Cross-linked Polyethylene

Cross-linked polyethylene, commonly abbreviated PEX or XLPE, is a form of polyethylene with cross-links. It is formed into tubing, and is used predominantly in building services pipework systems, hydronic radiant heating systems, domestic water piping and insulation for high tension (high voltage) electrical cables. It is also used for natural gas and offshore oil applications, chemical transportation, and transportation of sewage and slurries. Recently, it has become a viable alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) or copper tubing for use as residential water pipes. PEX tubing ranges in size from imperial sizes of 1/4-inch to 4-inch, but 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch are by far the most widely used. In metric PEX is normally available in 16 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm and 63 mm sizes.

Read more about Cross-linked Polyethylene:  Properties, Preparation Methods, PEX-AL-PEX, Pex Tool Kit