Abstract
The effects caused by a paraphinic oil on the physicochemical behavior of high-density polyehtylene pipes were investigated, as a function of time and temperature. These effects were evaluated by thermogravimetric and gravimetric analysis and by FTIR. The gravimetric data were satisfactorily described using the Fick's law, and the FTIR results showed that no main structural modifications have occurred after exposure of the HDPE pipes to this oil. From the results obtained it was concluded that physical aging was occurring, since the chemical structure of the polymer was not altered.