Amorphous and Semi-Crystalline Commodity Thermoplastics: Materials, Properties and Applications

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

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

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

Amorphous Commodity Thermoplastics

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

Amorphous Commodity Thermoplastics

Materials
• Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)

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

Acrylic (PMMA)
Strengths
• Availability of all ranges of optical

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

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

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

Polystyrene (PS)
Strengths
• Inexpensive
• Easy to bond
• Quick to bond
• Easy to decorate

Polystyrene (PS)
Limitations
• Low impact resistance

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

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

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Strengths
• Good impact resistance

• Easily formable
• Many different formulations


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


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

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

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


Limitations
• Heat sensitive
• Low impact strength
• Poor wear resistance


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

Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate

Glycol (PETG)
Strengths
• Optical transparency
• Good toughness
• Easy to fabricate
• Easy to form
• Ability to be sterilized

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

Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol

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

Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB)

Strengths
• Tough at low temperatures

• Compounded easily for unique applications


Limitations
• Not compatible with other materials

• Not self-extinguishing


Applications
• Cash register keys

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

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

Semi-Crystalline Commodity Plastics

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

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

Polyethylenes (PE)
Key Characteristics
• Classified by density and molecular weight

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

Polyethylenes (PE)
Applications
• Packaging
• Wire and cable
• Industrial

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

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

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Applications
• Films
• Industrial trash bags
• Liners
• Shipping bags
• Marine industry
• Playgrounds
• Bathrooms
• Pipe
• Automotive
Polypropylenes (PP)
Key Characteristics

• 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

Polypropylenes (PP)
Applications
• Packaging
• Automotive
• Consumer/durable goods
• Vacuum formed parts
• Fiber/carpet

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

Polymethypentene (PMP)
Applications
• Medical products
• Food processing equipment
• Microwavable packaging

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
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

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

Amorphous and Semi-Crystalline Commodity Thermoplastics: Materials, Properties and Applications

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Amorphous and Semi-Crystalline Commodity Thermoplastics: Materials, Properties and Applications

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The International Association of Plastics Distributors

Amorphous and Semi-Crystalline

Prepared by the IAPD Education Committee (Module 3)

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

IAPD THERMOPLASTICS RECTANGLE

SEM -I CRY STALLINE PLAST ICS

High Strength & Good Stiffness Polyethersulfone High Strength ECTFE

AMORPHOUS COMMODITY PLASTICS SEMI-CRYSTALLINE COMMODITY PLASTICS

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

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Amorphous Commodity Thermoplastics

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Amorphous Commodity Thermoplastics

• Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

• Availability of all ranges of optical

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

• Low impact resistance

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

• Good impact resistance

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB)

• Tough at low temperatures

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB)

• Not compatible with other materials

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB)

• Cash register keys

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Semi-Crystalline Commodity Plastics

• Low cost, strength and temperature resistance

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Semi-Crystalline Commodity Plastics

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP)

• Partially crystalline, partially amorphous

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

• Classified by density and molecular weight

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)