Polybutene-1 in Piping Systems

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	Introducing Polybutene-1 in Piping Systems Polybutene-1 was discovered in 1954 by the research team of Prof. Giulio Natta, the 1963 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry. The first industrial production and the introduction into flexible pressure piping systems started in Europe in the mid 1960’s. The development of new applications and markets occurred during the 1970’s and 1980’s. Continuous research and development has resulted in sophisticated design of pipe system components and improved manufacturing technology with optimised material characteristics. Polybutene-1 piping systems developed and specified by engineering firms and pipe producers have demonstrated their exceptional performance in a variety of demanding long-term applications and have found broad acceptance amongst engineers, architects, planners, building contractors, installers and homeowners. In the past, plastic pipe materials have had an unjustified image problem, often being considered to be commodity products such as plastic packaging or other single use consumer applications. This perception is changing and Polybutene-1 in particular is being recognised as a high-tech engineering material. Pipe systems made from Polybutene-1 have become a vital part of modern building technology. They lead the way to sustainable buildings, offering a best in class ecology profile, facilitating and promoting energy-efficient constructions. In this respect, Polybutene-1 pipe systems outperform alternative systems made from traditional plumbing and heating materials, without making any concessions on quality.