Engineering Polymers

Engineering polymers are characterised by specific or general properties related to

  • Temperature
  • Chemical resistance
  • Stiffnes
  • Tensile strength
  • Toughness
  • Wear resistance/friction coeficient.

 

There is no polymer that is outstanding in every category

For example the hich clarity polymers like Polycarbonate are by nature Amorphous materials and as such have a generally poor tolerance to chemicals and tend to stress crack with time, while crystaline materials like Nylon are opaque but have good tolerance to many chemicals. All Polymers can have their properties enhanced and modified by the addtion of GLASS FIBRE, CARBON FIBRE, MINERALS, OTHER POLYMERS OR COMBINATIONS OF ADDITIVES. All polymers in time degrade in sunlight but special additive can be used to extend the life of polymers in sunlight. The family of engineering polymers include the following

  • Crystaline (Grnerally opaque) 
    • Nylon or Polyamide (PA6, PA66, PA6-66, PA11. PA12)
    • Acetal (Polyacetal, Polyoxymethylene)
    • PET (Polyethyleneterephalate)
  • Amorphous (Generally transparent)
    • Polycarbonate
    • Polysulphone 
    • Polyether imide
    • Polyether sulphone

Many polymers can be modified to reduce flamability. Such modifications can affect other parameters. polymers can be made conductive or semiconductive making them suitable for shielding electronic components or eliminating static charge build-up.

Engineering Polymers range in price from $2.50 per Kg to $80.00 per Kg so careful initial choice is important in design and market considerations.

 

 

 
 
 
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