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Discover the key characteristics, strengths, limitations, and applications of amorphous and semi-crystalline commodity thermoplastics like PMMA, PS, ABS, PVC, PETG, CAB. Explore their material properties in various industries.
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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
Amorphous Commodity ThermoplasticsKey Characteristics • Low cost • Low temperature resistance • Low strength • Good dimensional stability • Bonds well • Typically transparent The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
Amorphous Commodity ThermoplasticsMaterials • 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
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
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
Acrylic (PMMA) Applications • Protective glazing • Windows • Toys • Point of purchase (POP) displays The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
Polystyrene (PS) Strengths • Inexpensive • Easy to bond • Quick to bond • Easy to decorate The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
Polystyrene (PS) Limitations • Low impact resistance • Brittle after UV exposure • Cannot be used at elevated temperatures • Mechanical stress The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
Polystyrene (PS) Applications • Refrigeration • Disposable beverage glasses • Medical devices • Disposable laboratory products • Wood replacement products The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)Strengths • Good impact resistance • Easily formable • Many different formulations The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
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
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
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)Strengths • Low cost • Good chemical resistance • Versatile • Naturally UV resistant • Good strength The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)Limitations • Heat sensitive • Low impact strength • Poor wear resistance The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
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
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
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
Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG)Applications • Packaging • Graphic arts • Point of purchase (POP) displays The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB)Strengths • Tough at low temperatures • Compounded easily for unique applications The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB)Limitations • Not compatible with other materials • Not self-extinguishing The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB)Applications • Cash register keys • Tool handles • Windshields • Thermoformed signs • Trim stripping • Window well covers The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
Semi-Crystalline Commodity PlasticsKey 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
Semi-Crystalline Commodity PlasticsMaterials • Polyethylene (PE) • High density polyethylene (HDPE) • Low density polyethylene (LDPE), (LLDPE) • Polypropylene (PP) • Polymethylpentene (PMP) The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
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
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
Polyethylenes (PE)Applications • Packaging • Wire and cable • Industrial The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
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
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
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
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
Polypropylenes (PP)Applications • Packaging • Automotive • Consumer/durable goods • Vacuum formed parts • Fiber/carpet The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
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
Polymethypentene (PMP)Applications • Medical products • Food processing equipment • Microwavable packaging The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3