plastics

Polyethylene (PE)

Material properties

• light

• Strong but embrittled by sunlight

• Soft

• Waxy feel

Applications

• Plastic containers

• Water pipes

• Cable insulators

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

• ductile, used to make product such as plastic bags and shopping bags

Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE)

• Has more polymer chains, hence greater density

• Used in gas pipes, shrink film, carrier bags and screw closures

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

• More rigid than both LDPE and MDPE. HDPE plastic sheeting is in products such as plastic water bottles, piping for water and sewage, snow boards, boats and folding chairs

Ultra High Weight Molecular Polyethylene (UHWMPE)

• Not much denser than HDPE. Compared to HDPE, more abrasive resistant due to extreme lenght of polymer chains. Used in military body armour, hydraulic seals and bio material for hip, kneee and spine implants.

Polypropylene (PP)

Material properties

• Lightest and most flexible thermoplastic polymer

• Although PP is stronger than PE, it still retains flexibility

• Good chemical resistance

• Good heat resistance

• Good resistance to environmental stress cracking

• Poor resistance to UV, impact and scratches

Applications

• laboratory equipment

• Electronics

• Automobile parts

• Hot water tubing

• Ropes

• Milk crates, ice cream containers

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Material properties

• Robust

• Flexible

• Glossy

• Highly processable

• Impact resistant

Applications

• automobile body parts

• Household electronics

• Electrical appliances

Polyactic Acid (PLA)

• Made up of biodegradable and bioactive polyester made up of lactic acid building blocks

Material properties

• Thermoplastic

• Can easily breakdown to its natural elements

• Unsuitable for high temperatures

Applications

• automobile interiors

• Medical implants (screws pins and rods)

• 3D printing resin

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Material properties

• durable and light

• Strong

• Fire resistant

• Excellent insulating properties

• Low permeability

Applications

• automobile parts

• Electronic and electrical equipment

• Water/ waste drainage

Nylon 6 (Polyamide - PA6)

Material Properties

• synthetic material

• Very abrasive resistant

• Resistant to oils

• Strong, tough and rigid

• Electrically insulating

• Easily machined

Applications

• Gears and rollers

• Guides and slides

• Bearings and wear pads