The International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 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 International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3

The International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 Amorphous Commodity Thermoplastics Key Characteristics Low cost Low temperature resistance Low strength Good dimensional stability Bonds well Typically transparent

The International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 Amorphous Commodity Thermoplastics Materials Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) Polystyrene (PS) Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) Cellulous acetate butyrate (CAB)

The International Association of Plastics Distributors 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 International Association of Plastics Distributors 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 International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 Acrylic (PMMA) Applications Protective glazing Windows Toys Point of purchase (POP) displays

The International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 Polystyrene (PS) Strengths Inexpensive Easy to bond Quick to bond Easy to decorate

The International Association of Plastics Distributors 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 International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 Polystyrene (PS) Applications Refrigeration Disposable beverage glasses Medical devices Disposable laboratory products Wood replacement products

The International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Strengths Good impact resistance Easily formable Many different formulations

The International Association of Plastics Distributors 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 International Association of Plastics Distributors 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 International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Strengths Low cost Good chemical resistance Versatile Naturally UV resistant Good strength

The International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Limitations Heat sensitive Low impact strength Poor wear resistance

The International Association of Plastics Distributors 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 International Association of Plastics Distributors 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 International Association of Plastics Distributors 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 International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) Applications Packaging Graphic arts Point of purchase (POP) displays

The International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB) Strengths Tough at low temperatures Compounded easily for unique applications

The International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB) Limitations Not compatible with other materials Not self-extinguishing

The International Association of Plastics Distributors 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 International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 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

The International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 Semi-Crystalline Commodity Plastics Materials Polyethylene (PE) –High density polyethylene (HDPE) –Low density polyethylene (LDPE), (LLDPE) Polypropylene (PP) Polymethylpentene (PMP)

The International Association of Plastics Distributors 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 International Association of Plastics Distributors 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 International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 Polyethylenes (PE) Applications Packaging Wire and cable Industrial

The International Association of Plastics Distributors 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/ °F) Used extensively in packaging industry and for prosthetic devices

The International Association of Plastics Distributors 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 International Association of Plastics Distributors 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 International Association of Plastics Distributors 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 International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 Polypropylenes (PP) Applications Packaging Automotive Consumer/durable goods Vacuum formed parts Fiber/carpet

The International Association of Plastics Distributors 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 °C/300°F Good electrical properties Low-temperature impact strength Very brittle Poor UV resistance USDA compliant

The International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3 Polymethypentene (PMP) Applications Medical products Food processing equipment Microwavable packaging

The International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3