Pneumatics knowledge · Material

PE — Polyethylene

Polyethylene (LD-PE) is the lightweight, cost-effective all-rounder among pneumatic hose materials. Excellent chemical resistance, high impact strength and full recyclability make it the standard choice for control lines, measurement & control technology and laboratory applications.

LD-PE DOW™ LDPE 150E EC-recyclable

Material at a Glance

LD-PE (Low Density Polyethylene) is produced by high-pressure polymerization of ethylene. The branched molecular structure delivers low density (≈ 0.92 g/cm³), high flexibility and excellent processability. The material is physiologically harmless, odourless and recyclable per EC guidelines.

Strengths

Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, salt solutions
Very low weight (density ≈ 0.921 g/cm³)
High impact strength, also in cold
Odour- and taste-neutral
Economical, recyclable

Limitations

Narrow temperature range (−10 °C to +40 °C)
Lower pressure resistance than PA 12 or PUR
Limited resistance to hydrocarbons and oils
UV resistance only with black colouring

Technical Properties

Representative values based on DOW™ LDPE 150E — an extrusion-grade LD-PE typically used for the manufacture of pneumatic hoses in the low pressure range.

Property	Value	Unit	Test method
Density	0,921	g/cm³	ASTM D792
Melt index (190 °C / 2.16 kg)	0,25	g/10 min	ISO 1133
Vicat softening temperature	96	°C	ASTM D1525
Tensile strength (MD, break)	21,0	MPa	ISO 527-3
Tensile strength (TD, break)	20,5	MPa	ISO 527-3
Elongation at break (MD)	470	%	ASTM D882
Elongation at break (TD)	530	%	ASTM D882
Dart drop impact	430	g	ISO 7765-1/A
Tear resistance (Elmendorf, MD)	270	g	ASTM D1922
Recommended hose temperature range	−10 / +40	°C	—

Note: The values are typical properties of the raw material DOW™ LDPE 150E and not a specification of the finished product. The properties of the finished hose depend on wall thickness, processing parameters and geometry.

Typical Applications

Measurement, control & instrumentation

PE hoses are the standard solution for control air lines in I&C applications. Low wall friction and excellent chemical resistance ensure a long service life, even with changing media.

Laboratory & analytics

In the laboratory, PE excels with resistance to most acids, alkalis and salt solutions — odour-neutral and free of plasticizer migration.

Water & low-pressure applications

For drinking and process water, low-pressure air and rinsing applications, PE is the most economical choice. EC-compliant recyclability supports sustainable procurement strategies.

When PE is the right choice: low pressure, ambient temperature, chemically aggressive media (acids/alkalis), low-weight and low-cost requirements.

PE in Comparison

When does it make sense to switch to a different material?

Requirement	Better alternative
Higher pressures (> 10 bar)	PA 12 PHL / PUR
Higher temperatures (> 40 °C)	PA 12 PHL
Oil and fuel contact	PA 12 / PUR

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Note on the use of this wiki The content in this wiki is provided for general orientation and knowledge transfer only. It is based on datasheets from our raw material suppliers and on practical experience and does not constitute warranted properties, a specification or legally binding advice. Binding values, tolerances, declarations of conformity and suitability recommendations for a specific application are provided exclusively on the basis of a written enquiry and the respective agreed product specification. We assume no liability for the correctness, completeness or timeliness of the information shown here.

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