The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Amorphous and Semi-Crystalline

Commodity Thermoplastics
Materials, properties and applications.

Prepared by the IAPD Education Committee (Module 3)

Presented courtesy of Modern Plastics, Inc.

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

IAPD THERMOPLASTICS RECTANGLE

IMIDE MATERIALS
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

SEM -I CRY STALLINE PLAST ICS

AM OR PHO US PLASTICS

High Strength & Good Stiffness Polyethersulfone High Strength ECTFE

Good Chemical Resistance Polyarylsulfone Good Electrical Properties FEP
Transparency Outstanding Chemical Resistance PFA
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
Poor Fatigue Resistance Good Fatigue Resistance
Stuctural Applications Only (Not for Bearing & Wear) Good For Bearing and Wear, As Well As Structural Applications

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Amorphous Commodity Thermoplastics

Key Characteristics

• Low cost
• Low temperature resistance
• Low strength
• Good dimensional stability
• Bonds well
• Typically transparent

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Amorphous Commodity Thermoplastics

Materials

• Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)

• Polystyrene (PS)
• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG)
• Cellulous acetate butyrate (CAB)

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Acrylic (PMMA)
Strengths

• Availability of all ranges of optical

transparency, including opacity
• Rigidity
• Surface hardness
• Half the weight of glass
• Heat resistance

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Acrylic (PMMA)
Limitations

• Grain effect
• Discolor with high UV exposure
• Attacked by organic solvents
• Limited chemical resistance
• Poor wear and abrasion resistance
• Low impact strength

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Acrylic (PMMA)
Applications
• Protective glazing
• Windows
• Toys
• Point of purchase (POP) displays

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polystyrene (PS)
Strengths

• Inexpensive
• Easy to bond
• Quick to bond
• Easy to decorate

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polystyrene (PS)
Limitations

• Low impact resistance

• Brittle after UV exposure
• Cannot be used at elevated temperatures
• Mechanical stress

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polystyrene (PS)
Applications
• Refrigeration
• Disposable beverage glasses
• Medical devices
• Disposable laboratory products
• Wood replacement products

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Strengths

• Good impact resistance

• Easily formable
• Many different formulations

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Limitations

• Grain effect
• Will discolor with high UV exposure
• Attacked by organic solvents
• Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture)

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Applications

• Aircraft interiors
• Computer housings
• Cassette holders
• Mass transit components
• Wall coverings
• Consumer electronics
• Appliances
• Automotive

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Strengths

• Low cost
• Good chemical resistance
• Versatile
• Naturally UV resistant
• Good strength

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Limitations

• Heat sensitive
• Low impact strength
• Poor wear resistance

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Applications
• Pipe, valves and fittings
• Thermoformed parts for transportation, exhibits and
machinery parts
• Point of purchase displays
• Pollution control equipment parts
• Packaging

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate

Glycol (PETG)
Strengths

• Optical transparency
• Good toughness
• Easy to fabricate
• Easy to form
• Ability to be sterilized

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate

Glycol (PETG)
Limitations

• Limited UV resistance
• Cannot be used above 60°-66°C/140°-150°F
range
• Low softening point precludes sterilization

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol

(PETG)
Applications

• Packaging
• Graphic arts
• Point of purchase (POP) displays

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB)

Strengths

• Tough at low temperatures

• Compounded easily for unique applications

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB)

Limitations

• Not compatible with other materials

• Not self-extinguishing

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB)

Applications

• Cash register keys

• Tool handles
• Windshields
• Thermoformed signs
• Trim stripping
• Window well covers

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Semi-Crystalline Commodity Plastics

Key Characteristics

• Low cost, strength and temperature resistance

• Excellent chemical resistance
• Low COF
• Near zero moisture absorption
• Very good electrical properties
• Good toughness

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Semi-Crystalline Commodity Plastics

Materials

• Polyethylene (PE)
– High density polyethylene (HDPE)
– Low density polyethylene (LDPE), (LLDPE)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polymethylpentene (PMP)

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP)

Polymethylpentene (PMP)
Key Characteristics

• Partially crystalline, partially amorphous

• Largest family are the polyolefins
• Cost, benefits and limitations are different for each

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polyethylenes (PE)
Key Characteristics

• Classified by density and molecular weight

• Excellent chemical resistance
• Zero moisture absorption
• Light weight (1/8 weight of steel)
• Excellent insulator
• Low COF
• High impact strength

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polyethylenes (PE)
Applications

• Packaging
• Wire and cable
• Industrial

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Key Characteristics

• Good chemical resistance

• Very flexible
• High impact strength
• Low heat resistance (60-79°C/140-175°F)
• Used extensively in packaging industry and for
prosthetic devices

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Key Characteristics

• Higher rigidity and tensile strength than low and

medium density polyethylenes
• Good formability
• Slightly lower impact strength than LDPE
• Virgin grades are FDA and USDA approved

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Applications
• Films
• Industrial trash bags
• Liners
• Shipping bags
• Marine industry
• Playgrounds
• Bathrooms
• Pipe
• Automotive
The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polypropylenes (PP)
Key Characteristics

• Excellent chemical resistance

• Excellent fatigue strength — referred to as “living
hinge”
• Lower impact strength than polyethylenes
• Available in homopolymer and co-polymer
• Co-polymer offers better impact, clarity and cold
temperature properties

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polypropylenes (PP)
Applications

• Packaging
• Automotive
• Consumer/durable goods
• Vacuum formed parts
• Fiber/carpet

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polymethylpentene (PMP)
Key Characteristics
• High transparency, even in thick sections
• Very light weight (.83 specific gravity)
• Higher heat resistance than other grades in this group
—compares favorably to PTFE up to 148.89°C/300°F
• Good electrical properties
• Low-temperature impact strength
• Very brittle
• Poor UV resistance
• USDA compliant

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Polymethypentene (PMP)
Applications

• Medical products
• Food processing equipment
• Microwavable packaging

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors

IAPD THERMOPLASTICS RECTANGLE

IMIDE MATERIALS
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

SEM -I CRY STALLINE PLAST ICS

AM OR PHO US PLASTICS

High Strength & Good Stiffness Polyethersulfone High Strength ECTFE

Good Chemical Resistance Polyarylsulfone Good Electrical Properties FEP
Transparency Outstanding Chemical Resistance PFA
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
Poor Fatigue Resistance Good Fatigue Resistance
Stuctural Applications Only (Not for Bearing & Wear) Good For Bearing and Wear, As Well As Structural Applications

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3