PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
PET is a widely used thermoplastic polyester, well-known for packaging, especially beverage bottles, fibers, and films. It offers excellent mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and transparency, along with good recyclability aligning with environmental trends.
Its glass transition temperature is approximately 70°C; crystalline PET variants provide enhanced heat resistance. Common processing methods include injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion. PET’s strong barrier properties make it ideal for food packaging applications.
Applications: Beverage bottles, food containers, textile fibers, films, and engineering plastics.
PP (Polypropylene)
PP is a versatile thermoplastic polymer characterized by excellent chemical resistance, fatigue resistance, and relatively high melting point (~160°C). It is widely used in packaging, automotive parts, textiles, and consumer goods.
PP can be easily processed via injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming. It offers good moisture resistance but has moderate UV resistance, usually requiring stabilizers for outdoor use.
Applications: Food packaging, automotive components, textiles, reusable containers, and medical devices.
PE (Polyethylene)
PE is a family of polymers with variants such as LDPE (low density) and HDPE (high density), differing in density and mechanical properties. PE is known for excellent chemical resistance, flexibility (especially LDPE), and good impact strength.
It is commonly used for film applications, containers, pipes, and household goods. HDPE offers higher strength and rigidity than LDPE.
Applications: Packaging films, bottles, pipes, toys, and geomembranes.
PS (Polystyrene)
PS is an economical, general-purpose plastic with high transparency and good rigidity but relatively high brittleness. It is widely used in disposable cutlery, packaging, and insulation materials.
PS variants include General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) and High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS). HIPS is modified with rubber to enhance toughness. PS processes easily via injection molding and extrusion but has poor heat and chemical resistance.
Applications: Disposable cutlery, packaging trays, CD cases, insulation, and model-making.
PA (Polyamide / Nylon)
PA, commonly known as nylon, is a crystalline engineering plastic renowned for high mechanical strength, wear resistance, and heat resistance. It is extensively used in automotive parts, electrical insulation, and industrial machinery components.
PA is resistant to oils and fuels but absorbs moisture, which can influence its mechanical properties. Common types include PA6 and PA66 with melting points around 220°C and 260°C respectively. Processing methods include injection molding and extrusion.
Applications: Automotive parts, gears, bearings, electrical components, and textiles.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is a widely used thermoplastic with a good balance of strength, toughness, and aesthetic finish. It combines rigidity of acrylonitrile and styrene with toughness of butadiene rubber, offering excellent impact resistance and surface quality.
It is easily processed by injection molding and extrusion and is common in automotive trim, consumer electronics, and appliance housings.
Applications: Automotive parts, consumer electronics, toys (like LEGO bricks), and household appliances.
PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate / Acrylic)
PMMA, or acrylic, is a hard plastic with extremely high transparency and light transmittance exceeding that of glass, but it is lighter in weight. It has excellent weather resistance and UV stability, making it popular for optical lenses, lighting fixtures, displays, and automotive tail lights.
PMMA has high hardness but relatively low impact strength, making it prone to cracking under heavy impact. It can be processed via injection molding, extrusion, or machining.
Applications: Optical lenses, displays, lighting fixtures, signage, and automotive components.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is a widely used plastic known for its excellent chemical resistance, durability, and versatility. It can be rigid (uPVC) or flexible with plasticizers, used in construction, piping, medical devices, and electrical insulation.
Processing methods include extrusion, injection molding, and calendering. PVC offers good fire retardance and weather resistance.
Applications: Pipes, window frames, medical tubing, wire insulation, and flooring.
