Polymer Materials A to Z: Standard Polymers and Biopolymers

A terpolymer thermoplastic made from acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. One of the most widely used engineering plastics, easy to process by injection moulding, machining and 3D printing.

Tough and impact-resistant; rigid and dimensionally stable; smooth surface easy to paint or coat; moderate heat resistance up to about 100 °C; good chemical resistance; not UV-resistant without additives.

LEGO bricks, car dashboards and trim, power tool housings, keyboards, luggage shells, 3D printing filament, remote controls, vacuum cleaner bodies, pipe fittings, refrigerator liners, helmets, electronics enclosures, toys, appliance knobs, medical device housings (non-sterile).

A clear, rigid thermoplastic used as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass. Made by polymerising methyl methacrylate.

Excellent optical clarity (better than glass); good UV and weather resistance; high surface hardness; rigid but more brittle than polycarbonate; easy to cut, polish and thermoform; can be solvent-bonded.

Display signs and lightboxes, aquariums, skylights, optical lenses, automotive lights, transparent furniture, protective sneeze guards, watch covers, point-of-sale displays, museum cases, motorcycle and boat windscreens, picture frames, retail signage, solar panel covers, eyewear lenses.

An amorphous thermoplastic similar to ABS but with butadiene replaced by an acrylate elastomer. Often called “weatherable ABS”.

Excellent UV and weather resistance; high gloss and good colour stability outdoors; good impact strength; good chemical resistance; processable by injection moulding and extrusion.

Automotive exterior parts and mirror housings, outdoor furniture, roofing tiles, window profiles, garden equipment, marine parts, signage, recreational vehicle components, satellite dish covers, electrical housings for outdoor use, mailboxes, outdoor 3D printing filament.

A high-performance transparent thermoplastic combining cyclic and linear olefins. Common in medical and optical applications.

Excellent optical clarity with low birefringence; very low moisture absorption; high heat resistance; good barrier to moisture; high purity (low extractables); good chemical and biocompatibility.

Medical blister packaging, pre-filled syringes, optical lenses, diagnostic devices and microfluidic chips, food packaging requiring clarity and barrier, capacitor films, touch screen components, laboratory cuvettes, drug delivery systems, biosensors.

A rubber-like thermoplastic produced by chlorinating HDPE. Chlorine content typically 25-42%. Compatible with PVC processing equipment.

Good chemical and oil resistance; flame retardant (self-extinguishing); excellent weatherability and UV resistance; good low-temperature flexibility; widely used as an impact modifier for PVC.

Impact modifier for rigid PVC (window profiles, pipes, siding), cable and wire jacketing for harsh environments, industrial hoses, conveyor belt covers, roofing membranes, weather-resistant sheeting, automotive hoses, magnetic strips, pond liners, flexible roofing.

A modified version of PVC with extra chlorine added (around 63-69%). Used mainly in hot water and chemical piping.

Higher temperature resistance than standard PVC (up to ~90-100 °C); excellent resistance to aggressive chemicals; rigid and strong; inherently flame-retardant; good resistance to acids, bases and salts.

Hot and cold water pipes, industrial chemical piping, fire sprinkler systems, HVAC ducting, water treatment plants, chemical processing, semiconductor ultrapure water lines, pool and spa piping, water heater parts, valves and fittings, agricultural irrigation.

A semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic, also known as Acetal. Often used as a metal replacement in precision parts.

High stiffness and strength; excellent dimensional stability; very low coefficient of friction; outstanding wear and fatigue resistance; good chemical resistance to oils and solvents; not suitable for strong acids or long hot-water exposure.

Gears and bearings, automotive fuel system components, zippers and buckles, fasteners and clips, conveyor belt rollers, medical drug delivery components, CD/DVD player mechanisms, plumbing parts (showerheads, valves), ski bindings, printer parts, eyeglass frame hinges, fishing reels.

A fluoropolymer copolymer of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene. Famous for translucent architectural roofs (e.g. Allianz Arena in Munich).

Excellent chemical, UV and heat resistance; lightweight and self-cleaning; transparent (transmits visible and UV light); good electrical insulation; non-stick; flame-retardant; can be welded.

Stadium roofs and architectural facades, solar panel covers, greenhouse coverings, electrical wire and cable insulation, chemical processing equipment linings, non-stick coatings, medical tubing, aerospace wiring, anti-corrosion linings, semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

A soft, flexible copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. Contains no chlorine or plasticisers, often safer for skin and child products.

Rubber-like flexibility even at low temperatures; good toughness and impact resistance; resistant to UV and water; good adhesion and clarity; easy to mould or foam; FDA approved for food contact (most grades).

Shoe soles and insoles, foam mats, hot melt adhesives, solar panel encapsulants, packaging films, bath toys, medical tubing, wire and cable insulation, mouthguards, flexible tubing, bottle cap liners, sound insulation, surfboard pads.

A high-performance barrier copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol. Usually a thin layer in multi-layer packaging structures.

Exceptional barrier to oxygen and other gases; good transparency and gloss; sensitive to moisture (loses barrier when wet); good chemical resistance to oils; easy to coextrude with PE, PP or PET.

Vacuum-sealed meat and cheese packaging, retort food pouches, pharmaceutical blister packs, cosmetic tubes, multi-layer automotive fuel tanks (oxygen barrier), beer and juice bottles, modified atmosphere packaging, baby food pouches, condiment sauces.

A fluoropolymer copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene. Easier to melt-process than PTFE.

Excellent chemical inertness; very low coefficient of friction; non-stick surface; high and low temperature resistance (-200 to +200 °C); transparent; good electrical insulation; melt-processable (unlike PTFE).

High-performance wire and cable insulation, chemical processing equipment linings, non-stick coatings, lab tubing, heat exchangers, medical tubing, aerospace wiring and seals, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, fibre optic cladding, heat-shrink tubing.

A rigid, linear thermoplastic polyethylene with high density (0.94-0.97 g/cm³) and minimal molecular branching. Made by Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalysis at low pressure.

High tensile strength and stiffness; excellent chemical and moisture resistance; lightweight and durable; food-safe; melting point about 125-135 °C; widely recyclable (plastic #2); good impact resistance.

Milk jugs and detergent bottles, plastic bags, water and gas pipes, drums and industrial containers, outdoor furniture, marine floats, agricultural pipes and films, geomembranes, cutting boards, bottle caps, fuel tanks, pallets, recycling bins, plastic lumber.

A modified version of polystyrene that incorporates polybutadiene rubber. The rubber phase absorbs impact energy.

Much better impact resistance than standard PS; opaque (loses PS clarity); rigid but tough; lightweight and low-cost; easy to thermoform and paint; good dimensional stability; not UV-resistant.

Refrigerator liners, food packaging trays, point-of-purchase displays, toys and games, appliance housings, CD/DVD trays, disposable cutlery, printer cartridges, indoor signs, model making, blister packaging, vending machine components.

A polyethylene with molecular weight between HDPE and UHMWPE (typically 200,000-500,000 g/mol). Sits between standard HDPE and ultra-high-molecular-weight grades.

Higher stress-crack resistance than HDPE; better impact strength; improved abrasion resistance; more difficult to process than HDPE (higher viscosity); good chemical resistance; ideal for thick-walled extruded products.

Heavy-duty industrial films and geomembranes, large blow-moulded containers, industrial pipes, sheets for chemical tank linings, water and gas distribution pipes (large diameter), tank construction, fuel containers, liners for mining and dredging, large drums.

A copolymer with both covalent and ionic bonds. Acid groups partly neutralised with metal ions (typically zinc or sodium).

Outstanding toughness and puncture resistance; high transparency; excellent oil and grease resistance; good adhesion to many substrates; low-temperature flexibility; “memory” recovery after deformation.

Golf ball covers, packaging films for meat and cheese, adhesives and sealants, footwear components, bowling ball covers, cosmetic packaging, bottle caps and liners, medical tubing, wire and cable jacketing, soft-touch automotive trim, child-resistant packaging.

A rigid, transparent fluoropolymer made by polymerising chlorotrifluoroethylene. The lowest moisture transmission of any fluoropolymer.

Outstanding moisture and gas barrier; excellent chemical resistance even to strong oxidisers; high compressive strength; stable from cryogenic temperatures up to about 200 °C; non-flammable; good electrical insulation.

Chemical processing valves, seals and gaskets, cryogenic seats and valves, pharmaceutical blister films for moisture-sensitive drugs, medical implant components, aerospace seals, high-purity fluid handling, electrical high-frequency insulation, semiconductor seals, vacuum pump parts.

A proprietary thermoplastic sheet that blends acrylic and PVC. A trade name from Sekisui SPI.

High impact strength combined with rigidity; excellent formability for complex shapes; good chemical resistance; fire-rated (self-extinguishing); scratch-resistant; available in many colours and textures.

Holsters and sheaths, aircraft interior components, medical device housings, kiosks and POS displays, wall protection panels in hospitals and schools, thermoformed enclosures, furniture components, orthotics and prosthetics, durable signage, industrial machine guards, retail fixtures.

An aromatic polyester whose molecules align in ordered “liquid crystal” domains when melted. Properties are highly anisotropic.

Outstanding high-temperature performance (continuous use over 200 °C); very low thermal expansion; inherently flame-retardant; exceptional chemical resistance; high strength even in thin sections; precise moulding for fine details.

High-density electrical connectors, electronic coil bobbins and chip carriers, automotive ignition systems, fibre optic components, surgical instruments and catheters, microwave oven components, telecommunications equipment, LED light components, dental equipment, high-frequency circuit boards.

A flexible, translucent thermoplastic polyethylene with highly branched molecular structure (long and short chain branches). Made by free-radical polymerisation at high pressure.

Excellent flexibility and softness; good low-temperature toughness; lower melting point than HDPE (105-115 °C); good clarity in thin films; excellent moisture barrier; easy to process; lower tensile strength than HDPE.

Grocery and trash bags, cling film and shrink wrap, squeeze bottles, cable insulation, flexible toys, bread bags, frozen food packaging, geomembranes, bubble wrap, hot melt adhesive components, paper coatings, agricultural irrigation pipes, dispensing bottles, protective packaging.

A linear polyethylene with short branches, made by copolymerising ethylene with alpha-olefins (butene, hexene, octene) using catalysts. Density 0.915-0.925 g/cm³.

Higher tensile strength than LDPE; better puncture and tear strength; good flexibility and stress-crack resistance; better seal strength than LDPE; thinner films possible than LDPE; good clarity.

Stretch film and pallet wrap, heavy-duty bags, agricultural films, geomembranes (landfill and water containment), flexible tubing, cable jacketing, rotomoulded tanks and kayaks, food packaging films, bag-in-box liquid packaging, construction vapour barriers.

A transparent variant of ABS, made by adjusting the refractive indices of the polymer phases.

Combines clarity (close to acrylic) with ABS toughness; high impact resistance; rigid and stiff; good chemical resistance; sterilisable with gamma radiation; easy to mould and machine.

Transparent appliance components (blender jars, vacuum parts), medical device housings, cosmetic packaging (clear bottles and jars), clear toys and building blocks, electronic transparent sections, display cases, automotive transparent trim, pen barrels, water filter housings, clear food storage containers.

A polyethylene with density between LDPE and HDPE (0.926-0.940 g/cm³). Produced with Ziegler-Natta, metallocene or chromium catalysts.

Less notch-sensitive than HDPE; better stress-crack resistance than HDPE; good shock and drop resistance; balanced rigidity and flexibility; good processability; widely used in pipes and films.

Natural gas distribution pipes, water pipes, shrink film, carrier bags (stronger than LDPE), screw closures, blow-moulded containers, agricultural tubing, cable sheathing, electrical conduit, drainage pipes, water tanks (small, non-pressure), construction sheeting.

A thermosetting plastic produced by reacting melamine with formaldehyde. Once cured, it cannot be melted or reshaped.

Very hard surface with high scratch resistance; excellent heat resistance and stain resistance; good chemical resistance; smooth glossy finish; good electrical insulation; brittle compared to thermoplastics.

Dinnerware and tableware, decorative laminates (e.g. Formica) for countertops and furniture, electrical switches and sockets, buttons, ashtrays, adhesives for plywood and particleboard, appliance handles, abrasive binders, toilet seats, printed circuit boards, automotive brake pad binders.

A biaxially-oriented PET film, trademarked by DuPont Teijin Films. Distinct from cast PET because of its biaxial stretching.

Very high tensile strength for its thickness; excellent dimensional stability; high transparency; good gas and moisture barrier; good electrical insulation; metallisable for reflective and barrier applications.

Food packaging films (snack bags, coffee pouches), flexible electronics, electrical insulation, magnetic tape (historical), emergency blankets, foil balloons, graphic arts overlays, capacitor films, labels and tags, screen protective films, drumheads, security laminates.

A synthetic rubber polymer of chloroprene. Developed by DuPont in 1930, one of the first synthetic rubbers.

Excellent resistance to oils, chemicals, ozone and UV; flame-retardant; good adhesion to metals; maintains flexibility from -40 to +120 °C; good abrasion resistance; less elastic than natural rubber.

Wetsuits and drysuits, laptop and tablet sleeves, automotive belts and hoses, gaskets and seals, electrical cable jacketing, knee and elbow pads, weatherstripping, vibration mounts, medical braces, footwear, bridge bearings, conveyor belts, sound insulation, life jackets.

An engineering blend of PPE with polystyrene or polyamide, originally developed by GE Plastics (now SABIC).

Excellent dimensional stability with very low moisture absorption; good heat resistance; high impact strength; good electrical insulation; inherently flame-retardant; processable by injection moulding and extrusion.

Electrical connectors and housings, automotive interior and exterior parts, appliance components (washing machines, coffee makers), water meters and pump impellers, business machine housings, telecommunications equipment, automotive fuse boxes, power tool housings, HVAC components, solar panel junction boxes.

A family of synthetic polyamides made by polymerising diamines with diacids, or by ring-opening of lactams. Different grades have different properties.

High tensile strength and toughness; good abrasion and fatigue resistance; low coefficient of friction; good chemical resistance to oils and fuels; absorbs moisture (which affects dimensional stability); often glass-fibre reinforced.

Textile fibres (clothing, carpets, hosiery), gears and bearings, automotive engine components (intake manifolds, covers), electrical connectors, fasteners and cable ties, ropes and fishing lines, power tool housings, zippers, brush bristles, surgical sutures, conveyor belts, pneumatic tubing, 3D printing filament.

A semi-crystalline polyester engineering thermoplastic, in the same family as PET. Often supplied glass-fibre reinforced.

High stiffness, strength and hardness; good dimensional stability and low warpage; excellent electrical insulation; good chemical and heat resistance; low friction; fast crystallisation (good for moulding cycle times).

Electrical connectors and switches, automotive under-the-hood parts and sensors, appliance housings (washing machines, vacuums), electronic coil bobbins and relays, fibre optic buffer tubes, keycaps, showerheads, industrial machinery parts, lamp holders, power tool housings, circuit breakers, automotive lighting bezels.

An amorphous thermoplastic polymer containing carbonate groups. Made by polymerising bisphenol A with phosgene.

Exceptional impact strength (about 250 times stronger than glass); excellent optical clarity; high heat resistance (up to 140 °C); good dimensional stability; UV-stable with additives; easily scratched without hard coating.

CDs and DVDs (and Blu-ray), eyeglass and safety lenses, automotive headlights, bulletproof glass, greenhouse panels, electronic device housings (laptops, phones), medical devices, traffic lights, riot shields and helmets, skylights, baby bottles (legacy), camera bodies, machine guards, luggage shells.

The most widely produced plastic in the world. A thermoplastic polymer of ethylene, available in many forms differentiated by density and molecular structure.

Lightweight; excellent chemical and moisture resistance; good electrical insulator; properties vary from very flexible (LDPE) to very rigid (HDPE) or extremely tough (UHMWPE); generally recyclable; low cost.

Packaging films and bags, bottles and containers, pipes and tubing, toys, automotive components, household goods, agricultural films, geomembranes, wire and cable insulation, medical components, sporting goods, crates and bins, outdoor furniture, fuel tanks, cutting boards, cable ties, construction sheeting.

A semi-crystalline high-performance engineering thermoplastic in the polyketone family. One of the highest-performing plastics commercially available.

Continuous use temperature above 250 °C; excellent resistance to aggressive chemicals and steam; very high strength and stiffness; outstanding wear resistance; biocompatible; inherently flame-retardant; very low smoke and toxic gas emission.

Aerospace brackets and fairings, spinal and dental medical implants, oil and gas seals and connectors, automotive engine and transmission parts, semiconductor wafer carriers, high-performance gears and bearings, high-temperature electrical connectors, pump components, surgical instruments, military applications, HPLC components.

A high-performance amorphous thermoplastic. Ultem is the brand name from SABIC. Transparent in thin sections, normally amber-coloured.

High glass transition temperature (around 217 °C); excellent dimensional stability; high strength and stiffness; inherently flame-retardant with low smoke emission; good electrical insulation; resistant to many chemicals; can be sterilised (autoclave, gamma, ETO).

Aerospace interior parts and insulation, medical devices and sterilisation trays, high-temperature electrical connectors, automotive lighting, microwave oven components, telecommunications equipment, semiconductor manufacturing, food service trays and steam pans, business machine components, high-temperature 3D printing filament.

A polyester chemically related to PET but made from naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid. Higher performance than PET.

Better heat resistance than PET (continuous use up to 155 °C); much better gas and moisture barrier; higher mechanical strength and modulus; better UV resistance; good dimensional stability; transparent.

High-performance packaging films, capacitor films, high-density magnetic tapes, tyre cords, industrial films, electrical insulation, automotive under-the-hood components, LCD display components, solar control films, flexible circuit boards, high-temperature labels, optical films, speaker diaphragms.

A high-performance amorphous thermoplastic in the polysulfone family. Transparent in thin sections, naturally amber-coloured.

High glass transition temperature (around 225 °C); excellent dimensional stability; high strength and rigidity; good chemical resistance; inherently flame-retardant with low smoke emission; good hydrolytic stability; transparent.

Medical sterilisation trays and dialysis components, membranes for water filtration, high-temperature electrical connectors, automotive lighting, aircraft interior parts, food processing equipment, microwave oven components, fluid handling, sight glasses, baby bottles (transparent), coffee machine components, analytical instrument parts.

A semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyester made by polycondensation of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. One of the most produced plastics worldwide.

Excellent clarity and transparency in amorphous form; good gas and moisture barrier; good mechanical strength; lightweight and shatter-resistant; food-safe; widely recyclable (plastic #1).

Beverage bottles (water, soda, juice), food containers (peanut butter jars, salad dressing), polyester fibres for clothing and carpets, microwaveable food trays, blister packaging, ovenable trays, cosmetic bottles, pharmaceutical packaging, X-ray films, automotive interior fabrics, strapping.

A glycol-modified version of PET. The glycol prevents crystallisation, resulting in an amorphous polymer.

Enhanced clarity and impact strength compared to PET; easy thermoforming and 3D printing; good chemical resistance; easily bondable with solvents or adhesives; sterilisable; food-safe; good toughness even when thin.

Medical sterile barrier packaging, food packaging (clear containers, blister packs), point-of-purchase displays, signage indoor and outdoor, cosmetic bottles, machine guards (transparent), protective shields, orthotics and prosthetics, clear durable toys, 3D printing filament, reusable cups, dental retainers and aligners.

Polyethylene whose chains have been chemically cross-linked, transforming it from thermoplastic to thermoset behaviour. Made by peroxide (PEX-A), silane (PEX-B) or radiation (PEX-C) cross-linking.

Excellent heat resistance up to ~120 °C (well above HDPE limits); high resistance to pressure and creep; outstanding chemical resistance; good flexibility (better than rigid HDPE pipes); high impact and stress-crack resistance; cannot be remelted (thermoset).

Hot and cold water plumbing systems, underfloor heating (most common pipe material), district heating networks, radiator and snow-melt systems, medium-voltage power cable insulation, high-voltage cable insulation, automotive heating systems, industrial heat exchangers, compressed air lines, chemical resistant tubing.

A fully fluorinated copolymer that combines properties of PTFE with the melt-processability of FEP.

Exceptional chemical inertness even to aggressive chemicals; very high continuous use temperature (~260 °C); excellent non-stick properties; very low friction; superior electrical insulation; transparent; UV-resistant; melt-processable.

Chemical processing equipment linings, high-purity fluid handling in semiconductor manufacturing, wire and cable insulation for harsh environments, laboratory tubing, non-stick coatings, heat exchangers, medical catheters and fluid lines, aerospace seals, gaskets for critical applications, flexible high-performance circuit boards, pharmaceutical equipment.

Thermosetting plastics made from phenol and formaldehyde. The first widely used synthetic plastics, invented by Leo Baekeland in 1907.

Excellent heat resistance; high hardness and rigidity; good dimensional stability; excellent electrical insulation; resistant to many chemicals; brittle; cannot be remelted or reshaped after curing; typically dark in colour.

Electrical switches and circuit breakers, cookware and tool handles, brake pads and clutch linings (as binder), abrasive wheels, laminates for countertops, automotive distributor caps, plywood and particleboard adhesives, billiard balls, foundry mould binders, printed circuit board substrates, heat-resistant components.

A class of high-performance polymers with imide groups in their molecular structure. Available as thermoplastics or thermosets.

Extreme heat resistance (continuous use over 260 °C, peaks beyond 400 °C); excellent mechanical properties across wide temperature range; good chemical resistance; very low thermal expansion; inherently flame-retardant; excellent electrical insulation.

Aerospace engine parts and structural elements, high-temperature wire insulation, flexible printed circuits (Kapton film), semiconductor wafer handling, medical sterilisable components, automotive under-the-hood parts, gaskets and seals for extreme conditions, thermal insulation for spacecraft, high-temperature bearings, military applications, heat shields.

A transparent rigid thermoplastic made by polymerising methyl methacrylate. Used as a lightweight, shatter-resistant glass alternative.

Excellent optical clarity (higher light transmittance than glass, ~92%); good UV and weather resistance; high surface hardness; rigid; somewhat brittle but easy to colour and mould; can be polished to optical quality.

Window panes and skylights, automotive taillights and lenses, signage and displays, aquariums, safety shields, spectacle lenses, fibre optics, medical incubators and dental prosthetics, lighting diffusers, transparent furniture, bathtubs and shower enclosures, aircraft windows, retail display cases, solar panel covers.

A semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic, also called Acetal. Available as homopolymer (Delrin) and copolymer grades.

High stiffness, strength and hardness; excellent dimensional stability and creep resistance; very low friction and excellent wear resistance; retains properties across a wide temperature range; good chemical resistance to oils and solvents.

Gears and bearings, automotive fuel system components, zippers and buckles, fasteners and clips, conveyor belt rollers, medical drug delivery devices, CD/DVD player mechanisms, plumbing parts (showerheads, valves), ski bindings, appliance gears and cams, printer parts, eyeglass frame hinges, fishing reels, precision engineering components.

A semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer of propylene. One of the most widely produced plastics in the world.

Excellent chemical resistance; high stiffness; good fatigue resistance (resistant to repeated flexing); good impact strength; high melting point (~160-170 °C); lightweight; recyclable (plastic #5); supports living hinges.

Food containers (yogurt pots, margarine tubs), automotive components (bumpers, battery cases), bottle caps and closures (flip-tops with living hinges), packaging films, fibres for carpets and ropes, medical syringes, washing machine tubs, chairs and furniture, hard-shell luggage, disposable diaper non-woven layers, pipes and fittings, storage bins.

A high-performance amorphous thermoplastic. Usually blended with polystyrene or polyamide for processability (see Noryl).

High heat resistance; excellent dimensional stability; very low water absorption; good electrical insulation; inherently flame-retardant; good hydrolytic stability; good strength and stiffness.

Electrical connectors and switches, automotive fuse boxes and sensor housings, appliance parts (washing machines), water meters and pump impellers, business machine housings, telecommunications equipment, medical device components, fluid handling, industrial control panels, power tool housings, lighting fixtures, HVAC components.

A high-performance semi-crystalline thermoplastic. Marketed under brand names like Ryton (Solvay) and Fortron (Celanese).

Exceptional chemical resistance even at high temperatures (no known solvent below 200 °C); very high heat resistance (continuous use ~220 °C); high stiffness and strength; inherently flame-retardant; good dimensional stability; excellent electrical insulation.

Automotive fuel system and engine parts, high-temperature electrical connectors, appliance components (microwave parts, hair dryers), industrial pumps and valves, sterilisable medical devices, aerospace components, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, non-stick cookware coatings, heat exchangers, LED components, automotive sensors, filter media.

An amorphous thermoplastic polymer of styrene. Available as solid (general-purpose) PS or as expanded foam (EPS).

Low cost; good clarity in general-purpose grades; rigid and easy to process; lightweight (especially in foam form); good electrical insulation; brittle; poor chemical resistance; not weather-resistant.

Disposable cutlery and plates, CD/DVD cases, food packaging (yogurt cups, foam meat trays), expanded polystyrene insulation (EPS) for building, protective foam packaging, model kits, electronic housings, disposable cups (foam and rigid), picture frame mouldings, smoke detector housings, laboratory petri dishes, advertising signs.

A fluoropolymer made by polymerising tetrafluoroethylene. Famous as the non-stick coating “Teflon”. Cannot be melt-processed conventionally.

Extremely low coefficient of friction (one of the lowest of any solid); outstanding chemical inertness (resistant to nearly all chemicals); very high and low temperature resistance (-200 to +260 °C); excellent electrical insulation; non-flammable; UV-resistant; not melt-processable.

Non-stick coatings for cookware, gaskets and seals (chemical, high-temperature), bearings and bushings (low friction, no lubrication), chemical processing equipment linings, electrical wire insulation, medical implants (vascular grafts, surgical patches), laboratory equipment, weatherproof breathable fabrics, aerospace seals, fluid handling for corrosive fluids, dental floss.

A broad family of polymers from polyols and isocyanates. Can be thermosetting or thermoplastic, produced as foams, elastomers, coatings, adhesives or sealants.

Highly versatile properties (from very soft foam to rigid solid); excellent abrasion resistance; good elasticity; high tensile strength; good chemical resistance; good thermal and acoustic insulation; can be tailored for specific applications.

Mattresses and furniture cushioning, adhesives and sealants, paints and varnishes, wheels and rollers, shoe soles and insoles, automotive bumpers and interior trim, spandex/elastane fibres, medical catheters and surgical drapes, building insulation (spray foam, rigid boards), bowling balls, waterproofing membranes, synthetic leather, conveyor belts.

A water-soluble synthetic polymer made by hydrolysing polyvinyl acetate. The only common plastic that dissolves in water.

Excellent water solubility (depending on hydrolysis grade); good film-forming ability; high tensile strength when dry; excellent oxygen barrier (when dry); good adhesion; biodegradable; non-toxic.

Adhesives (wood glue, paper glue), textile sizing and finishing, paper coatings, water-soluble packaging films (laundry pods, agrochemicals), emulsifiers, contact lens solutions, medical wound dressings, surgical sponges, hospital water-soluble laundry bags, fibre optic coatings, photopolymer printing plates, ceramic binders.

A synthetic thermoplastic widely known as the common “white glue” or “wood glue”. Made by polymerising vinyl acetate monomer.

Excellent adhesive properties on porous substrates; good film-forming; transparent when dry; flexible and non-brittle; non-toxic; not waterproof (re-emulsifies in water); easy to apply.

Wood glue and white craft glues, adhesives for paper, cardboard and textiles, emulsion paint binders, bookbinding adhesives, paper coatings, non-woven fabric binders, packaging adhesives, envelope adhesives, wallpaper paste, drywall construction adhesives, carpet backing, leather finishing, chewing gum base (food grade), art and craft supplies.

A versatile thermoplastic made by polymerising vinyl chloride monomer. Third most-produced plastic in the world. Available as rigid (uPVC) or flexible (with plasticisers).

Low cost; good chemical and water resistance; durable; inherently flame-retardant; good electrical insulation; high chlorine content (~57%); can be made rigid or very flexible depending on additives.

Pipes and fittings (plumbing, drainage, sewage), window frames and door profiles, vinyl flooring and tiles, electrical cable insulation, roofing membranes, medical tubing and blood bags, automotive interior trim, inflatable products, credit cards, raincoats, garden hoses, artificial leather, shower curtains, vinyl records, blister packaging.

A high-performance fluoropolymer made by polymerising vinylidene difluoride. Marketed under brand names like Kynar (Arkema) and Solef (Solvay).

Excellent chemical resistance to corrosive chemicals; very high UV and weather resistance; good mechanical strength and toughness; good heat resistance (up to ~150 °C continuous); inherently flame-retardant; piezoelectric in specific forms.

Pipes and fittings for chemical processing, coatings for architectural metals (building facades), high-performance wire and cable insulation, membranes for water filtration, chemical storage tank linings, semiconductor manufacturing, battery binder in lithium-ion electrodes, medical tubing, automotive fuel lines, fluorocarbon fishing lines, heat-shrink tubing.

An amorphous thermoplastic copolymer of styrene and acrylonitrile. The base resin used to make ABS (with butadiene added).

High clarity and gloss; good rigidity and hardness; better chemical resistance than polystyrene; good heat resistance (~85 °C); good dimensional stability; brittle compared to ABS; easy to process.

Blender jars and food processor bowls, battery cases, refrigerator drawers and shelves, transparent rigid cosmetic packaging, water filter housings, medical devices (syringes, blood collection tubes), automotive transparent parts, tableware (clear plates and glasses), display cases, office supplies (pen barrels, staplers), kitchenware.

A synthetic rubber copolymer of styrene and butadiene. The most widely used synthetic rubber, accounts for around 40% of all synthetic rubber.

Good abrasion resistance; good aging stability; resistance to heat and water; cost-effective; properties similar to natural rubber but better abrasion resistance; not resistant to oils, fuels or ozone.

Car and truck tyres, footwear soles, conveyor belts, hoses and tubing, gaskets and seals, adhesives and sealants, rubber flooring, automotive engine mounts, wire and cable insulation, industrial belts, tank linings, sound and vibration dampening, golf ball cores, chewing gum base, rubber bands, asphalt modification.

A thermoplastic elastomer block copolymer with polystyrene end blocks and a polybutadiene mid-block. Behaves like rubber but processed like thermoplastic.

High elasticity and flexibility; good impact strength; good abrasion resistance; rubber-like properties without vulcanisation; recyclable; low-temperature flexibility; melt-processable.

Footwear (shoe soles, heels), adhesives and sealants, asphalt modification for roofing and roads, bituminous waterproofing membranes, soft toys, sporting grips and handles, impact modifier for other plastics, cable insulation, automotive interior trim, medical flexible tubing, weatherstripping.

Synthetic polymers with silicon-oxygen backbones (different from carbon-based plastics). Available as fluids, gels, elastomers or rigid resins.

Excellent thermal stability from -60 to +230 °C; outstanding flexibility; water-repellent; biocompatible; chemically inert; UV and ozone resistant; non-stick surface; good electrical insulation.

Sealants and caulks for construction, adhesives for electronics and automotive, cookware and bakeware (spatulas, moulds, oven mitts), medical implants and tubing, electronics encapsulation, automotive gaskets and hoses, lubricants and greases, water-repellent textile coatings, cosmetics, electrical insulation, infant products (bottle nipples, pacifiers), LED encapsulants.

A broad class of polymers combining thermoplastic processing with rubber-like performance. Includes subtypes like SBS, SEBS, TPU, TPV and TPO.

Rubber-like flexibility and elasticity; can be repeatedly melted and reprocessed (unlike traditional rubber); soft-touch feel; recyclable; properties vary widely by subtype; good chemical resistance and weatherability for most grades.

Footwear components, automotive seals and gaskets, soft-touch grips and handles, medical tubing and seals, consumer goods (toothbrushes, toys, phone cases), wire and cable jacketing, sporting goods, adhesives, flexible hoses, weatherstripping, diaper elastic components, appliance gaskets, soft-touch overmoulding.

A specific type of TPE in the polyurethane family. Made by reacting diisocyanates with polyols.

Outstanding abrasion resistance; high elasticity and flexibility; excellent tear strength; good oil and grease resistance; good low-temperature performance (down to -40 °C); UV-resistant; transparent grades available; easy to process.

Footwear (sports shoes, safety shoes), phone cases and protective covers, automotive interior parts and seals, caster wheels, medical tubing and catheters, sporting goods (ski boots, athletic equipment), cable and wire jacketing, hydraulic and pneumatic hoses, drive belts, inflatable structures, paint protection film, textile waterproof coatings, 3D printing filament (flexible).

A thermosetting plastic from urea and formaldehyde. Once cured, forms a rigid, hard material that cannot be remelted.

High hardness; good scratch resistance; good heat resistance; good electrical insulation; resistant to common solvents; lower cost than melamine-formaldehyde; emits formaldehyde over time (health concern).

Adhesives for wood products (particleboard, plywood, MDF), electrical switches, sockets and plugs, buttons, toilet seats, moulding compounds for small electrical parts, appliance handles, decorative laminate resins, abrasive binders, foundry mould binders, textile finishing, paper impregnation, slow-release agricultural fertilizers.

A polyethylene with extremely high molecular weight (3.5-7.5 million g/mol). Marketed under brand names like Spectra and Dyneema (as fibre).

Extreme abrasion resistance (better than steel in many applications); outstanding impact strength even at cryogenic temperatures; very low coefficient of friction; excellent chemical resistance; self-lubricating; lightweight (floats); not melt-processable conventionally (sintered or compression moulded).

Wear strips and guide rails on conveyors, chute and hopper liners, bearings and bushings, hip and knee prosthetic joints, ski and snowboard bases, marine fenders and dock bumpers, bulletproof vests (as fibre, Spectra/Dyneema), industrial cutting boards, snowmobile skis, impellers, lining for truck beds, gears, sliding components, cable protection.

A proprietary polyimide-based engineering material from DuPont, often filled with graphite or PTFE for self-lubrication.

Exceptional continuous-use temperature (up to 300 °C); outstanding wear and friction properties (self-lubricating); high strength and stiffness; very low outgassing in vacuum; not melt-processable (machined from billets); very expensive.

Aerospace bushings, washers, seals and wear pads, semiconductor wafer handling, high-temperature unlubricated bearings, seals and gaskets for extreme environments, automotive high-temperature parts, industrial valve seats and compressor components, sterilisable medical devices, high-reliability electrical connectors, vacuum system components, cryogenic applications.

A linear polyethylene with very low density (0.880-0.915 g/cm³) and a high number of short-chain branches. Made by copolymerising ethylene with alpha-olefins.

Excellent flexibility (similar to some elastomers); high toughness; superior puncture and tear resistance; soft feel; thermoplastic processability (unlike rubbers); good clarity; low-temperature flexibility.

Stretch film (industrial pallet wrap, agricultural bale wrap), heavy-duty industrial liners, flexible packaging for frozen foods and meat, geomembranes (pond and canal liners), flexible tubing and hoses, wire and cable insulation, high-performance disposable gloves, medical packaging, diaper elastic components, food packaging seals, soft toys, automotive soft-touch trim.