SAN (Styrene Acrylonitrile)
SAN is a copolymer of styrene and acrylonitrile, known for its excellent clarity, rigidity, and chemical resistance. This material is widely used in household goods, cosmetic containers, and kitchen appliances. It offers better thermal and chemical resistance compared to polystyrene, making it a preferred option for products that require transparency and durability. SAN is easy to process through injection molding and extrusion techniques and is ideal for applications demanding a good balance between clarity and toughness.
In addition, SAN has good dimensional stability, making it reliable for precision components. The material maintains its form under mechanical stress and thermal fluctuations, making it an excellent choice for applications in electronics and automotive components. Its resistance to oils, greases, and cleaning agents further supports its use in consumer goods and packaging.
PC (Polycarbonate)
Polycarbonate (PC) is an extremely durable and tough thermoplastic with high impact resistance and optical clarity. It's widely used in applications requiring transparency and strength, such as safety goggles, optical discs, automotive components, and bulletproof glass. One of PC’s defining features is its ability to undergo large plastic deformation without cracking or breaking, which makes it ideal for safety-critical items.
PC also offers excellent dimensional stability, flame retardance, and electrical insulation properties. It maintains its shape and mechanical performance under varying temperatures and mechanical loads. It is also UV resistant when treated and is used extensively in outdoor applications. Its versatility makes it a key choice in construction, consumer electronics, and medical devices.
PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate)
PMMA, commonly known as acrylic or Plexiglas, is a transparent thermoplastic often used as a lightweight and shatter-resistant alternative to glass. It has exceptional light transmittance, weather resistance, and surface hardness, making it ideal for optical lenses, aquariums, signage, and display panels.
PMMA is valued for its clarity and ease of processing through casting, extrusion, or injection molding. It can also be polished to a high gloss and comes in a variety of colors and finishes. Despite its brittleness compared to polycarbonate, PMMA is less expensive and more scratch-resistant. Its ability to transmit and diffuse light efficiently makes it a top material in lighting and architectural applications.
POM (Polyoxymethylene)
Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, is a high-performance engineering plastic known for its outstanding mechanical properties, low friction, and excellent wear resistance. It is commonly used in precision parts like gears, bearings, fasteners, and automotive components where dimensional stability and strength are critical.
POM offers good chemical resistance and high stiffness, even at low temperatures. It provides smooth surface finishes and excellent machinability, making it ideal for replacing metal in mechanical applications. However, it is sensitive to strong acids and UV light, so it's typically used indoors or with protective coatings for outdoor use.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
PET is a clear, strong, and lightweight plastic widely used for food and beverage packaging, especially bottles. It is highly recyclable and offers excellent moisture and gas barrier properties, which help preserve the freshness and integrity of packaged products. PET is also resistant to impact, shattering, and chemical corrosion.
In textiles, PET is spun into fibers commonly known as polyester, used in clothing, upholstery, and industrial fabrics. It maintains dimensional stability and mechanical strength over time and at various temperatures, making it suitable for containers, trays, and microwave-safe applications. PET's sustainability and versatility make it a leading plastic in global markets.
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
LDPE is a soft, flexible, and lightweight thermoplastic known for its low density and high resilience. It is primarily used in film applications such as plastic bags, packaging film, and squeeze bottles. LDPE has excellent resistance to moisture, chemicals, and impact, which makes it an ideal choice for both industrial and consumer packaging.
Despite its softness, LDPE is tough and tear-resistant, maintaining flexibility even in cold conditions. It is also commonly used for coating applications such as in wire and cable insulation. Its recyclability and wide-ranging applicability contribute to its ongoing popularity in both commercial and domestic markets.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
HDPE is a robust, high-density thermoplastic made from petroleum. It is widely recognized for its high strength-to-density ratio and is used in applications such as plastic bottles, piping, geomembranes, and plastic lumber. HDPE is also highly resistant to impact, corrosion, and many chemicals, making it suitable for a variety of industrial applications.
In addition to being lightweight and strong, HDPE is easily recyclable, which enhances its environmental appeal. It also has excellent UV resistance when properly stabilized and maintains performance in both hot and cold temperatures. HDPE is often used in construction, agriculture, and water transportation systems.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is a widely used plastic known for its versatility, chemical resistance, and low cost. It is available in both rigid and flexible forms and is used in construction (pipes, windows, doors), medical devices (tubing, IV bags), and electrical insulation. Rigid PVC is known as uPVC, used for building materials, while flexible PVC is softened with plasticizers for applications like cable insulation and flooring.
PVC is flame-retardant and exhibits excellent durability in a range of environments. It is resistant to oils, acids, and bases, and has good tensile strength. Its ease of processing and compatibility with additives make it one of the most customizable plastics in the world.
PP (Polypropylene)
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications including packaging, textiles, automotive parts, and reusable containers. It is known for its fatigue resistance, flexibility, and chemical stability. PP is lightweight, resistant to cracking and stress, and has a high melting point, which makes it suitable for hot-fill liquids and microwaveable containers.
PP also offers excellent electrical insulation and is one of the most economical plastics available. It can be easily colored, molded, and extruded, which makes it a favorite in both household and industrial products. Its resistance to moisture and chemicals extends its usability in medical and laboratory environments as well.
PS (Polystyrene)
Polystyrene (PS) is a versatile and cost-effective plastic used in both solid and foamed forms. It is commonly found in disposable food containers, cutlery, CD cases, and packaging materials. PS is clear, hard, and brittle, and is available in various grades for different applications including general-purpose and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS).
While PS has low thermal and UV resistance, it is easy to mold and has good dimensional stability. It is also lightweight, making it a popular choice for insulation and lightweight protective packaging. However, environmental concerns have limited its use in some areas due to challenges in recycling and biodegradability.