Materials database

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.

PEEK compound optimized for tribological applications — typically PEEK + 10% PTFE + 10% graphite + 10% carbon fiber. Extremely low coefficient of friction (0.15–0.25 vs 0.40 for unfilled PEEK), very low wear rate, excellent PV-limit. Maintains performance at temperatures up to 260°C. Trade names: Victrex HPV (Victrex), TECAPEEK PVX (Ensinger), Ketron HPV (Mitsubishi Chemical). Replaces bronze, Babbitt and other metallic bearings. Used for bushings, thrust washers, seal rings, compressor parts, pump wear rings and sliding components in food/pharma/oil&gas.

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 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.

Polyethersulfone — an amorphous high-performance thermoplastic from the sulfone family (PSU/PES/PPSU). Highest continuous service temperature among standard sulfones (up to 180°C), glass transition 220°C. Transparent amber color, excellent dimensional stability, hydrolytic stability even under steam sterilization (>1000 cycles). High mechanical strength maintained at elevated temperatures. Commercialized in 1972 by ICI and 3M. Typical applications: aerospace interior components, membrane filters (ultrafiltration), medical sterilizable devices, hot water fittings, battery components, electronic connectors, food service equipment.

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.

Premium aerospace precipitation-hardening stainless. Al-precipitation for the highest transverse toughness and most uniform properties of all PH stainless grades. SCC-resistant in marine environments. Used for landing gear, structural airframe parts, nuclear components, and high-performance shafts.

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.