Colors and Additives for Pipes and Conduits

Traditional materials used in manufacturing pipe and conduits such as ceramics, concrete and metals are being increasingly replaced by pipes and conduits made from plastics, which are lighter weight, less expensive and easier to use. Plastic pipes used for transportation of liquids and gases are predominantly made from polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene or polyvinyl chloride. Depending on their final application, plastic pipes require different processing, thermal and light stability as well as coloration. Ciba has developed a variety of specific stabilizer systems for pipe as well as pipe related applications. These full spectrum systems take into account the performance of a pipe in service, and also include considerations of coloration and color code regulations, storage and weatherabillity as well as processing stability and productivity for the polymer producer and pipe manufacturer.

Conduits

Major applications for conduits include carrier and protection systems for electric or optical cables, ventilation ducts in residential housing and industrial buildings, and in the construction and telecommunication industries. Plastic materials used in conduit applications predominantly are PP, HDPE and PVC. Ciba has developed a variety of stabilization and coloration systems for these applications as well as for metal deactivation and antistatic effects. More...

Fittings

Fittings are critical for piping systems to ensure secure long lasting jointing systems and a maintenance free service life. Traditionally, HDPE resins are used for most fitting applications. However, in specific cases PP or PA are sometimes used. More...

Hot Water and Sanitary Pipe

The use of plastic pipes for cold water distribution has increased over the last 40 years. However, traditional piping materials such as copper and steel have kept their dominant position for hot water applications because of the extreme performance requirements of such installations. The hot water market was finally opened for plastic pipes with the development of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), and with the subsequent introduction of random polypropylene (r-PP), which continues to find broad market acceptance for hot water applications throughout the world. More...

Pressure Pipe

The expected lifetime of pressure pipes in use is roughly 50 years. However, it is commonly accepted in the industry that a well designed and manufactured HDPE/MDPE pressure pipe for water and other fluids would last as long as 100 years without failures under standard use conditions. Meeting such expectations requires highly engineered pipe resins, and proven and efficient solutions for the stabilization and coloration throughout the life cycle of the application. More...

Sewage Pipe

Traditionally used materials for underground drainage and sewage pipes such as clay, concrete or even iron still hold a significant market share. Over the last two decades, however, plastic pipes offering many performance and installation advantages have entered this important market segment. Today, many projects use HDPE, PP and PVC materials in smooth walled as well as corrugated wall structures. More...

Steel Pipe Coating

Traditionally, HDPE resins are used for such applications. However, PP is increasingly being used for coating films that require higher operating temperatures. More...

Ciba offers tailored solutions for your needs in plastic building materials using innovative colors and additives for pipes and conduits as well as for many other end uses such as roofing, architectural glazing, profiles, siding, flooring, wood replacements, geomembranes, insulation, decorative foils and public seating. If you do not find your application here, contact us about your specific needs.