Choosing the right technical plastic for a specific application is a key factor for the success of any project in fields such as industry, construction, and manufacturing. Plastics are known for their wide range of properties, including chemical resistance, thermal resistance, mechanical strength, and electrical characteristics. In this article, we will review and compare the main properties of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), plexiglass (Polymethyl Methacrylate), polyamide, polyacetal, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, Teflon, PEEK, and polycarbonate.

Through a detailed analysis of these materials, we will determine which ones are suitable for specific working conditions, including high chemical resistance, temperature ranges, optical properties, and electrical insulation. Additionally, we will focus on their density, ease of processing, cost, and environmental impact.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is one of the most popular and widely used plastic materials in the world. It offers good chemical resistance and hardness, making it ideal for applications in construction, such as pipes, profiles, flooring, and other industrial products. While PVC has relatively low thermal resistance, it is weather-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor applications. One of its downsides is its environmental risks when burned, as it can release harmful substances.

Key properties of PVC:

Chemical resistance: Good
Thermal resistance: Limited
Mechanical properties: Hard, good weather resistance
Electrical properties: Good
Optical properties: Opaque

Plexiglass (Polymethyl Methacrylate)

Plexiglass, or PMMA, is known for its high transparency and optical qualities, making it widely used for glass, lighting, advertising signs, and other visual products. It has good weather resistance and impact resistance, but is less chemically resistant compared to other plastics like Teflon or polyamide.

Key properties of plexiglass:

Chemical resistance: Good
Thermal resistance: Good
Mechanical properties: High transparency, lightweight
Electrical properties: Good
Optical properties: High transparency

Polyamide (Nylon)

Polyamide (commonly known as nylon) is a material known for its high strength, wear resistance, and good chemical resistance to oils, fuels, and other substances. Polyamide is widely used in the automotive industry for gears, machine parts, and textile fibers. One of the main downsides of polyamide is that it absorbs moisture, which can alter its mechanical properties.

Key properties of polyamide:

Chemical resistance: Good
Thermal resistance: Good
Mechanical properties: High strength, wear resistance
Electrical properties: Good
Optical properties: Opaque

Polyacetal (Delrin)

Polyacetal (also known as Delrin) is an extremely hard and durable material with low friction, making it ideal for components such as gears, pumps, valves, and other items requiring high wear resistance. Delrin is resistant to a wide range of chemicals and maintains good mechanical properties at high temperatures.

Key properties of polyacetal:

Chemical resistance: Good
Thermal resistance: Good
Mechanical properties: High hardness, low friction
Electrical properties: Good
Optical properties: Opaque

Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene is one of the most commonly used plastics in the world, known for its flexibility, good chemical resistance, and ease of processing. PE is used in a wide variety of applications such as packaging, pipes, insulation materials, and more. The main drawback is its limited thermal resistance, making it unsuitable for high-temperature applications.

Key properties of polyethylene:

Chemical resistance: Good
Thermal resistance: Limited
Mechanical properties: Flexible, easy to process
Electrical properties: Good
Optical properties: Opaque

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is a material with good chemical resistance, hardness, and lightweight properties. It is widely used in packaging, textile fibers, automotive parts, and other products where the balance between hardness and flexibility is crucial. Polypropylene is resistant to high temperatures and chemicals, making it suitable for a broad range of industrial applications.

Key properties of polypropylene:

Chemical resistance: Good
Thermal resistance: Good
Mechanical properties: Good hardness and flexibility
Electrical properties: Good
Optical properties: Opaque

Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene is widely used for its hardness and ease of processing. Depending on its formula, it can be either transparent or opaque. Polystyrene is used for packaging, insulation, and electronic components. However, it has limited thermal resistance, making it unsuitable for high-temperature applications.

Key properties of polystyrene:

Chemical resistance: Good
Thermal resistance: Limited
Mechanical properties: Hardness, easy to process
Electrical properties: Good
Optical properties: High transparency

Polyurethane (PU)

Polyurethane is a material known for its elasticity and tensile strength, making it ideal for seals, insulation materials, furniture, and other products. Polyurethane is flexible and can be molded into various shapes, but it does not have the same chemical resistance as Teflon or PEEK.

Key properties of polyurethane:

Chemical resistance: Good
Thermal resistance: Good
Mechanical properties: High tensile strength, elasticity
Electrical properties: Good
Optical properties: Opaque

Teflon (PTFE)

Teflon (or PTFE) is known for its very high chemical resistance and low coefficient of friction. It has a wide temperature range and is corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for non-stick coatings, insulation materials, and chemical apparatus.

Key properties of Teflon:

Chemical resistance: Very high
Thermal resistance: Very high
Mechanical properties: Smooth surface, low friction
Electrical properties: Excellent
Optical properties: Opaque

PEEK (Polyetheretherketone)

PEEK is one of the best high-temperature polymers used in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and medicine. It has excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and can operate in high-temperature environments.

Key properties of PEEK:

Chemical resistance: High
Thermal resistance: High
Mechanical properties: High strength
Electrical properties: Good
Optical properties: Opaque

Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate is known for its high transparency and impact strength, making it an excellent material for glass, lighting systems, and automotive parts. It also has good chemical resistance and is preferred for applications requiring both transparency and strength.

Key properties of polycarbonate:

Chemical resistance: Good
Thermal resistance: Good
Mechanical properties: High impact resistance
Electrical properties: Good
Optical properties: High transparency

Conclusion

Each of the reviewed polymers possesses unique properties that make them suitable for different industrial and commercial applications. The choice of material depends on many factors, including chemical resistance, thermal resistance, mechanical strength, and electrical properties.