Information about plastics

A plastic granulate diagram on a grey background with most of the plastics processed at b-plastic

The first four datasheets below give a brief overview of the properties of the main plastics processed at b-plastic.

This is followed by a small glossary of other plastics, additives, compounds and many other interesting points relating to plastics.

This brief summary has been developed in discussions with our raw material suppliers and excludes any warranty or liability.

Mainly processed plastics at b-plastic

PA – polyamide

Physical – mechanical properties

Normal polyamide (1.07-1.14 g/cm³) is a medium-weight, semi-crystalline technical all-round thermoplastic. Polyamide has a relatively high water absorption (hygroscopic), which, depending on the type of polyamide and application, is adapted to the ambient climate in the factory by conditioning (warm water storage) the moulded parts, insofar as diffusion of the air humidity is not sufficient. Only …continue reading

PE – polyethylene

Physical – mechanical properties

0.90-0.96 g/cm³, PE is a very light semi-crystalline thermoplastic from the class of polyolefins, whereby VLD= Very Low Density ~0.90 g/cm³ and HD= High Density ~0.96 g/cm³ limit the density range. PE is water-repellent (hydrophobic) in normal settings like most polyolefins. PE is very tough. The modulus of elasticity, tensile strength and surface hardness give low values, increasing from VLD-PE to HD-PE. Good resistance to expansion cracking is predominantly found in VLD-PE and LLD/MLD-PE. With …continue reading

PP – polypropylene

Physical – mechanical properties

With 0.90-0.91 g/cm³, normal PP is a very light semi-crystalline thermoplastic from the class of polyolefins. PP has good toughness and excellent fatigue bending strength with suitably thin cross-sections. Compared to homopolymer PP, copolymer PP also has particularly good notched impact strength and is therefore also suitable for technical applications. The creep strength decreases sharply with increasing temperature. PP is water-repellent (hydrophobic), like most polyolefins. In terms …continue reading

PVC – polyvinyl chloride

Physical and mechanical properties

At 1.14-1.56 g/cm³, soft PVC is a relatively heavy amorphous thermoplastic, due to its halogen component (Cl). Depending on the plasticiser used, there are soft-rubber-like compounds of 40 Shore A (Shore A = hardness determination for soft plastics) to hard-rubber-like compounds of 98 Shore A. The latter corresponds roughly to the transition range …continue reading

Small glossary

For other thermoplastics, thermosets, thermoplastic elastomers, a brief explanation follows with the most important basic knowledge and properties of the plastics and terms described:

Image of other plastics: A schematic representation of the grid structure of thermoset plastic
thermoplastic
Images of other plastics: A schematic representation of the grid structure of thermosets
thermosets
Image of other plastics: A schematic representation of the grid structure of elastoplastic
elastoplastic

Collective term thermoplastic

Thermoplastics are normally hard or even brittle at room temperature. However, if they are heated within a certain temperature range, they become soft and plastic, as the loose, unconnected molecular chains can now move against each other more easily. When heated further, the molecular chains flow and the thermoplastic melts. Above the melting temperature, the thermoplastics gradually begin to decompose. In the presence of oxygen or open fire, the thermoplastic burns with an open flame or chars.

Thermoplastics are the largest group of synthetic polymers (=plastics) by volume. The four most important are listed below:

These four commodity plastics account for two-thirds of all plastic production. They surround us every day in the form of packaging, appliance housings and countless other everyday objects.

Collective term thermosets

The collective term thermosets (before processing and cross-linking of single or multi-component resins or powders) covers hard, non-plasticisable plastics with three-dimensional, close-meshed, cross-linked molecular chains, which can be divided into the following main types:

The different thermoset settings are numbered in a standardised way under the term Moulding Material (FS), e.g. FM31.

Collective term elastomers (also synthetic rubbers and elastoplastics)

The collective term Elastomers are soft, non-plasticisable plastics with three-dimensional, wide-meshed, cross-linked molecular chains, which can be divided into the following main types:

Rubbers in liquid form are designated with an “L” in front of the abbreviation e.g. LBR. Mixtures of certain rubbers with each other in certain mixing ratios and with the addition of homogenisers or compatibilisers are possible to a very limited extent and sometimes with considerable effort and are usually offered by the raw material manufacturers in the chemical industry or by chemical specialists.

Collective term thermal elastomers – TPE (also elastoplastics)

Thermal elastomers is a collective term for thermoplastics with elastic properties similar to those of real elastomers (with cross-linked molecular chains: synthetic rubber, artificial rubber). These are then subdivided according to their similarity to the corresponding thermoplastics:

These in turn differ from plastomers (with density < 0.9 g/cm³, very light elastomer-like thermoplastics with very short molecular chains – e.g. polyolefin plastomers [POPs]).

ABS – Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

ABS (1.04-1.05 g/cm³) is a relatively light, amorphous engineering thermoplastic. ABS is relatively hard and stiff. It has a much higher toughness than the related high-impact polystyrene (SB). ABS has high thermal shock resistance and low water absorption (weakly hygroscopic). It has limited resistance to weathering. ABS is mainly used for high-gloss visible housings, multi-component injection moulded parts, chrome-plated parts and laser-marked parts. The inherent colour of standard grades is a highly opaque beige to yellowish brown. Crystal clear is available for special grades. ABS is processed at approx. 240-260 °C and ignites at approx. 400 °C with a bright sooty flame and a sweet odour.

NBR – Nitrile rubber

Nitrile rubber is a synthetic rubber. The abbreviation NBR is derived from Nitrile Butadiene Rubber. Nitrile rubber is made by copolymerising acrylonitrile (ACN) and 1,3-butadiene. Nitrile rubber vulcanisates have high resistance to oils, greases and hydrocarbons, good ageing properties and low abrasion. The thermal application range is between -30°C and +100°C, depending on the compound structure, and up to 130°C for short periods. The material cures at higher temperatures. The hardness of the material is between 60 and 80 Shore depending on the article.

PC – Polycarbonate

PC (1.2 g/cm³) is a medium weight, amorphous engineering thermoplastic. PC is very hard and has particularly high fracture toughness. PC is characterised by high heat resistance, low temperature dependence and low water absorption (weakly hygroscopic). PC is mainly used in the interior for highly transparent housings and covers, for highly break-resistant components and for optical components (CDs, DVDs, lamp components, lenses). The inherent colour is crystal clear. PC is processed at around 320-350°C and burns in the flame (extinguishes outside).

POM – Polyoxymethylene (also acetal resin, para- and polyformaldehyde or polyacetal)

POM (1.42 g/cm³) is a relatively heavy, semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic with the structure -(CH2-O-)n- for the homopolymer. Among non-reinforced thermoplastics, POM has very high strength and stiffness (even at high continuous loads and low temperatures), high dimensional stability and excellent fatigue resistance. Its wear resistance is almost as good as that of PA. POM is preferred for engineering applications such as snap-fits, bearings (also in combination with silicone or PTFE additives), rollers and gear components. The inherent colour of standard grades is opaque white. POM is processed at around 180-190°C, ignites at around 375°C and burns at 323°C with a slightly bluish flame and a pungent formaldehyde odour.

PTFE – Polytetrafluoroethylene (trade names: Teflon – Dupont, Hostaflon, Dyneon, GoreTex)

PTFE (2.16 g/cm³) is a very heavy, semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic with a Shore D hardness of 55-60. It has the structure CnF2n and belongs to the class of polyhaloolefins. Although PTFE is classified as a thermoplastic, due to its very narrow melting and decomposition temperatures, it can generally only be processed by sintering or pressure sintering and is therefore not subject to the degrees of freedom of most other thermoplastics.

It was discovered by Roy Plunkett in 1938 and patented by Dupont in 1941. PTFE tends to creep under pressure and may need to be stabilised with glass fibres or other strength additives. It is very inert. Even aggressive acids such as aqua regia will not attack PTFE.

PTFE has one of the lowest coefficients of friction of any solid material. It glides on PTFE as well as wet ice on wet ice. Moreover, the static friction is as high as the sliding friction, so that the transition from standstill to movement is smooth (non-stick-slip effect).

An impressive example of this was the 47.5 m movement of the new 12,500 tonne Oberkassel Bridge in Düsseldorf on PTFE sliding bearings on 7 and 8 April 1976 (link – in German). There are almost no materials that adhere to PTFE because the surface tension is extremely low.

PTFE is extremely resistant to all acids and bases, alcohols, ketones, petrol, oils, etc. and not resistant to sodium. In addition, PTFE is also frost resistant to -200 °C, can only be bonded after pre-treatment, physiologically harmless and non-flammable.

The inherent colour of the standard grades is opaque white. The service temperature range is up to approximately 260 °C. PTFE melts at 327 °C and also decomposes into highly aggressive hydrofluoric acid and highly toxic pyrolysis products.

PTFE has been used in furniture glides for several years. This is due to the unique combination of rubber and PTFE, which provides both excellent noise damping and optimum floor protection or minimal adhesive and sliding friction forces when furniture is moved.

The construction usually consists of a 2-3 mm flat, one-sided spherical rubber base (also square and rectangular shapes) to which a 1/10 mm thick PTFE film is applied under high pressure and temperature. These Universal Glide Inserts (UG) can be nailed, glued or inserted into wooden chair legs or other wooden furniture glides.

PTFE glide inserts are recommended for easy movement of furniture on most floor coverings. They make it much easier to move furniture on carpeted floors. PTFE is not suitable for seating furniture on smooth floors, as it will slip unintentionally during use.

PU (PUR) – Polyurethane

PU is one of the most versatile plastics available. Depending on the formulation and manufacturing process, PU can be produced as a thermoplastic (TPU thermoplastic elastomer), elastomer or thermoset. We encounter PU products in all areas of daily life (mattresses, shoe soles, tyres for rollers and wheels, insulation panels, soundproofing elements, paints, adhesives, insulating foam and much more).

Look in our range under the heading “Divers small parts” for the article series UEP, EP, GUR, UKP/OV

SB – Styrene Butadiene (also impact polystyrene, PS-I)

SB (1.04-1.05 g/cm³) is a relatively light, amorphous thermoplastic. It is tough and has a much higher toughness than polystyrene (PS). It is not weather resistant. SB is mainly used (also foamed -> TSG) for low-cost housings and housing parts in the interior. The inherent colour is a very muted white (opaque white). SB is processed at around 180-280°C, is highly flammable, burns brightly and strongly sooty with a sweetish odour and a slight smell of burnt rubber.

Additives

Additives are substances that are added to the raw plastic to extend or improve its property profile and optimise its cost-benefit ratio. Typically, any plastic offered to processors on the market already contains several additives. In addition, there are additives that processors can add themselves or that experienced compounders can incorporate into their compounds. Additives can be broadly divided into the following groups according to their function:

Flame retardant

Slip and processing aids

Conductivity mediator

Impact resistance modifier

Finishing agents and brighteners

Stabilisers

*) = HALS ((Englisch –hindered amine light stabiliser) – do not absorb UV radiation, but inhibit polymer degradation by continuously and cyclically removing of radicals generated by photooxidation of the polymer

Compounds (composite material)

Compounds are ready-to-use material formulations in granular or powder form. They contain one or more plastics and, depending on the requirements profile, additives, colourants, fillers and reinforcing materials. Compounds for thermoplastics and thermoplastic elastomers are usually produced on adapted mixing extruders with subsequent pelletising. This results in a very material-friendly production with high homogeneity. Highly filled, high-viscosity compounds, e.g. for the production of ceramic or metal powder moulding compounds, where the plastics only act as a binder, are produced in mixing kneaders.

Colourings

The colouring of plastics is done by means of organic or inorganic colour or effect pigments, which are added to the plastics during processing or compound production in the processing variants

with usually 0.5-5%. If there are high requirements for colour matching of parts from different materials (plastics, metals, wood), paint manufacturers or compounders are usually responsible. However, the involvement of compounders or colour manufacturers usually leads to a considerable increase in the cost of the parts list components. The technical coordination of the colouring of different parts of the BOM is usually circumvented by choosing different colours for the parts of the BOM.

Filler materials

The fillers (additives) are usually inexpensive, cost-reducing substances that do not deteriorate the properties of the plastic through the addition or only in a controlled manner (wood flour, etc.).

Reinforcements

Reinforcements give stressed plastic components or semi-finished products better stiffness, higher mechanical strength and higher heat resistance. Embedded reinforcements in the form of fibres, fabrics, spheres and grains made of glass, carbon, plastic and minerals are used, some of which, with adhesion promoters and an aligned embedding, enable even additional strength increases. Intrinsic reinforcements by stretching fibres, e.g. of polyamide and polyethylene, are also possible.

Blends

Blends (polymer blends) are generally understood to be mixtures of two or more different thermoplastics. No new chemical bonds of the molecules are formed, but purely physical blends are present. This is only possible with the help of a chemical adaptation, as thermoplastics are usually not compatible with each other (destruction, segregation or delamination) or adhesion is only possible by spraying one thermoplastic onto another in the mould. The properties of the resulting plastics differ greatly from the original plastics. Known blends are PA+ABS, PC+ABS, PC+PET, PC+PBT.

Macromolecules

Macromolecules contain a large number of atoms chemically linked by principal valences and, according to Staudinger, are divided into linear molecules and spherical molecules or plastics depending on the degree of polymerisation (hemicolloids – degree of polymerisation 10 to 100, mesocolloids – degree of polymerisation 100 to 500 and eucolloids – degree of polymerisation > 500).

Monomers

Monomers are low-molecular, reactive single molecules of plastics and have at least one functional group (reactive or bonding group as a prerequisite for bonding in polymers).

Homopolymere und Copolymere

Homopolymers are polymers that consist of only one type of monomer. They have only one repeating unit.

Copolymers (also called heteropolymers) are polymers (chemical substances made of macromolecules) that are built up from two or more different monomer units. In the production process, the product properties can be specifically controlled.

Illustration of the chemical structure of a homopolymer
Illustration of the chemical structure of a Copolymere

Polymers or plastics are produced by polymerisation, polyaddition or polycondensation (is specific to the type of plastic). Depending on the degree of polymerisation, they contain a corresponding number of main valency-bound monomers. Plastics are classified according to their (main) chains in terms of chain length differences between molecularly narrow or widely distributed and according to their molecular weight between low and ultra-high molecular weight.

Amorphous and semi-crystalline

Thermoplastics are divided into amorphous and semi-crystalline.

Schematic representation of the disordered structure of amorphous thermoplastics (plastics)
amorphous thermoplastic
Schematic representation of the structure of semi-crystalline thermoplastics (plastics)
semi-crystalline thermoplastic

Tacticity

The arrangement of the side chains on the main chains of the macromolecules essentially determines the properties of the plastics (amorphous or semi-crystalline and thus crystal-clear-transparent or translucent to opaque inherent colour, chemical resistance, mechanical values, etc.). A distinction is made between:

atactic
isotactic
syndiotactic