Thermoplastic elastomers are available in hardnesses from 35º Shore A to 80º Shore D. They can be used as a replacement for vulcanized rubber, as well as softened PVC. The greatest advantage of TPE materials compared to vulcanized rubber is that they can be shaped in an easy way, such as by extrusion and injection …
Polyvinyl chloride in its pure form is a colourless polymer with a softening temperature of around 80ºC and a density of 1.4 g/cubic centimetres. Polyvinyl chloride plastic is usually mixed with various additives such as softeners, fillers, lubricants and stabilisers, which means that there are a large number of qualities with widely varying characteristics. The …
Polystyrene is a clear, colourless, hard and rigid thermoplastic. Polystyrene softens at 100ºC and has a density of 1.05 g/cubic centimetre. The benefits of polystyrene plastic include hardness and rigidity, low shape shrinkage, low water absorption, good insulating characteristics and a relatively low price. However, it is brittle and sensitive to UV light, has poor …
Polypropylene, without additives is white to colourless, similar to polyethylene but more rigid. Good mechanical characteristics even at high temperatures. High fatigue strength, low density 0.90 g/cubic centimetre, good electrical characteristics, good chemical resistance and good mechanical characteristics make propylene plastic usable in a number of different contexts, especially were high demands are set on …
Polycarbonate plastic is a hard and rigid, but very impact resistant thermoplastic. Polycarbonate plastic has very high impact strength, which is retains even at low temperatures down to -40ºC. However, it is sensitive to incipient fractures and microfissures, as well as scratches. PC has good electrical characteristics and good dimension stability. Untreated, the plastic is …
Polyethylene is a white, colourless thermoplastic that is available in a few variants with different characteristics, the most common of which are: LD (low density)-polyethylene: Density 0.910 – 0.940 g/cubic centimetre. HD (high density)-polyethylene: Density 0.940 – 0.965 g/cubic centimetre. HD polyethylene is more rigid and has a harder surface than LD polyethylene. Polyethylene is …
Polyamide plastics have good mechanical characteristics. They are tough with good fatigue and creep characteristics, have a low friction coefficient and are resistant to wear. They are resistant to many solvents, including chlorinated hydrocarbons, alcohols and esters. They are also resistant to most bases. However, PA cannot handle strong acids and strong oxidising agents, such …
In general, ABS has good impact strength, hardness and relatively good chemical durability. However, it is not durable outdoors. ABS has a softening point at between 85ºC and 110ºC depending on quality. ABS can be reinforced with fibre glass, giving it 2-3 times more rigidity (E module). ABS can be electroplated (chromed). Advantages: Good combination …
