Resin Families

COC

Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) – TOPAS® COC resins are a chemical relative of polyethylene and other polyolefin plastics. TOPAS cyclic olefin copolymers are ultra-pure, crystal-clear materials with a wide range of unique properties that enable customers to surpass the competition.

Features

• Purity: in direct drug contact, TOPAS COC plastics have broad global regulatory compliance
• Glass-Clear: sparkling films, glass-like healthcare containers, and high performance diagnostics with UV transparency
• Amorphous: heat resistance in PCR, sterilizable devices, and more
• Olefin: compatible blends with polyethylene, often with improved reclaim and recycle characteristics for sustainability
• Barrier: resists moisture, alcohols, acids and more for product protection in medicine, electronics, and more…

Uses

• Healthcare: Medical Devices, Parenteral Packaging, Drug Delivery, Trays, and Wearables
• Diagnostics: Microfluidics, Microplates, Point of Care, UV Transparency
• Electronics: Antennas, Capacitor Film

Disadvantages

• Brittle

Trade Names

• TOPAS® (Polyplastics)*

Color Rx™

The ColorRx product line includes a wide range of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE’s) ranging from 50 Shore A hardness to 70 Shore D, some of which are transparent. Grades are available for over-molding to achieve “soft-touch” surfaces, and for tubing applications, seals and closures, bags, bottles, and films.A full line of resins for device enclosures and housings that do not require biocompatibility is also available, including resins with enhanced resistance to chemical agents to meet today’s more demanding sanitizing requirements.

Integra™ by PolySource

ABS – PC – PC FR

Liquid Crystalline Polymers (LCPs)

Liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) are a special type of thermoplastics that exhibit properties between highly ordered solid crystalline materials and amorphous disordered liquids over a well-defined temperature range. Can easily fill extremely thin walls. LCP exhibits little to no shrinkage

Features

LCP exhibits excellent mechanical strength and dimensional stability, high dielectric strength, and low coefficient of thermal expansion

Uses

Electrical Connectors, CPU sockets, sensors, and small component information technology devices

Trade Names

LAPEROS™ LCP

PBT

PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) is a thermoplastic material that is commonly used as an insulator for the electronics industry. PBT’s flame retardant properties coupled with its glass reinforcement allow it to have high flow and crystallize rapidly creating short mold cycles.

This thermoplastic polyester has very good dimensional stability. It also exhibits high heat resistance, chemical resistance and good electricals. In general, PBT materials exhibit higher tensile, flexural and dielectric strengths and faster, more economical molding characteristics than many thermosets.

Advantages

• Low water absorption
• Moldability
• Strength

Disadvantages

• Affected by boiling water
• Maximum use temperature is 300 degrees F (149 degrees C)
• Chemical resistance

Trade Names

• ColorFast PBT (Americhem)
• ColorRX PBT (Americhem)
• Electrafil PBT (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• HiFill FR PBT (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• HiFill PBT (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• InElec PBT (Americhem)
• InLube PBT (Americhem)
• InStruc PBT (Americhem)
• INTEGRA PBT (PolySource)
• Later PBT (LATI S.p.A)
• Latilub PBT (LATI S.p.A)
• Longlite PBT (CCP Group)
• Plaslube PBT (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)

Polyamide (PA)

Nylon (Polyamide) – The generic name for all long-chain fiber-forming polyamides with recurring amide groups. Polyamides (Nylon) comprise the largest family of engineering plastics with a very wide range of applications. Polyamides (Nylons) are often formed into fibers and are used for monofilaments and yarns. Characteristically polyamides (nylons) are very resistant to wear and abrasion, have good mechanical properties even at elevated temperatures, have low permeability to gases and have good chemical resistance.

Polyamide (Nylon) polymer was first commercially introduced by DuPont as a result of the significant research work of W. H. Carothers in the 1930s, who was conducting early extensive research efforts in polyesters and polyamides. The first important polyamide was Nylon 66 produced by the reaction of adipic acid (a 6-carbon dibasic acid) and hexamethylene diamine (a 6-carbon aliphatic diamine). Several structural modifications with differing temperature capabilities have become commercially available including Nylon 46, 610, 612, 6, 11, etc.

Features

Heat Stabilized, Lubricated, Flame Retardant, Impact Modified, High Strength, Good Dimensional Stability, Halogen Free, High Impact Resistance, Chemical Resistant, Good Mold Release

Uses

Automotive Applications, Electrical/Electronic Applications, Industrial Applications, Consumer Applications, Engineering Parts, Connectors, Housings, General Purpose, Sporting Goods, Power/Other Tools

Disadvantages

• High moisture pick-up with related dimensional instability
• Requires UV stabilization
• High shrinkage in molded sections
• High moisture absorptivity degrades electrical and mechanical properties
• Attacked by oxidizing agents
• Attacked by strong acids and bases
• High notch sensitivity

Trade Names

• Arlen Nylon (Mitsui Chemicals America, Inc)
• ColorFast Nylon (Americhem)
• ColorRX Nylon (Americhem)
• Complet Nylon (Plasticomp, Inc.)
• Domamid Nylon (Domo Engineering Plastics)*
• Domonyl Nylon (Domo Engineering Plastics)*
• Ecomass Nylon (Ecomass Technologies)
• Electrafil Nylon (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• Heramid Nylon (Radici Plastics)
• HiFill FR Nylon (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• HiFill Nylon (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• InElec Nylon (Americhem)
• InLube Nylon (Americhem)
• InStruc Nylon (Americhem)
• Integra Nylon (PolySource, LLC)
• INTEGRA Nylon (PolySource)
• Kelon A Nylon (LATI S.p.A)
• Kelon B Nylon (LATI S.p.A)
• Latamid Nylon (LATI S.p.A)
• Latilub Nylon (LATI S.p.A)
• Latimass Nylon (LATI S.p.A)
• Latiohm Nylon (LATI S.p.A)
• Latishield Nylon (LATI S.p.A)
• Latistat Nylon (LATI S.p.A)
• Leona Nylon (Asahi Kasei Corporation)
• Nylene Nylon (Polymeric Resources Corporation (PRC))
• OmniLon Nylon (Omni Plastics, LLC)
• Plaslube Nylon (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• Radiflam Nylon (Radici Plastics)
• Radilon Nylon (Radici Plastics)
• TES Nylon (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• Torzen Nylon (Radici Plastics)*

Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate (PC) – This material is formed by a condensation polymerization resulting in a carbon that is bonded to three oxygens. The most common system for this polymerization is formed by a reaction of bisphenol A and phosgene. Applications of polycarbonate are almost always those which take advantage of its uniquely high impact strength and its exceptional clarity. These unique properties have resulted in applications such as bulletproof windows, break resistant lenses, compact discs, etc. More recently however, additional interest has resulted because of the low flammability of polycarbonate.

Polycarbonates (PC) were first prepared by Einhorn in 1898 and extensively researched until 1930 where they were discarded. Research was then started in the mid 1950s by General Electric and in 1958 the Polycarbonate popularity expanded to a global community. Today, approximately 75% of the Polycarbonate market is held by SABIC Innovative Plastics and Covestro (formerly Bayer MaterialScience).

Features

Flame Retardant, High Flow, Good Mold Release, High Heat Resistance, Lubricated, High Impact Resistance, Good Processability, Bromine Free, General Purpose, Good Flow

Uses

Electrical/Electronic Applications, Electronic Displays, Lighting Applications, Automotive Applications, Appliances, Medical/Healthcare Applications, Construction Applications, Housings, General Purpose, Automotive Interior Parts

Disadvantages

• Subject to stress cracking
• Fairly high processing temperatures required
• Degrades upon extended residence time in processing equipment
• Chemical resistance is only fair
• Aromatic sensitivity

Trade Names

• Calibre PC (Trinseo)*
• ColorFast PC (Americhem)
• ColorRX PC (Americhem)
• Electrafil PC (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• Enviroplas PC (Enviroplas)*
• HiFill FR PC (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• HiFill PC (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• InElec PC (Americhem)
• InLube PC (Americhem)
• InStruc PC (Americhem)
• INTEGRA PC (PolySource, LLC)
• Latilon PC (LATI S.p.A)
• Latilub PC (LATI S.p.A)
• Latiohm PC (LATI S.p.A)
• Latishield PC (LATI S.p.A)
• Latistat PC (LATI S.p.A)
• Naxel PC (Polymeric Resources Corporation PRC)
• OmniCarb (OMNI Plastics, LLC)
• Plaslube PC (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• StarPrime PC (Star Plastics)*
• TAIRILITE PC (Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation)
• TES PC (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• Trirex Compound PC (Samyang Corporation)
• Trirex PC (Samyang Corporation)

Polyketone (Aliphatic)

Polyketone is a semi-crystalline polymer that combines: the higher heat performance of polyamide 6 and 6/6, the fuel resistance of nylon 11 and 12, the low moisture absorption of PBT, and the exceptional wear & friction performance of POM. When it comes to injection molding, polyketone holds a significant benefit over traditional materials such as nylons, acetal and polyester for cycle time, ease of drying, no off gassing and no need to rely on moisture for toughness. Polyketone exhibits similar mold shrinkage to these resins allowing for existing molds to be used.

Features

Wear Resistant, Good Dimensional Stability, High Strength, Low Viscosity, Food Contact Acceptable, Chemical Resistant, High Viscosity, Drinking Water Contact Acceptable, Pleasing Surface Appearance, Flame Retardant

Uses

Automotive Applications, Engineering Parts, Industrial Applications, Electrical/Electronic Applications, Gears, Bearings, Connectors, Food Packaging, Cosmetic Packaging, Packaging

Trade Names

• ColorFast PK (Americhem)
• HiFill PK (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• Hyosung Polyketone (Hyosung Corporation)
• InStruc (Americhem)
• INTEGRA PK (PolySource, LLC)

Quick Guide

POLYKETONE (POK) – Quick Guide

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene (PP) – This polyolefin is readily formed by polymerizing propylene with suitable catalysts, generally aluminum alkyl and titanium tetrachloride. Polypropylene properties vary according to molecular weight, method of production, and the copolymers involved. Generally polypropylene has demonstrated certain advantages in improved strength, stiffness and higher temperature capability over polyethylene. Polypropylene has been very successfully applied to the forming of fibers due to its good specific strength which is why it is the single largest use of polypropylene. Polypropylene also happens to be one of the lightest plastics available with a density of 0.905 g/cm².

Polypropylene (PP) was discovered in 1954 and grew a strong popularity very quickly. Because of extensive research, five main variations of Polypropylene have emerged as: homopolymers, impact (block) copolymers, random copolymers, rubber modified blends, and specialty copolymers.

Features

Homopolymer, Copolymer, Good Impact Resistance, High Flow, Good Processability, Good Stiffness, Food Contact Acceptable, High Impact Resistance, High Stiffness, Chemically Coupled

Uses

Automotive Applications, Household Goods, Electrical/Electronic Applications, Appliances, Industrial Applications, Containers, Packaging, Automotive Interior Parts, Film, General Purpose

Disadvantages

• Degraded by UV
• Flammable, but retarded grades available
• Attacked by chlorinated solvents and aromatics
• Difficult to bond
• Several metals accelerate oxidative degrading
• Low temperature impact strength is poor

Trade Names

• ColorFast PP (Americhem)
• ColorRX PP (Americhem)
• Complet (PlastiComp, Inc.)
• Electrafil PP (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• HiFill FR PP (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• InElec PP (Americhem)
• InLube PP (Americhem)
• InStruc PP (Americhem)
• INTEGRA PP (PolySource, LLC)
• Latene PP (LATI S.p.A)
• Latimass PP (LATI S.p.A)
• Latiohm PP (LATI S.p.A)
• Latishield PP (LATI S.p.A)
• Latistat PP (LATI S.p.A)
• OmniPro (OMNI Plastics, LLC)
• Plaslube PP (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• POLIMAXX PP (IRPC Public Company Limited)
• Tairipro PP (Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation)
• Thermylene (Asahi Kasei Plastics North America Inc.)

Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene (PS) – Polystyrene is an amorphous, glassy polymer that is generally rigid and relatively inexpensive. Unfilled polystyrene has a sparkle appearance and is often referred to as crystal PS or general purpose polystyrene (GPPS). High impact polystyrene grades (HIPS) are produced by adding rubber or butadiene copolymer which increases the toughness and impact strength of the polymer. Polystyrenes possess good flow properties at temperatures safely below degradation ranges, and can easily be extruded, injection molded, or compression molded. Considerable quantities of polystyrene are produced in the form of heat-expandable beads containing a suitable blowing agent which ultimately results in familiar foamed polystyrene articles.

Polystyrene (PS) has been known for well over one hundred years but its real molecular nature was not clarified until about 1920 when the work of Staudinger elucidated the materials molecular structure in the very early days of polymer science. About 1930 I.G. Farben, in Germany, first produced polystyrene, while at the same time the Dow Chemical Company commenced their ultimately successful development of the material.

Features

High Impact Resistance, Flame Retardant, Food Contact Acceptable, General Purpose, Good Processability, High Heat Resistance, Expandable, High Flow, Fast Molding Cycle, Good Flow

Uses

Packaging, Sheet, Insulation, General Purpose, Foam, Electrical/Electronic Applications, Household Goods, Toys, Appliance Components, Containers

Disadvantages

• Flammable, but retarded grades available
• Poor solvent resistance, attacked by many chemicals
• Homopolymers are brittle
• Subject to stress and environmental cracking
• Poor thermal stability

Trade Names

• ColorFast PS (Americhem)
• Electrafil PS (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• HiFill PBT (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• InElec PS (Americhem)
• InLube PS (Americhem)
• InStruc PS (Americhem)
• POLIMAXX PS (IRPC Public Company Limited)
• Resirene PS (Resirene, S.A. de C.V.)
• TAIRIREX PS (Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation)

Polyphenylene Ether (PPE)

Polyphenylene Ether (PPE) – A thermoplastic, linear, noncrystalline polyether obtained by the oxidative polycondensation of 2,6-dimethylphenol in the presence of a copper-amine-complex catalyst. Polyphenylene ether, also called polyphenylene oxide, is usually blended with polystyrene to improve its toughness and processability. Polyphenylene ether has excellent electrical properties, unusual resistance to acids and bases, and is processable on conventional extrusion and injection molding equipment. PPE is easily attacked by some hydrocarbons, although it resists many chemicals. Polyphenylene ether possesses excellent dimensional stability, low moisture absorption, and high mechanical and dielectric strength.

In 1965 polyphenylene ether was introduced as polyphenylene oxide (PPO) by the General Electric Co. in the U.S. and by AKU in Holland. Unfortunately for polyphenylene oxide its price is too high to justify extensive use which led to the introduction of the related and cheaper Noryl (PPE+PS) materials by General Electric Co. in 1966.

Features

Flame Retardant, Halogen Free, High Heat Resistance, Good Dimensional Stability, High Stiffness, Good Flow, Hydrolytically Stable, Medium Heat Resistance, Bromine Free, Chlorine Free

Uses

Electrical/Electronic Applications, Electronic Displays, Appliances, Construction Applications, Automotive Applications, Automotive Exterior Parts, Automotive Under the Hood, General Purpose, Automotive Electronics, Lighting Applications

Disadvantages

• High viscosity
• Color shift with UV exposure
• Higher cost compared to competing resin systems

Trade Names

• ColorFast PPE (Americhem)
• Xyron PPE (Asahi Kasei Corporation)

PAA

PAA is short for polyacrylic acid. The materials in this product range are based on semi-crystalline polyamides with partially aromatic content. PAA is widely used as a metal and glass replacement in high-quality applications for industrial and consumer goods.

Features

High levels of stiffness and strength, little change in property values after absorption of moisture, low dampness and water absorption, good dimensional stability, low warpage, good chemical resistance, good surface quality, efficient and economical production

Uses

• Automotive
• Electro & Electronics
• Industry & consumer goods
• Optics
• Packaging

Trade Names

• GRIVORY ™ PAA, PPA (EMS-GRIVORY)
• GRILAMID ™ PA6/10, PA6/12, PA10/10, PA12 (EMS-GRIVORY)
• GRILON ™ Polyamide Compounds (EMS-GRIVORY)

PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – A polymer made by the catalytic polymerization of vinyl chloride. PVC also includes copolymers that contain at least 50% vinyl chloride. The neat homopolymer is hard, brittle and difficult to process, but it becomes flexible when plasticized. Polyvinyl chloride molding compounds can be extruded, injection molded, compression molded, calendered, and blow molded to form a huge variety of products, either rigid or flexible depending on the amount and type of plasticizers used. There are more compounding recipes for PVC than for any other polymer. Rigid PVC is strong, difficult to burn, has excellent resistance to strong acids and bases, to most other chemicals, and to many organic solvents. Additionally, polyvinyl chloride is one of the least expensive plastics.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was first produced commercially in the USA in 1933 and had an important use as cable insulation during the second World War. Polyvinyl chloride then became used for many more applications soon after.

Features

General Purpose, Non-Phthalate Plasticizer, Good Flexibility, Flame Retardant, Ethylene Oxide Sterilizable, Non-Toxic, High Impact Resistance, Low (to None) Lead Content, High Gloss , Low Gloss

Uses

General Purpose, Industrial Applications, Wire & Cable Applications, Profiles, Electrical/Electronic Applications, Medical/Healthcare Applications, Tubing, Cable Jacketing, Construction Applications, Building Materials

Disadvantages

• Sensitive to UV and oxidative degradation
• Limited thermal capability
• Thermal decomposition evolves HCI
• Higher density than many plastics

Trade Names

• Aurora PVC (Aurora Plastics, Inc.)
• Manner PVC (Manner Plastics, L.P.)

PEI

Polyether Imide (PEI) – PEI is considered an advanced thermoplastic which has both ether links and imide groups in its polymer chain. Polyether imide has gained rapid acceptance as a high temperature engineering thermoplastic material competitive with the polysulfones, polyphenylene sulfides, and polyketones. Polyether imide exhibits high tensile strength without the use of reinforcement, flame resistance, very low smoke emission, and excellent hydrolytic stability. Because of PEIs high stability, its range of processing is wider than many other thermoplastics.

In 1982 General Electric introduced the first polyetherimide (PEI) under the trade name Ultem. They discovered that the presence of the ether linkages was sufficient to allow the material to be melt processible, while retaining many of the key characteristics of polyimides.

Features

Elevated thermal resistance, strength/stiffness, dimensional stability, flame resistance, low smoke and toxicity.

Uses

Electrical/Electronic Applications, Medical and Chemical Applications, Automotive, Aircraft and Aerospace, Healthcare and Food handling, Appliances.

Disadvantages

• Notch Sensitive
• High processing temperatures required
• Attacked by strong bases and partially halogenated solvents
• Relatively high material and processing costs
• Limited colorability

Trade Names

• Electrafil PEI (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• Enviroplas PEI (Enviroplas)*
• HiFill PEI (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• InElec PEI (Americhem)
• InLube PEI (Americhem)
• InStruc PEI (Americhem)
• Integra PEI (PolySource, LLC)
• Plaslube PEI (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)

PES

Polyethersulfone (PES) has an outstanding ability to withstand exposure to elevated temperatures in air and water for prolonged periods.Even though PES is a high-temperature engineering thermoplastic, it can be processed on conventional plastics processing equipment. High mold temperatures generally assist mold fill and reduce molded-in stresses. Because PES is amorphous, mold shrinkage is low and is suitable for applications requiring close tolerances and little dimensional change over a wide temperature range.

Features

High strength, Low moisture absorption, low creep, flame retardant, chemical & heat resistant, good transparency, stability at high temps, good electrical characteristics

Uses

High Temp Metal Replacement, Medical, Automotive, Electrical

Trade Names

• HiFill PES (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• InElec PES (Americhem)
• InLube PES (Americhem)
• InStruc PES (Americhem)
• Lapex A PES (LATI S.p.A)
• Latilub PES (LATI S.p.A)
• Latiohm PES (LATI S.p.A)
• Latishield PES (LATI S.p.A)
• Plaslube PES (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)

PET

PET is short for polyethylene terephthalate, the chemical name for polyester. PET is a clear, strong, lightweight plastic that is the most commonly used thermoplastic polymer in the world. PET was first polymerized in the 1940s by DuPont chemists looking to develop polymer materials for use as textile fibers. It is produced from the synthesis of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Even without additives to increase its strength, PET is still very strong for its lightweight.

Features

Resistance to water, chemical resistance, high strength to weight ratio, virtually shatterproof, naturally transparent, wide availability as an economic and recyclable plastic

Uses

Widely used for packaging foods and beverages, especially convenience-sized soft drinks, juices and water. Virtually all single-serving and 2-liter bottles of carbonated soft drinks and water sold in the U.S. are made from PET. It is also popular for packaging salad dressings, peanut butter, cooking oils, mouthwash, shampoo, liquid hand soap, window cleaner, even tennis balls. Special grades of PET are used for carry-home food containers and prepared food trays that can be warmed in the oven or microwave.

Disadvantages

• Somewhat susceptible to oxidation
• Not biodegradable

Trade Names

• Arnite™ (DSM)

PPS

Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) – A crystalline polymer having a symmetrical, rigid backbone chain consisting of recurring p-substituted benzene rings and sulfur atoms. A variety of grades suitable for slurry coating, fluidized-bed coating, electrostatic spraying, as well as injection and compression molding are offered. Polyphenylene sulfides exhibit outstanding chemical resistance, thermal stability, dimensionally stability, and fire resistance. PPS’s extreme inertness toward organic solvents, and inorganic salts and bases make for outstanding performance as a corrosion-resistant coating suitable for contact with foods.

The first commercial grades of polyphenylene sulfides (PPS) were introduced by Phillips Petroleum in 1968 under the trade name Ryton. These were of two types, a thermoplastic branched polymer of very high viscosity which was processed by PTFE-type processes, and an initially linear polymer which could be compression molded. Then, in 1973 in Europe, the emphasis was shifted to injection molding and coating processes.

Features

High Impact, Low Creep, Chemical Resistant, Good Dimensional Stability, Good Surface Finish, high heat resistance, Flame Retardant, Electrical Insulation Properties

Uses

Appliances, Automotive, Electrical/Electronics, Industrial Applications, Metal replacement

Disadvantages

• Difficult to process (high melt temperature)
• Comparatively high cost
• Fillers required to get good impact strength
• Subject to warpage and brittleness

Trade Names

• Durafide PPS (Polyplastics)
• Ecomass PPS (Ecomass Technologies)
• Electrafil PPS (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• Enviroplas PPS (Enviroplas)*
• HiFill PPS (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• InElec PPS (Americhem)
• InLube PPS (Americhem)
• InStruc PPS (Americhem)
• Larton PPS (LATI S.p.A)
• Laticonther PPS (LATI S.p.A)
• Latilub PPS (LATI S.p.A)
• Latiohm PPS (LATI S.p.A)
• Plaslube PPS (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• TES PPS (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• Thermec S PPS (Domo Engineering Plastics)*
• Xytron PPS (DSM Engineering Plastics)*

PEEK

PEEK is a semicrystalline thermoplastic with excellent mechanical and chemical resistance properties that are retained to high temperatures. The processing conditions used to mold PEEK can influence the crystallinity and hence the mechanical properties. Its Young’s modulus is 3.6 GPa and its tensile strength is 90 to 100 MPa. PEEK has a glass transition temperature of around 143 °C (289 °F) and melts around 343 °C (662 °F). Some grades have a useful operating temperature of up to 250 °C (482 °F). The thermal conductivity increases nearly linearly with temperature between room temperature and solidus temperature. It is highly resistant to thermal degradation, as well as to attack by both organic and aqueous environments. It is attacked by halogens and strong Brønsted and Lewis acids, as well as some halogenated compounds and aliphatic hydrocarbons at high temperatures. It is soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature, although dissolution can take a very long time unless the polymer is in a form with a high surface-area-to-volume ratio, such as a fine powder or thin film. It has high resistance to biodegradation.

Uses

Bearings, piston parts, pumps, High-performance liquid chromatography columns, compressor plate valves, electrical cable insulation.

Trade Names

• ColorRX PEEK (Americhem)
• Electrafil PEEK (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• HiFill PEEK (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• InElec PEEK (Americhem)
• InLube PEEK (Americhem)
• InStruc PEEK (Americhem)
• Larpeek PEEK (LATI S.p.A)
• Laticonther PEEK (LATI S.p.A)
• Latilub PEEK (LATI S.p.A)
• Latiohm PEEK (LATI S.p.A)
• Plaslube PEEK (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)

PPA

Polyphthalamide (PPA) is a semi-crystalline, aromatic polyamide. Compared to nylon 6/6, it is stronger, stiffer, less sensitive to moisture, and has higher thermal capabilities. It has significant chemical fatigue and creep resistance.PPA resins are suitable for a wide range of applications because of their outstanding physical, thermal and electrical properties. They can resist infrared soldering environments, unlike many other resins.

Features

Exceptional resistance to high heat, high chemical resistance, good strength and rigidity at high temps, resistance to creep, Dimensional stability, Hydrolysis resistant

Uses

Automotive, Electrical Industries, Metal replacement

Disadvantages

• Not inherently flame retardant
• Requires good drying equipment
• High processing temperatures

Trade Names

• Ecomass PPA (Ecomass Technologies)
• HiFill PPA (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• InElec PPA (Americhem)
• InLube PPA (Americhem)
• InStruc PPA (Americhem)
• Laramid PPA (LATI S.p.A)
• Laticonther PPA (LATI S.p.A)
• Latigloss PPA (LATI S.p.A)
• Latilub PPA (LATI S.p.A)
• Latiohm PPA (LATI S.p.A)
• Plaslube PPA (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• Thermec N PPA (Domo Engineering Plastics)*

PPSU

These are moldable plastics often used in rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing applications. Polyphenylsulfone is a heat and chemical-resistant suited for automotive, aerospace, and plumbing applications. Polyphenylsulfone has no melting point, reflecting its amorphous nature, and offers tensile strength up to 55 MPa (8000 psi). Its commercial name is Radel. In plumbing applications, polyphenylsulfone fittings have been found to sometimes form cracks prematurely or to experience failure when improperly installed using non-manufacturer approved installation methods or systems.

Features

Heat Resistant, Transparency, High Toughness, Flexural and Tensile Strength, Hydrolytic Stability, Good Chemical and Heat Resistance

Uses

Healthcare/Medical (Medical Trays, surgical instruments, sterilizable containers, anesthesiology equipment

Trade Names

• ColorRX PPSU (Americhem)
• HiFill PPSU (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)
• Lapex R PPSU (LATI S.p.A)
• Plaslube PPSU (Techmer Polymer Modifiers)

Post Consumer & Post Industrial Recycled Items

PCR

Post-consumer recycled content is material made from the plastic items consumers recycle every day. These materials are typically collected by local recycling programs and shipped to recycling facilities to be sorted. These materials are then purchased, repelletized, and molded into new items.

PIR

Post-industrial recycled content (also known as pre-consumer waste), refers to waste generated from the manufacturing process that leads to the creation of the source material. For example, when plastic is processed the scrap left behind can then be utilized as PIR, which can be saved, repelletized, and molded into new items.

FEATURES

PCR and PIR can often provide the same physical property characteristics as virgin resins at 100% or a certain percentage mixed with virgin pellets. In some cases, it can also provide a cost savings based on current market conditions/pricing of virgin pellets.

USES

In most instances, PCR and PIR can be used in the same applications that current virgin resins are being used in. However, applications that have regulatory requirements may be a challenge (i.e., flame retardancy requirements and the need for a UL Flammability Rating, FDA Certification, Medical Regulatory Requirements, etc.).

TRADE NAMES

Retegra™ by PolySource

Retegra™ by PolySource is our private brand of post consumer recycle (PCR) and post industrial recycle (PIR) products. Post consumer recycle (PCR) and post industrial recycle (PIR) products can be used for a variety of finished products. It can be used at 100% content or a certain percentage mixed with virgin plastics. Each Retegra™ product is internally tested to meet specified quality ranges, exhibiting superior physical properties for a multitude of applications and markets.