Properties and Uses of Common Plastics

PET properties

Clear, tough and shatter-resistant, has good moisture and gas barrier properties.

HDPE properties

Range of colours, hard, stiff, good chemical resistance, high impact.

PVC properties

Stiff, hard, tough, good chemical and weather resistance, uPVC (un-plasticized PVC) has strong resistance to chemicals and sunlight.

LDPE properties

Range of colours, tough, flexible, good electrical insulator and chemical resistance.

PP properties

Hard and lightweight, good chemical resistance, can be sterilised, good impact, easily welded together, resistance to work fatigue.

Polystyrene (PS) properties

Range of colours, stiff, hard, lightweight, safe with food, good water resistance.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) properties

Lightweight, absorbs shock, good sound and heat insulator.

Nylon Properties

Hard, tough, resilient to wear, self-lubricating, resistant to chemicals and high temperatures.

Acrylic properties

Stiff, hard, clear, durable outdoors, easily machined and polished, good range of colours, excellent impact resistance (glass substitute), does scratch easily.

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) properties

A combination of thermoplastics and elastomers. Flexible and tough. After stretching and bending they will return to close to their original shape.

ABS properties

Tough, high impact strength, lightweight, scratch-resistant, chemical resistance, excellent appearance and finish.

Uses of PET

Soft drink bottles, mineral water bottles, fruit juice containers and cooking oil bottles.

Uses of HDPE

Milk crates, bottles, pipes, buckets, bowls.

Uses of PVC

Pipes, guttering, roofing sheets, window frames.

Uses of LDPE

Washing-up liquid, detergent and squeezy bottles, bin liners, carrier bags.

Uses of PP

Medical equipment, syringes, crates, string, rope, chair shells, containers with integral (built-in) hinges, kitchenware.

Uses of PS

Disposable plates, cups, fridge linings, model kits, food containers.

Uses of EPS

Sound and heat insulation, protective packaging.

Uses of Nylon

Gear wheels, bearings, curtain-rail fittings, clothing, combs, power-tool cases, hinges.

Uses of Acrylic

Illuminated signs, aircraft canopies, car rear-light clusters, baths, Perspex sheet.

Uses of ABS

Watch straps, scuba diving masks, remote control buttons, kitchenware, safety helmets, car parts, telephones, food mixers, toys.