints all work once mould release is removed. It cannot be electroplated or anodised; long-term outdoor performance depends on TiO₂ and UV absorbers in the compound rather than on coatings.
PVC-M 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 (CPE / ACR / MBS)impact modifier; sets toughness class | 4 – 12 | 7 |
| heat stabilizer (Ca/Zn or organotin)lead-free system for potable water pipe | 0.8 – 3 | 1.8 |
| lubricant / processing aidinternal/external lubricant plus ACR processing aid | 0.8 – 2.5 | 1.5 |
| TiO2opacifying and weathering-resistant pigment | 0.5 – 4 | 1.5 |
| CaCO3 fillerraises stiffness and cuts cost in economy formulations | 0 – 15 | 3 |
| PVC resin (K value 65–67, SG-5/SG-6)PVC matrix | ≥ 80 (balance) | — |
PVC-M CPE — frequently asked
What is PVC-M CPE used for?
PVC-M CPE is typically used for pressure pipe, sewer/drainage pipe and impact-critical fittings. In short: impact-modified pressure PVC; tougher than plain PVC-U; simpler to process than PVC-O.
What is the yield strength of PVC-M CPE?
PVC-M CPE has a typical yield strength of 44 MPa (6.38 ksi) and a tensile strength of 47 MPa (6.82 ksi) — weaker than 60% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is PVC-M CPE easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (78/100, better than 81% of polymer grades). Use sharp positive-rake tools with high spindle speed, light feed, free chip clearance and air cooling. Avoid local overheating: above 200 °C the compound releases HCl, which corrodes tooling and machine surfaces.
Can PVC-M CPE be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (80/100). Solvent cementing (PVC cement with primer) or socket joints are the preferred methods; hot-gas and hot-plate welding are possible but have a narrow temperature window. It cannot be welded to PE or PP, and open-flame heating is prohibited.
What surface finishes work on PVC-M CPE?
Screen printing, UV printing and solvent-based or acrylic paints all work once mould release is removed. It cannot be electroplated or anodised; long-term outdoor performance depends on TiO₂ and UV absorbers in the compound rather than on coatings.
Can PVC-M CPE be formed, bent or molded?
Extrude or injection mould at 180–205 °C melt with a 30–55 °C tool; twin-screw lines need good plastication at low shear. Sheet hot-bends at 100–140 °C and pipe ends can be heated for belling or socket forming.
What is the maximum service temperature of PVC-M CPE?
PVC-M CPE is rated for continuous use to about 60°C (140 °F), and briefly to 70°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between PVC-M CPE and PVC-M CACO3?
CPE is the default condition — pick the chlorinated-polyethylene impact-modified compound as the lowest-cost pressure and sewer pipe formulation; weathering is only moderate, so TiO₂ opacification is required. CACO3: pick 5–15% ultrafine or activated CaCO₃ filling to cut cost and raise stiffness to 3.1 GPa; impact toughness and long-term hydrostatic strength fall, so avoid high-pressure potable water pipe. Yield strength is 44 MPa in CPE versus 40 MPa in CACO3.
Sources
- AS/NZS 4765 Modified PVC (PVC-M) pipes for pressure applications — Standards Australia/NZ (2017)
- EN 12201 / EN ISO 1452 Plastics piping systems for water supply — PVC-U/PVC-M — CEN (2016)
- ISO 306 / ISO 527 / ISO 178 test methods for rigid PVC — ISO (2019)
- ASM Engineered Materials Handbook Vol.2: Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
- CAMPUS plastics — rigid/impact-modified PVC datasheets — CWFG (2024)
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.