Materials database

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.

Glycol-modified Polyethylene Terephthalate — an amorphous copolyester produced by adding cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) as a co-monomer, suppressing crystallization. Unlike semi-crystalline PET, PET-G is fully transparent and easy to thermoform without embrittlement. Excellent chemical resistance, FDA-compliant for food contact, easy to fabricate by vacuum forming, extrusion, and injection molding. Broadly used in 3D printing as a PLA alternative with better toughness and heat resistance. Typical applications: printed retail displays, credit card overlay films, medical blister packs, cosmetic bottles, machine guards, 3D printing filament, thermoformed trays.

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.

POM copolymer internally lubricated with PTFE particles (typically 15–20%). Dramatically reduced coefficient of friction (0.15–0.20 vs 0.35 for unfilled POM) and improved wear resistance in dry-running applications. Retains POM base properties: good stiffness, dimensional stability and chemical resistance. Trade names: Ultraform N2200 G53 (BASF), TECAFORM AH TF (Ensinger), Delrin AF (DuPont). Used for plain bearings, bushings, sliding pads, guide rails, gear wheels in food machinery, conveyor components and self-lubricating wear 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 is the most produced plastic globally by volume. Semi-crystalline thermoplastic with excellent chemical resistance, low density (0.90–0.91 g/cm³ — lightest engineering plastic, floats in water), good fatigue resistance (living hinges) and low cost. Available as homopolymer (higher stiffness) and copolymer (better impact). Trade names: Moplen (LyondellBasell), Sabic PP (SABIC), Borealis PP. Used for packaging, automotive bumpers/interiors, medical devices, piping, hinges, containers, textiles (nonwoven) and household goods.

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 Ether/Oxide — an amorphous engineering thermoplastic. Pure PPO is too brittle and difficult to process, so commercial grades are always blends with polystyrene, HIPS, or polyamide, sold under the Noryl brand (invented by General Electric in the 1960s, now owned by SABIC). Outstanding dimensional stability, low moisture absorption (<0.1%), excellent electrical insulation properties, inherent flame retardancy. Service temperature up to 105°C (unmodified) or higher with glass fiber reinforcement. Typical applications: automotive instrument panels, electrical enclosures, water pumps, solar junction boxes, 5G telecom components, fuel cell plates.

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.

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride — PVC with additional post-chlorination (chlorine content raised from 57% in PVC-U to 63-69% in CPVC). This significantly raises the Vicat softening temperature and glass transition, extending the service temperature from ~60°C (PVC-U) to 95-100°C. Retains excellent chemical resistance, flame retardancy (LOI 50-60%), and good mechanical properties. Primary applications: hot water plumbing, industrial chemical piping, fire sprinkler systems, power plant cooling systems, semiconductor wet benches. Major brands: Corzan (Lubrizol), TempRite (Lubrizol), BlazeMaster (sprinklers).

Flexible (plasticized) PVC — PVC compounded with 20–50% plasticizer (typically DEHP, DINP or DOTP) to achieve rubber-like flexibility. Very different properties from rigid PVC-U. Excellent electrical insulation, chemical resistance, flame retardancy (self-extinguishing) and weatherability. Trade names: Vestolit P (Orbia), Geon (Polyone). Used for cable insulation and sheathing, medical tubing, automotive interior trim, inflatable products, floor coverings, hoses and sealing profiles. Continuous use -30°C to +70°C.

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).

Polyvinylidene Fluoride — the melt-processable fluoropolymer. Bridges the gap between PTFE (non-melt-processable) and conventional plastics. Excellent chemical resistance to acids, solvents, and hydrocarbons. Uniquely piezoelectric among polymers. Much stronger than PTFE (UTS 50 vs 25 MPa). Trade names include Kynar (Arkema), Solef/Hylar (Solvay), KF (Kureha). Used for chemical piping/valves/tanks, lithium-ion battery binder, semiconductor wet bench, architectural coatings (Kynar 500), and piezoelectric sensors.

Styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer — AN 20-30% improves chemical resistance, heat resistance, and stiffness vs PS. Transparent (clear). Higher stiffness (E ~3.5 GPa) and HDT than PMMA. Used for housewares, cosmetic packaging, instrument lenses, battery cases, and transparent housings. THE clear engineering-grade styrenic. Also base polymer for ABS (SAN + butadiene rubber).