Influence of chlorinated water on mechanical properties of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride pipes

Abstract

Water chlorination is one of the most popular ways of disinfection used in potable water distribution systems. Nevertheless, chlorinated water does influence mechanical properties, structure and characteristics of the surface of plastic water pipes forming the system. This paper presents tests of HDPE and PVC water pipes in different ageing solutions of specific chlorine concentration, pH and CaCO 3 content and in different temperatures. Strength, structure and the chemical stability of samples were determined following different immersion periods in ageing solutions. Static tensile strength tests have not indicated any significant changes in the selected mechanical properties of either HDPE or PVC pipes samples. Infrared spectrometry tests of the chemical structure, however, showed changes in the tested samples indicating material degradation caused by chlorinated water.