First I would suggest that you contact a reputable PE / PP supplier. I have had excellent experience with Borealis but there are many others. The main point is probably to get an HDPE that suits your processing method (extrusion)and that has the appropriate UV stabilisers for use outdoors. HDPE should work well as I know that decking is made in PE and works fine. According to Google you can use HDPE for fences and even recycled HDPE will work fine if you want to get rock bottom materials costs.
The MFI, UV stabiliser package and colour will all be critical. HDPE will not stand up without a good UV package.
As Demon3 says, contact a reputable supplier with a lot more details than you posted here, like processing method, design details, environment for use, consequence of failure.
Regards
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Pe is resistant to UV provided it has sufficinet carbon black dispersed in the resin. many pipelines in mines are just laid on the ground in Australian conditions.
That said PE100 from a reputable manufacturer can be relied upon. Some of the other grades have regrind content that could have had the stabilisers and dispersants burnt up in the first extrusion.
Carbon black protects the matrix but not the surface.
Degradation of the surface will result in a poor appearance (not a problem in mining applications) and micro-cracks at the surface which will reduce impact and fatigue strength. If the part is designed with enough reserve strength this may not be a problem.
The level of protection from carbon black depends on particle size, amount of carbon and quality of dispersion.
A UV stabiliser will protect the surface.
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Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
