The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Amorphous and Semi-Crystalline

Engineering Thermoplastics
Materials, properties and applications.

Prepared by the IAPD Education Committee (Module 4)

Presented courtesy of Modern Plastics Inc.

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

 AMORPHOUS HIGH PERFORMANCE PLASTICS
The International Association of Plastics Distributors
Key Characteristics Materials:
High Cost Polysulfone
High Temperature Polyetherimide
High Strength & Good Stiffness Polyethersulfone
Good Chemical Resistance Polyarylsulfone
Transparency
AMORPHOUS PLASTICS
Hot Water & Steam Resistance

AMORPHOUS ENGINEERING PLASTICS

Key Characteristics: Materials:
Moderate Cost Polycarbonate
Moderate Temperature Resistance Modified PPO
Moderate Strength Modified PPE
Good Impact Resistance Thermoplastic Urethane
Translucency
Good Dimensional Stability
Good Optical Qualities

AMORPHOUS COMMODITY PLASTICS

Key Characteristics: Materials:
Low Cost Acrylic
Low Temperature Resistance] Polystyrene
Low Strength ABS
Good Dimensional Stability PVC
Bond Well PETG
Typically Transparent CAB

AMORPHOUS PLASTICS KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Soften Over a Broad Range Of Temperatures
Easy to Thermoform
Tend to Be Transparent
Bond Well Using Adhesives and Solvents
The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module Prone
4 To Stress Cracking
Poor Fatigue Resistance
Stuctural Applications Only (Not for Bearing & Wear)
The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Amorphous Engineering Thermoplastics

Key Characteristics

• Moderate cost, strength and temperature resistance

• Good impact resistance
• Translucency
• Good dimensional stability
• Excellent optical qualities

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Amorphous Engineering Thermoplastics

Materials

• Polycarbonate (PC)
• Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO)
• Polyphenelyne Ether (PPE)
• Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU)

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polycarbonate (PC)
Strengths
 Excellent clarity
 Excellent toughness
 Good heat resistance
 Excellent electrical properties
 Intrinsic flame-retardancy
 Excellent strength

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polycarbonate (PC)
Limitations

• Continual exposure to hot water causes gradual

embitterment
• Most aromatic solvents, esters and ketones can
cause crazing and cracking

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polycarbonate (PC)
Applications
• Vandal resistant windows
• Machine guards
• Outdoor signs
• Sky lights
• Backboards
• Bike, roller blading protective
wear

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Modified Polyphenylene Oxide (Mod PPO)

Modified Polyphenylene Ether (Mod PPE)
Key Characteristics

• High dielectric strength

• Available in FDA compliant grades
• Less expensive than polycarbonate (PC)
• Good chemical resistance to strong acids,
bases and water
• Wide range of processing
• Good creep resistance

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Modified Polyphenylene Oxide (Mod PPO)

Modified Polyphenylene Ether (Mod PPE)
Applications

• Electrical housings in appliance, computers, business

equipment, etc.
• Water purification equipment parts
• Insulators
• Gears

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

Key Characteristics

• Wide range of service temperatures

• Wide range of harness options
• Excellent tear resistance
• Excellent compression strength
• Excellent resistance to non polar solvents
• Excellent electrical properties
• Excellent abrasion resistance
• High tensile strength

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

Applications

• Impact resistant housings

• Valves
• Water filter caps
• Geophysical cable spacer

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

 SEMI-CRYSTALLINE HIGH PERFORMACE PLASTICS
The International Association of Plastics Distributors
Key Characteristics: Materials:
High Cost PVDF
High Temperature PTFE

SEMI-CRYSTALLINE PLASTICS
High Strength ECTFE
Good Electrical Properties FEP
Outstanding Chemical Resistance PFA
Low Coefficient of Friction PPS
Good Toughness PEEK
SEMI-CRYSTALLINE ENGINEERING PLASTICS
Key Characteristics: Materials:
Moderate Cost Nylon
Moderate Temperature Resistance Acetal
Moderate Strength PET
Good Chemical Resistance PBT
Good Bearing and W ear Properties UHMW-PE
Low Coefficient of Friction
Difficult to Bond

SEMI-CRYSTALLINE COMMODITY PLASTICS

Key Characteristics: Materials:
Low Cost Polyethylene
Low Temperature Resistance Polypropylene
Low Strength Polymetnylpentene(TPX)
Excellent Chemical Resistance
Low Coefficient of Friction
Near Zero Moisture Absorption
Very Good Electrical Properties
Good Toughness

SEMI-CRYSTALLINE PLASTICS KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Sharp Melting Point
Difficult to Thermoform
Tend to Be Opaque
Difficult To Bond Using Adhesives and Solvents
Good Resistance To Stress Cracking
The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module Good
4 Fatigue Resistance
Good For Bearing and Wear, As Well As Structural Applications
The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Semi-Crystalline Engineering
Thermoplastics
Key Characteristics

• Moderate cost, strength

• Moderate temperature resistance
• Good chemical resistance
• Good bearing and wear properties
• Low COF
• Difficult to bond

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Semi-Crystalline Engineering
Thermoplastics
Materials
• Polyamide (PA) — Nylon
• Polyoxymethylene (POM) — Acetal
• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
• Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
• Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
(UHMW-PE)

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Nylon (PA)
Strengths
• Good strength
• Good toughness
• Fair heat resistance
• Good chemical resistance
• Low COF

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Nylon (PA)
Limitations
 Strong acidic environments
 Areas where moisture absorption is of
concern
 Areas experiencing high operating
temperatures

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Nylon (PA)
Applications

• Film
• Automotive
• Electrical/electronics
• Consumer goods

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Cast PA vs. Extruded PA

• Extruded nylon can be produced in almost any grade
• Cast nylon grades are limited to Type 6, Type 6 1/2 and some
Type 12
• Generally Nylon 6/6 and Nylon 6 (cast or extruded) are
interchangeable in most applications (physical property
differences are minor)
• Nylon 6/6 is stronger and stiffer than Nylon 6, and has more
resistance to compression
• Nylon 6 has better elongation values than Nylon 6/6, providing
better ductility
• Cast Nylon can be produced in large profiles and custom shapes,
and is generally less expensive than extruded grades

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Acetal (POM)
Strengths

• Good dimensional stability

• Good wear resistance
• Excellent strength
• Excellent stiffness
• Good rigidity
• Low moisture absorption
• Low COF

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Acetal (POM)
Limitations

• Centerline porosity in copolymers

• Using copolymer in hot water environments
(boiling/steam)
• Strong acidic environments
• Strong alkali environments
• Areas experiencing high operating
temperatures

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Acetal (POM)
Applications

• Bearings
• Bushings
• Valve seats
• Washers
• Nozzles
• Spools
• Cams

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Thermoplastic Polyesters
Key Characteristics

 Good range of mechanical properties

 Good dimensional stability
 Superior chemical resistance
 Good electrical properties

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Thermoplastic Polyesters
Materials

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

• Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)
Key Characteristics
• High dimensional stability under heat
• High stiffness and hardness
• Good bearing strength
• Good electrical properties
• Good resistance to chemicals
• Good stress-cracking resistance
• Excellent flow characteristics

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Thermoplastic Polyesters
Applications

• Pump components
• Automotive components
• Food packaging components
• Insulators

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Thermoplastic Polyesters
Caution!
Watch high temperature environments!

Use caution when recommending thermoplastic

polyesters in applications requiring high temperature
resistance, above 93-121oC/200-250oF.

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Ultra High Molecular Weight PE

(UHMW-PE)
Strengths
• Highest abrasion resistance and impact strength of
any plastic
• Very low COF
• Excellent cryogenic (low temperature) material
• Self-lubricating
• FDA/USDA compliant

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Ultra High Molecular Weight PE

(UHMW-PE)
Limitations

• Only good until 82oC/180oF

• Not a self-supporting material
• High cost for tooling for custom extrusion and
custom parts

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Ultra High Molecular Weight PE

(UHMW-PE)
Applications

• Guides
• Wear strips
• Liners

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 4

 IMIDE MATERIALS
The International Association of Plastics Distributors
Key Characteristics: Materials:
Very High Cost Per Pound PI
Excellent Properties Above 400°F PAI
Excellent Electrical Properties PBI
Excellent Dimensional Stability
Low Coefficient of Friction
AMORPHOUS HIGH PERFORMANCE PLASTICS SEMI-CRYSTALLINE HIGH PERFORMACE PLASTICS
Key Characteristics Materials: Key Characteristics: Materials:
High Cost Polysulfone High Cost PVDF
High Temperature Polyetherimide High Temperature PTFE

SEMI-CRYSTALLINE PLASTICS
High Strength & Good Stiffness Polyethersulfone High Strength ECTFE
Good Chemical Resistance Polyarylsulfone Good Electrical Properties FEP
Transparency Outstanding Chemical Resistance PFA
AMORPHOUS PLASTICS

Hot Water & Steam Resistance Low Coefficient of Friction PPS

Good Toughness PEEK
AMORPHOUS ENGINEERING PLASTICS SEMI-CRYSTALLINE ENGINEERING PLASTICS
Key Characteristics: Materials: Key Characteristics: Materials:
Moderate Cost Polycarbonate Moderate Cost Nylon
Moderate Temperature Resistance Modified PPO Moderate Temperature Resistance Acetal
Moderate Strength Modified PPE Moderate Strength PET
Good Impact Resistance Thermoplastic Urethane Good Chemical Resistance PBT
Translucency Good Bearing and Wear Properties UHMW-PE
Good Dimensional Stability Low Coefficient of Friction
Good Optical Qualities Difficult to Bond

AMORPHOUS COMMODITY PLASTICS SEMI-CRYSTALLINE COMMODITY PLASTICS

Key Characteristics: Materials: Key Characteristics: Materials:
Low Cost Acrylic Low Cost Polyethylene
Low Temperature Resistance] Polystyrene Low Temperature Resistance Polypropylene
Low Strength ABS Low Strength Polymetnylpentene(TPX)
Good Dimensional Stability PVC Excellent Chemical Resistance
Bond Well PETG Low Coefficient of Friction
Typically Transparent CAB Near Zero Moisture Absorption
Very Good Electrical Properties
Good Toughness

AMORPHOUS PLASTICS KEY CHARACTERISTICS: SEMI-CRYSTALLINE PLASTICS KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

Soften Over a Broad Range Of Temperatures Sharp Melting Point
Easy to Thermoform Difficult to Thermoform
Tend to Be Transparent Tend to Be Opaque
Bond Well Using Adhesives and Solvents Difficult To Bond Using Adhesives and Solvents
Prone To Stress Cracking Good Resistance To Stress Cracking
The IAPD Plastics Primer,
Poor FatigueModule
Resistance4 Good Fatigue Resistance
Stuctural Applications Only (Not for Bearing & Wear) Good For Bearing and Wear, As Well As Structural Applications