Materials database

UV-resistant alternative to ABS — acrylic rubber replaces butadiene for excellent weatherability. Retains color and gloss outdoors for years without coating. Similar mechanical properties to ABS but with 10× better UV resistance. Trade names: Luran S (BASF/INEOS), Geloy (SABIC). Used for automotive exterior trim, outdoor electrical housings, garden furniture, and building cladding.

Cyclic Olefin Copolymer — an amorphous, glass-clear thermoplastic made by copolymerization of norbornene with ethylene. Combines the transparency of glass (>92% light transmission) with excellent dimensional stability, low water absorption (<0.01%), and high biocompatibility. Outstanding barrier to moisture (10× better than PET) but poor oxygen barrier. Tg adjustable 70-180°C via comonomer ratio. Primary applications: medical/pharmaceutical (pre-filled syringes, vials, blister packs — replaces glass), optical films for LCD/OLED displays, diagnostic microfluidic devices, high-barrier food packaging, FDA-approved USP Class VI grades.

Polyamide 11 — bio-based engineering thermoplastic derived from castor oil (ricinus). Lower moisture absorption than PA6/PA66 (0.9% vs 2.5-8%), better chemical resistance, and excellent low-temperature impact. 11 carbon atoms between amide groups = long aliphatic chain = more flexible/tough. Trade name: Rilsan (Arkema). Used for flexible tubing (automotive fuel/brake lines, pneumatic), offshore flexible pipes, powder coating, and SLS 3D printing (PA 2200 alternative).

Polyamide 12 — the long-chain polyamide with the lowest moisture absorption of all PA grades (0.1-0.15% vs PA6: 1.5%). Excellent dimensional stability in humid environments. Best chemical resistance among polyamides (oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids). Lowest density of all PA (1.01 g/cm³). Also the dominant 3D printing (SLS/MJF) material. Trade names include Rilsamid (Arkema), Grilamid L (EMS), TECAMID 12 (Ensinger), Vestamid L (Evonik). Used for fuel lines, brake lines, pneumatic tubing, cable sheathing, and 3D-printed functional parts.

Polyamide 46 — highest melting point (295°C) of all commercial polyamides. Short amide spacing gives high crystallinity (70%+), outstanding stiffness retention at elevated temperatures, and excellent fatigue/creep resistance. Higher moisture absorption than PA66 but better hot properties. Trade name: Stanyl (DSM/now Envalior). Used for under-hood automotive (timing chain tensioners, piston guides), EV motor insulation, connectors requiring >150°C continuous service, and SMT-solderable components.

Polyamide 6 (Nylon 6) — the most widely used engineering thermoplastic. Excellent combination of mechanical strength, toughness, wear resistance, and chemical resistance. Properties are moisture-sensitive — conditioned (50% RH) values are significantly lower than dry values. Trade names include Ultramid B (BASF), Akulon (DSM), Zytel (DuPont). Used for gears, bearings, bushings, cable ties, structural brackets, and automotive under-hood components.

PA6 with 50% short glass fiber — maximum common GF loading. Very high stiffness (E-Mod ~16 GPa) and strength (UTS ~210 MPa dry) approaching short-fiber-reinforced thermoset territory. Very low elongation (2-3%). High moisture sensitivity retained from PA6 base. Trade names: Ultramid B3EG10 (BASF), Zytel 73G50 (DuPont). Used for structural automotive parts (front-end carriers, pedal brackets), industrial housings, and metal-replacement applications requiring maximum stiffness at minimum cost.

Polyamide 6 with 15% short glass fiber reinforcement — moderate stiffness increase (E-Mod ~5.5 GPa vs 2.7 unfilled) while retaining good impact strength and elongation. Better toughness than higher-filled grades (GF30, GF50). Trade names: Ultramid B3EG3 (BASF), Zytel 73G15 (DuPont). Used for structural clips, housings, brackets, and under-hood automotive parts where moderate stiffness with good impact is needed.

Polyamide 610 — partially bio-based (sebacic acid from castor oil). Bridge between PA6 (high moisture) and PA11/PA12 (low moisture). Good balance of stiffness, toughness, and moisture resistance. Lower water absorption than PA6/PA66 (~1.4% saturated vs 8-9%). Used for monofilaments (brush bristles, fishing line), cable ties, automotive fluid-handling, and applications needing PA stiffness with better dimensional stability in humid environments.

Polyamide 612 — partially bio-based (dodecanedioic acid from palm kernel oil). Even lower moisture absorption than PA610 (~0.9% saturated vs ~1.4%). Better dimensional stability than PA6/PA66 in humid environments. Trade names: Zytel 151/158 (DuPont), Vestamid D (Evonik). Used for precision gears, cable ties, fuel system components, and monofilaments. Between PA610 and PA12 in the moisture/stiffness spectrum.

Polyamide 66 — stiffer and more heat-resistant than PA6. Higher crystallinity gives better creep resistance and ~40°C higher melting point (260°C vs 220°C). Slightly more brittle. More moisture-sensitive at saturation than PA6. Trade names include Ultramid A (BASF), Zytel 101 (DuPont), Tecamid 66 (Ensinger). Dominant in US/UK markets. Used for automotive engine components, electrical connectors, gears, cable ties, and industrial bushings.

PA66 with 15% short glass fiber — light reinforcement giving a good balance of increased stiffness and retained toughness. Less brittle than GF30/GF50 variants (El ~5% vs 3%). E-Mod ~6 GPa (vs 3 unfilled, 9.5 GF30). Trade names: Ultramid A3EG3 (BASF), Zytel 70G15 (DuPont). Used for structural clips, cable ties, fan shrouds, and housings where moderate stiffness increase is needed without sacrificing too much impact resistance.

Polybutylene Terephthalate — semi-crystalline polyester with fast crystallization (short cycle times), very low moisture absorption (0.15%), excellent dimensional stability, and good electrical properties. Key advantage over PA: properties nearly independent of humidity. Trade names include Ultradur (BASF), Celanex/Crastin (Celanese/DuPont), Valox (SABIC), Arnite T (DSM). Used for electrical connectors, relay housings, automotive sensors, and any precision part in humid environments.

Polycarbonate — the transparent high-impact engineering plastic. Amorphous with outstanding impact strength (virtually unbreakable at room temp), optical clarity (~90% light transmission), and good heat resistance (Tg 145-150°C). Trade names include Lexan (SABIC), Makrolon (Covestro). Used for safety glazing, machine guards, automotive headlamp lenses, CDs/DVDs, riot shields, and electronic housings.

Polycarbonate + ABS blend — one of the most widely used industrial thermoplastic alloys. Combines PC impact strength and heat resistance with ABS processability and lower cost. Better chemical resistance than pure PC. Properties tunable by PC/ABS ratio. Trade names include Bayblend (Covestro), Cycoloy (SABIC), Pulse (Techpolymers). Used for automotive dashboards, laptop/phone housings, power tool casings, and 3D printing (FDM filament).

Poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate) — a semi-crystalline polyester made from terephthalic acid and cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) instead of ethylene glycol. Melting point 290°C and Tg 90°C, significantly higher than PET (Tm 255°C) and PBT (Tm 225°C). Excellent hydrolysis resistance and electrical insulation, especially suited for lead-free solder (SMT) reflow processes in electronics. Primary applications: LED packaging, electronic connectors for SMT assembly, automotive ignition coils, lamp sockets, high-performance electrical insulation. Dominant brand: Eastman Thermx (inventor and market leader).

High-density polyethylene pipe grade with MRS (Minimum Required Strength) of 10 MPa at 20°C/50 years. The global standard material for pressurized gas and water distribution pipelines (DN 20 to DN 2000). Bimodal molecular weight distribution provides excellent ESCR (Environmental Stress Crack Resistance), slow crack growth resistance and impact strength. SDR ratings from 7.4 to 26. Fusion-weldable (butt, electro, socket). Operating temperature -40°C to +60°C. Compliant with ISO 4427 (water) and ISO 4437 (gas).

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.

Polyethylene Naphthalate — a semi-crystalline polyester similar to PET but with naphthalene ring replacing the benzene ring in the backbone. Tg ~120°C (vs PET 75°C), dramatically improved gas barrier (5× better O₂ barrier than PET), UV resistance, and dimensional stability. Melting point 270°C. More expensive than PET, used where thermal or barrier performance justifies cost. Primary applications: high-performance films for flexible electronics/OLED substrates (Teonex Q65), capacitor films, refillable hot-fill beverage bottles, high-barrier food packaging, specialty magnetic tape, microwaveable containers. Dominant producer: Teijin.

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.

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.