Materials database

Low-density polyethylene — branched chain structure gives flexibility, transparency, and easy processing. THE film/packaging polymer: cling wrap, carrier bags, squeeze bottles, shrink wrap. Also used for cable insulation, agricultural film, and coatings. Lower density (0.91-0.93) and strength than PE-HD but much more flexible.

Linear low-density polyethylene — short-chain branching via copolymerization with alpha-olefins (butene, hexene, octene). Better puncture resistance, tear strength, and seal strength than PE-LD at same density. THE modern stretch wrap and food packaging film. Also used for agricultural film, liners, bags, and blown film. Largely replacing PE-LD in film applications.

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene — the highest impact-strength thermoplastic. Molecular weight 2-6 million g/mol. Self-lubricating, extremely wear-resistant (15x better than carbon steel), and chemically inert. Used for hip/knee implant bearings, conveyor guides, dock fenders, chute liners, food processing equipment, and ballistic armor (Dyneema/Spectra fiber form).

Polyetheretherketone — the premium engineering thermoplastic. Exceptional mechanical properties maintained to 260°C continuous use. Resistant to virtually all organic solvents and acids. Biocompatible (ASTM F2026). Used as metal replacement in aerospace, automotive engine parts, medical implants (spinal cages), semiconductor wafer handling, and oil/gas downhole seals.

PEEK with 30% short carbon fiber — the stiffest and strongest injection-moldable thermoplastic compound available. E-Mod ~24 GPa (vs 11 GPa GF30, 4.1 unfilled). UTS ~212 MPa. Electrically conductive (antistatic/EMI shielding). Outstanding wear/friction properties. Trade names: Victrex 450CA30, TECAPEEK CF30 (Ensinger), KetaSpire CF30 (Solvay). Used for semiconductor wafer handling, bearing cages, compressor components, and metal-replacement structural parts.

PEEK with 30% short glass fiber reinforcement. Dramatically increased stiffness (E-Mod 11 GPa vs 4.1 unfilled) and strength (UTS 160 vs 100 MPa) with reduced elongation and creep. Maintains PEEK's chemical resistance and high-temp capability (continuous 250°C). Trade names: Victrex 450GL30, TECAPEEK GF30 (Ensinger), KetaSpire GF30 (Solvay). Used for structural brackets, pump housings, valve seats, bearing cages, and semiconductor wafer handling where higher stiffness than unfilled PEEK is needed.

Polyetherimide — high-performance amorphous thermoplastic. Similar properties to PEEK at lower cost but lower impact strength and use temp. Transparent amber color. Tg 217°C, inherent flame resistance (UL94 V-0 at 0.4mm), very low smoke. Hydrolytically stable (2000+ autoclave cycles). Trade name Ultem (SABIC). Used for aerospace interior panels, medical sterilizable devices, electrical insulators, semiconductor handling, and 3D-print build plates.

Polyetherimide with 30% glass fiber — Ultem 2300 (SABIC). 2x the stiffness of unfilled PEI (E-Mod 9.5 vs 3.3 GPa) with UTS ~155 MPa. Retains PEI's inherent flame retardance (V-0), chemical resistance, and high Tg (217°C). Reduced elongation (3% vs 60% unfilled). Used for structural aircraft interior brackets, electrical connector housings, under-hood automotive, and medical device components requiring rigidity + flame retardance.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (semi-crystalline stock shape) — combines the stiffness of POM with the wear resistance of PA, without centerline porosity or moisture sensitivity. Excellent dimensional stability, low friction, very low water absorption (~0.1%). Better creep resistance than POM or PA. Widely known from bottles/packaging, but engineering PET-P is semi-crystalline and much stiffer. Trade names include Ertalyte (MCAM), Arnite (DSM), Rynite (DuPont, GF grades). Used for precision bearings in water, gears, slide elements, pump parts, and electrical insulators.

Polyimide — THE extreme-temperature polymer. Continuous use 250-300°C (short-term to 400°C+). Outstanding thermal stability, low outgassing, excellent radiation resistance, and self-lubricating. Available as film (Kapton, DuPont), parts (Vespel, DuPont), and moldable resin. Expensive but irreplaceable where no other polymer survives. Used for aerospace bearings/seals, semiconductor processing, flexible circuit boards (Kapton), jet engine components, and space applications.

Polymethylmethacrylate — the optical-quality plastic. 92% light transmission (better than glass). Excellent weathering resistance and UV stability. Hard but brittle (no yielding — fractures). Trade names include Plexiglas (Röhm/Evonik), Perspex (Lucite), Acrylite (Mitsubishi). Used for signs, displays, light guides, automotive tail lamps, aquariums, skylights, and protective shields.

Polyoxymethylene Copolymer — the precision engineering plastic. Exceptional dimensional stability, low moisture absorption (0.2%), low friction coefficient, and excellent machinability. More hydrolysis-resistant and chemically stable than POM-H (homopolymer). No centerline porosity in stock shapes. Trade names include Hostaform (Celanese), Ertacetal C (MCAM), Duracon (Polyplastics). Used for gears, bearings, valve bodies, pump parts, electrical insulators, and food/medical contact parts.

Acetal copolymer with 25% glass fiber — significantly improved stiffness and creep resistance vs unfilled POM-C. E-Mod ~8.5 GPa (vs 2.7 unfilled). Reduced elongation and impact. Retains POM's excellent dimensional stability, low friction, and chemical resistance. Trade names: TECAFORM AH GF25 (Ensinger), Hostaform C GF25 (Celanese). Used for precision gears, bearings, pump components, and structural parts needing higher stiffness than unfilled POM.

Polyoxymethylene Homopolymer — slightly stronger and stiffer than POM-C copolymer but with centerline porosity in stock shapes and lower resistance to hot water/alkalis. Trade names include Delrin (DuPont/DuPont de Nemours) and Tenac (Asahi Kasei). Used for gears, cams, springs, clips, fuel system components, and precision-machined parts where maximum stiffness is needed.

Polypropylene with 30% short glass fiber — a cost-effective alternative to PA GF30 for applications up to ~130°C. Much cheaper base resin (PP vs PA), zero moisture sensitivity, and excellent chemical resistance. Lower strength than PA6 GF30 (UTS 80 vs 175 MPa) but sufficient for many structural parts. Trade names include Celstran PP-GF30 (Celanese), Tepex (LANXESS), Stamax (SABIC). Used for automotive front-end carriers, battery trays, HVAC components, and household appliance frames.

Polypropylene copolymer (random or block) — better impact resistance at low temperatures than PP homopolymer (PP-H). Random copolymer: excellent clarity for packaging. Block copolymer: high impact for automotive bumpers, containers, and household appliances. Trade names: Moplen (LyondellBasell), Hostalen (LyondellBasell). THE automotive interior/exterior polymer alongside ABS.

Polypropylene Homopolymer — the lightest common engineering plastic (0.905 g/cm³). Excellent chemical resistance (esp. to acids and bases), good fatigue resistance (integral living hinges), and low moisture absorption. Becomes brittle below 0°C. Used for chemical tanks, HVAC ducts, pump housings, food containers, automotive battery cases, and medical lab equipment.

Polyphthalamide — semi-aromatic high-performance polyamide. 55%+ aromatic diacid (TPA/IPA) gives Tg ~125°C and Tm >310°C — far above PA66 (Tg 50°C, Tm 260°C). Much lower moisture absorption than aliphatic PAs. SMT-reflow compatible (260°C+). Trade names: Amodel (Solvay/Syensqo), Zytel HTN (Celanese), Ultramid T (BASF), Grivory HT (EMS). Used for automotive powertrain (thermostat housings, charge air coolers), SMT connectors, LED headlamp housings, and metal-replacement applications to 280°C.

Polyphenylene Sulfide — semi-crystalline high-performance thermoplastic. Broadest chemical resistance of any engineering plastic — no known solvents below 200°C. Inherently flame-resistant (V-0 without additives, LOI 44%). Very low moisture absorption (<0.02%). Brittle in unfilled form — usually glass-fiber reinforced for structural use. Trade names include Ryton (Solvay), Fortron (Celanese), Torelina (Toray), Durafide (Polyplastics). Used for chemical pump components, filter bags, electrical insulation, and as base resin for GF40 compounds.

Polyphenylene Sulfide with 40% glass fiber — the ultimate under-hood engineering plastic. Service to 240°C continuous, inherently V-0 flame resistant without additives, near-zero moisture absorption (<0.02%), exceptional chemical resistance (comparable to PEEK/fluoropolymers). Trade names include Ryton R-4 (Solvay), Fortron 1140L4 (Celanese), Tedur (INEOS), TECATRON GF40 (Ensinger). Used for automotive water pump impellers, thermostat housings, EGR valves, LED reflectors, and semiconductor wafer carriers.

Polyphenylsulfone — highest-performance sulfone polymer. Better impact and chemical resistance than PSU and PEI. Withstands >1000 steam autoclave cycles at 134°C without property loss. Tg 220°C. Transparent amber, colorable. Inherently flame-retardant (V-0). FDA/USP Class VI/ISO 10993 compliant. Trade name: Radel (Solvay/Syensqo), Ultrason P (BASF). Used for reusable medical instrument trays, surgical instrument handles, dental tools, aircraft interior panels, and hot-water plumbing fittings.

Polysulfone — transparent, high-temperature amorphous thermoplastic. Tg 187°C, continuous use to 160°C. Excellent hydrolysis resistance (autoclavable/sterilizable). Good dimensional stability and creep resistance. Positioned between PC (cheaper, lower temp) and PEI (more expensive, higher temp). Trade name: Udel (Solvay). Used for medical devices (sterilizable), hot water plumbing, food processing, membranes (water purification), and aircraft interior panels.

Polytetrafluoroethylene — the most chemically resistant polymer. Lowest friction coefficient of any solid material (~0.05-0.10). Service range -240°C to +260°C continuous. Cannot be melt-processed — must be sintered from powder (like ceramics). Very low mechanical strength. Trade name Teflon (Chemours/DuPont). Used for seals, gaskets, bearings, non-stick coatings, chemical reactor linings, electrical insulation, and lab equipment.

Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride — the second-most produced plastic globally. Hard, rigid, self-extinguishing (LOI 45%), excellent chemical resistance to acids/bases/salts, and very low cost. Key limitation: max service temp only 60°C. Developed in 1930s Germany. Used for water/sewage pipes, window profiles, electrical conduit, cladding, and chemical tanks/fittings. NOT the flexible PVC used in cables — that is PVC-P (plasticized).