0.4–0.49W/m·Ksourcebase material: high-density polyethylene family (INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA, Typical Engineering Properties of HDPE)
Thermal expansion
8–12µm/m·Ksourcetypical range for portland cement concrete (aggregate dependent)
120µm/m·Ksourcebase material: high-density polyethylene family (INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA, Typical Engineering Properties of HDPE)
100 mm part over a 50 °C swing
50µm growth12x less
600µm growth
Specific heat
900J/kg·Ksourcetypical (NIST guidance for thermal analysis)
2,250J/kg·Ksourcebase material: high-density polyethylene family (INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA, Typical Engineering Properties of HDPE)
Heats up and cools (diffusivity)
0.431mm²/s2.07x faster
0.208mm²/s
Thermal shock resistance
not sourced
56.9W/m
Max service temperature
65°Csourcecode long-term temperature limit (ASME Code, concrete containments)
not sourced
Values for
Normal-weight portland cement concrete, strength class f'c = 4000 psi (28 MPa) per NRMCA CIP 35; density NRMCA CIP 36; thermal conductivity USDA FPL Wood Handbook; service temperature ORNL/NRC review
LyondellBasell Hostalen 23050 B high density polyethylene, typical ISO values
Every value links to the document that states it. "Not sourced" means no citable source states it (or only a specification minimum); figures computed from it are left out too.
Questions
Which is lighter, Concrete or Plastic HDPE?
Plastic HDPE is lighter: 950 kg/m³ against 2,320 kg/m³ for Concrete.
Which conducts heat better, Concrete or Plastic HDPE?
Concrete conducts heat better: 0.9 W/m·K against 0.445 W/m·K for Plastic HDPE.
Which expands less with temperature?
Concrete expands less: 10 µm/m·K against 120 µm/m·K for Plastic HDPE.