Unravelling Polymers

The Definitive Blog on Polymers by Poly Fluoro Ltd.

An overview of key high performance plastics

The polymer landscape is constantly evolving. Even as new methods of production and processing are developed around existing polymers, there exists and ever-expanding field of new-age polymers, many of which will be mainstays of the industry in the years to come. Some of the key niche polymers are listed below. While a few – such as PTFE, PVDF, and even PEEK – are relatively well know, many are yet obscure, with their properties not fully explored or understood. It is imperative that engineers understand these properties and find ways to incorporate these polymers into their future designs.

 

Full Form

Appearance

Key properties

Applications

Brand Names

Specific Gravity

Tensile Strength (Mpa)

Max. Service Temperature (°C)

Young's Modulus (Mpa)

Dielectric Constant

Reinforcements

PEI

Polyetherimid

Amber

Strength, insulation, resistance to hydrolysis (suitable for repetitive steam sterilisation) and radiation. Stiff even at high temperatures

Electronic industries: coils and fuses
Aerospace industries: components for antenna constructions and components for interior equipment

Ultem

1.27

110

170

3100

3.2

Glass

PAI

Polyamide-imide

Dark Brown

Strength, outstanding tribological and wear performance, thermal stability

Semiconductor industry: test sockets, electrical connectors and insulators
Aerospace: fasteners, insulators and other components
Oil and Gas: natural gas compressor components, pump components and labyrinth seals
General industrial: bearing and wear components and components that require high strength and stiffness

Torlon

1.42

152

275

4500

4.2

Carbon

PPS

Polyphenylensulfide

Light Brown

Strength, resistance to high energy radiation, chemical resistance

Electronic industry: Connectors, contact rails, heat shields, contact pressure discs and special types for semi-conductor production
Automotive industry: "under the hood", fuel and brake systems
Medical industry: Parts for surgical instruments
Mechanical engineering: Compressor and pump-parts, gears, valves, slide bearings, chain guides and base plates
Chemical industry: Valves, taps, bushings, pumps, nozzles, tubes and rollers

Tecatron, Ryton

1.35

85

200

15000

3.2

Glass, PTFE

PPSU

Polyphenylsulfone

Clear - made in different colours

Resistance against high energy radiation (gamma and X-rays),  resistance to hydrolysis (suitable for repetitive steam sterilisation)

Medical industry: Test implants/adjustment bodies for hip, knee and shoulder and handles of medical devices

Radel

1.3

77

180

2500

3.4

NA

PES

Polyethersulfone

Dark Brown - translucent

Strength, insulation, microwavable, resistance against high energy radiation, weldable, machinable, thermoforming

Electrical insulation parts such as connectors
Control panel for dialysis system
Valve piston
Pump housing
Membrane for water filtration
Safety face shields

Tecason

1.37

90

180

2700

3.9

Glass

PVDF

Polyvinylidene fluoride

Waxy white

Dimensional stability, resistance to chemicals, hydrolysis, UV, and radiation. Good electrical resistance. High abrasion resistance. Low wated absorption

Chemical plant engineering with higher mechanical stress
Food and pharmaceutical industries with higher temperatures and mechanical loadings
Valves
Filter plates
Fittings
Pipelines
Coil bodies

Kynar, Tecaflon

1.75

50

140

2100

8

NA

PCTFE

Polychlorotrifluoroethylene

White

Dimensionally stable, rigid, and resistant
to cold flow, very low gas permeation and outgassing, near zero moisture absorption, excellent chemical resistance, radiation resistance

Cryogenic and chemical processing components
Seals and gaskets
Aerospace valve seats, pump parts, impellers,
diaphragms, and plugs
Laboratory instruments
Nuclear service/high radiation exposure
Liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen valve linings

Kel-F

2.15

36

195

1400

2.6

NA

PI

Polyimide

Brown

Non melting high temperature polyimide, High heat resistance, good cryogenic properties, excellent electrical insulation, good machinability, inherently flame retardant

Automotive and aerospace - machined parts
Electronic and solar - films

Kapton

1.34

116

300

3600

3.8

Graphite, MoS2, PTFE

PEEK

Polyetheretherketone

Light Brown

Strength, dimension stability, heat resistance, chemical resistance, wear resistance, light weight

Aerospace - lightweight components for metal replacement
Electronical industry: insulators, connectors and wafer-carrier
Mechanical engineering: gear wheels, sliding elements, compressor- and pump-components, drives, bushings, valves and rollers
Automotive industry: clutch and gearbox components and turbocharger impeller
Conveyor technics: guidance, strokes, rollers, grippers, and valves
Medical industry: parts for surgical instruments and short term implants
Food industry: valves, blenders, strippers, dosing systems and kneaders
Oil- and gas industry: drill heads, sealings and sensors

Victrex, Ketaspire

1.3

110

250

4000

3.1

Glass, Carbon, Graphite, PTFE

PTFE

Polytetrafluoroethylene

Waxy white

Extremely high chemical resistance, very good temperature resistance, very low coefficient of friction, low dielectric constant, flame resistance

Aerospace - radar applications
Automotive - wear strips and bands
Chemical plant engineering (valves, pump components, fittings, hopper)
Food and pharmaceutical industries
Sliding applications under high chemical stress

Teflon

2.25

25

260

550

2.1

Glass, Carbon, Bronze


Read More

1. High Performance Polymers in Railway Applications

2. Polymer Sealing Solutions – High Performance Seals, Valves, and Seats

3. Polymer Wear Plates - Grade Selection and Key Advantages

 

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