Polybutylene plastic resins are flexible, linear polyolefins offering a unique combination of properties. They are produced from 1-butene as homopolymers and as copolymers with ethylene. Some of their important characteristics are: excellent resistance to creep at room and elevated temperatures; good toughness (high-impact strength, high tear strength, high puncture resistance); and exceptional resistance to environmental stress cracking. Other important advantages include good moisture barrier properties, excellent electrical insulation characteristics, and resistance to most chemical environments.

Applications: Most important commercial application for this plastic is in plumbing pipe for residential and commercial use. Large-diameter polybutylene pipe is used for transporting abrasive fluids. The material’s abrasion resistance also is put to use in sheet form for vessel and chute linings