I. Thermoplastics (commodity): Polyethylene (PE) Description The material POLYETHYLENE, (-CH2-)n, first synthesized in 1933, looks like the simplest of molecules, but the number of ways in which the - CH2 - units can be linked is large. It is the first of the polyolefins, the bulk thermoplastic polymers that account for a dominant fraction of all polymer consumption. Polyethylene is inert, and extremely resistant to fresh and salt water, food, and most water-based solutions. Because of this it is widely used in household products, food containers like Tupperware and chopping boards. Polyethylene is cheap, and particularly easy to mold and fabricate. It accepts a wide range of colors, can be transparent, translucent or opaque, has a pleasant, slightly waxy feel, can be textured or metal coated, but is difficult to print on. Composition (-CH2-CH2-)n Image _ Caption PE is widely used for containers and packaging. General properties Density 58.62 - 59.93 lb/ft^3 Price 0.7794 - 0.8574 USD/lb Mechanical properties Young's modulus 0.09007 - 0.13 10^6 psi Shear modulus * 0.03158 - 0.04557 10^6 psi Bulk modulus 0.3118 - 0.3263 10^6 psi Poisson's ratio * 0.4175 - 0.4344 Yield strength (elastic limit) 2.596 - 4.206 ksi Tensile strength 3.002 - 6.498 ksi Compressive strength 2.856 - 4.627 ksi Elongation 200 - 800 % Hardness - Vickers 5.4 - 8.7 HV Fatigue strength at 10^7 cycles 3.046 - 3.336 ksi Fracture toughness * 1.307 - 1.569 ksi.in^1/2 Mechanical loss coefficient * 0.04464 - 0.06441 Thermal properties Thermal conductor or insulator? Good insulator Thermal conductivity 0.2328 - 0.2513 BTU.ft/h.ft^2.F Thermal expansion coefficient 70 - 110 µstrain/°F Specific heat * 0.4318 - 0.4491 BTU/lb.F Melting point 256.7 - 269.3 °F Glass temperature -13.27 - 4.73 °F Maximum service temperature * 194 - 230 °F Minimum service temperature * -189.7 - -99.67 °F Electrical properties Electrical conductor or insulator? Good insulator Electrical resistivity 3.3e22 - 3e24 µohm.cm Dielectric constant (relative permittivity) 2.2 - 2.4 Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent) * 3e-4 - 6e-4 Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown) 449.6 - 500.4 V/mil Optical properties Transparency Translucent Refractive index 1.5 - 1.52

Eco properties, material production Embodied energy 8331 - 9209 kcal/lb CO2 footprint 1.95 - 2.16 kg/kg Eco properties, processing Polymer molding energy 1027 - 1255 kcal/lb Polymer extrusion energy 359.3 - 439.2 kcal/lb Eco properties, recycling and disposal Recycle True Downcycle True Combust for energy recovery True Biodegrade False Landfill True A renewable resource? False Recycle mark _ Environmental notes PE is FDA compliant - indeed it is so non-toxic that it can be embedded in the human body (heart valves, hip-joint cups, artificial artery). PE, PP and PVC are made by processes that are relatively energy-efficient, making them the least energy-intensive of commodity polymers. The ethylene from which it is made at present is an oil derivative, but PE can be produced from renewable resources - from alcohol derived from the fermentation of sugar or starch, for instance. Its utility per kilogram far exceeds that of gasoline or fuel-oil (and its energy is stored and still accessible), so that production from oil will not disadvantage it in the near future. Polyethylene is readily recyclable if it has not been coated with other materials, and - if contaminated - it can be incinerated to recover the energy it contains. Processability Castability 1 - 2 Moldability 4 - 5 Machinability 3 - 4 Weldability 5 Durability Flammability Flammable Fresh water Very good Salt water Very good Weak acids Very good Strong acid Good Weak alkalis Good Strong alkalis Good Organic solvents Average Sunlight (UV radiation) Good Oxidation at 500C Very poor Supporting information Design guidelines PE is commercially produced as film, sheet, rod, foam and fiber. Drawn PE fiber has exceptional mechanical stiffness and strength, exploited in geo-textile and structural uses. PE is a good electrical insulator with low dielectric loss, so suitable for containers for microwave cooking. It has poor resistance to aromatics and chlorine; it is slow burning in fire. PE is cheap, easy to form, biologically inert and recyclable; it is one of the materials of the next 20 years. Technical notes Low density polyethylene (LDPE), used for film and packaging, has branched chains which do not pack well, making it less dense than water. Medium (MDPE) and High (HDPE) density polyethylenes have longer, less branched chains, making them stiffer and stronger; they are used for containers and pipes. Modern catalysis allows side-branching to be suppressed and molecular length to be controlled precisely, permitting precise tailoring both of the processing properties critical for drawing, blow molding, injection molding or extrusion and the use-properties of

softening temperature, flexibility and toughness. Linear low-density polyethylene (LLPDE) is an example. In its pure form it is less resistant to organic solvents, but even this can be overcome by converting its surface to a fluoro-polymer by exposing it to fluorine gas. Treated in this way (when it known is known as 'Super PE') it can be used for petrol tanks in cars and copes with oil, cleaning fluid, cosmetics and that most corrosive of substances: cola concentrate. Very low density polyethylene (VDLPE) is similar to EVA and plasticized PVC. Typical uses Oil container, street bollards, milk bottles, toys, beer crate, food packaging, shrink wrap, squeeze tubes, disposable clothing, plastic bags, paper coatings, cable insulation, artificial joints, and as fibers - low cost ropes and packing tape reinforcement. Tradenames Alathon, Aquathene, Bapolene, Dowlex, Eltex, Empee, Eraclene, Ferrene, Fortiflex, HiVal, Hid, Kemcor, Lacqtene, Lupolen, Marlex, Nortuff, Novapol, Paxon, Petrothene, Polyfort, Rigidex, Sclair, Stamylyn, Statoil, Unival, Zemid Links Reference ProcessUniverse Producers No warranty is given for the accuracy of this data. Values marked * are estimates. Polystyrene (PS) Description The material Polystyrene is an optically clear, cheap, easily molded polymer, familiar as the standard "jewel" CD case. In its simplest form PS is brittle. Its mechanical properties are dramatically improved by blending with polybutadiene, but with a loss of optical transparency. High impact PS (10% polybutadiene) is much stronger even at low temperatures (meaning strength down to -12C). The single largest use of PS is a foam packaging. Composition (CH(C6H5)-CH2)n Image _ Caption Polystyrene is water-clear, easily formed and cheap. General properties Density 64.93 - 65.55 lb/ft^3 Price * 0.6695 - 0.714 USD/lb Mechanical properties Young's modulus 0.174 - 0.3771 10^6 psi Shear modulus 0.07252 - 0.1305 10^6 psi Bulk modulus 0.4206 - 0.4496 10^6 psi Poisson's ratio 0.383 - 0.4027 Yield strength (elastic limit) 4.165 - 8.151 ksi Tensile strength 5.207 - 8.195 ksi Compressive strength 4.582 - 8.966 ksi Elongation 1.2 - 3.6 % Hardness - Vickers 8.6 - 16.9 HV Fatigue strength at 10^7 cycles 2.083 - 3.337 ksi Fracture toughness 0.637 - 1.001 ksi.in^1/2 Mechanical loss coefficient 0.01198 - 0.01754 Thermal properties Thermal conductor or insulator? Good insulator

Thermal conductivity 0.06991 - 0.07569 BTU.ft/h.ft^2.F Thermal expansion coefficient 50 - 85 µstrain/°F Specific heat 0.4038 - 0.4199 BTU/lb.F Glass temperature 164.9 - 229.7 °F Maximum service temperature 170.3 - 217.1 °F Minimum service temperature -189.7 - -99.67 °F Electrical properties Electrical conductor or insulator? Good insulator Electrical resistivity 1e25 - 1e27 µohm.cm Dielectric constant (relative permittivity) 3 - 3.2 Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent) 1e-3 - 3e-3 Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown) 500.4 - 574 V/mil Optical properties Transparency Optical Quality Refractive index 1.57 - 1.59 Eco properties, material production Embodied energy 1.04e4 - 1.148e4 kcal/lb CO2 footprint 2.85 - 3.13 kg/kg Eco properties, processing Polymer molding energy 1136 - 1388 kcal/lb Polymer extrusion energy 397.4 - 485.7 kcal/lb Eco properties, recycling and disposal Recycle True Downcycle True Combust for energy recovery True Biodegrade False Landfill True A renewable resource? False Recycle mark _ Environmental notes The flammability of PS foam, and the use of CFC's as blowing agents in the foaming process was, at one time, a cause for concern. New flame retardants allow PS foams to meet current fire safety standards, and CFC blowing agents have been replaced by pentane, CO2 or HFC's which do not have a damaging effect on the ozone layer. PS can be recycled. The large volume of PS foam in packaging, much of it dumped at present, is a cause for concern. The monomer, styrene, is irritating to the eyes and throat, but none survives in the polymer. Processability Castability 1 - 2 Moldability 4 - 5 Machinability 3 - 4 Weldability 5 Durability Flammability Flammable Fresh water Very good Salt water Very good Weak acids Good Strong acid Average Weak alkalis Very good Strong alkalis Average Organic solvents Poor Sunlight (UV radiation) Average Oxidation at 500C Very poor Supporting information

Design guidelines PS comes in 3 guises: as the simple material ('general purpose PS'); as the high impact variant, blended with polybutadiene; and as polystyrene foam, the most familiar and cheapest of all polymer foams. All are FDA approved for use as food containers and packaging. General purpose PS is easy to mold. Its extreme clarity, ability to be colored, and high refractive index give it a glass-like sparkle, but it is brittle and cracks easily (think of CD cases). It is used when the optical attractiveness and the low cost are sought, and the mechanical loading is light: cosmetic compacts, transparent but disposable glasses, cassettes of all kinds. Medium and high impact polystyrenes trade their optical for their mechanical properties. Medium impact PS, translucent, appears in electrical switch gears and circuit breakers, coat hangers and combs. High impact PS - a blend of PPO and PS, is opaque, but is tough and copes better with low temperatures than most plastics; it is found in interiors of refrigerators and freezers, and in food trays such as those for margarine and yogurt. Other styrene blends, like Kraton, have low tensile strength and higher elongation than SBR or natural rubber. PS can be foamed to a very low density (roughly 1/3 of all polystyrene in foamed). These foams have low thermal conduction and are cheap, and so are used for house insulation, jackets for water boilers, insulation for disposable cups. They crush at loads that do not cause injury to delicate objects (such as TV sets or to the human body), making them good for packaging. Technical notes Polystyrene, PS, is - like PE and PP - a member of the polyolefin family of moldable thermoplastics. In place of one of the H-atoms of the polyethylene it has a C6H5 - benzene ring. This makes for a lumpy molecule which does not crystallize, and the resulting material is transparent with a high refractive index. The benzene ring absorbs UV light, exploited in the PS screening of fluorescent lights, but also causing the polymer to discolor in sunlight. All grades of PS have excellent electrical resistance and dielectric strength, exploited in switchgear. Typical uses Toys; light diffusers; beakers; cutlery; general household appliances; video/audio cassette cases; electronic housings; refrigerator liners. Tradenames Aim, Bapolan, Comalloy, Dylite, Lastirol, NSC, Polystyrol, Styron, Styropor, Vestyron Links Reference ProcessUniverse Producers No warranty is given for the accuracy of this data. Values marked * are estimates. Polypropylene (PP) Description The material Polypropylene, PP, first produced commercially in 1958, is the younger brother of polyethylene - a very similar molecule with similar price, processing methods and application. Like PE it is produced in very large quantities (more than 30 million tons per year in 2000), growing at nearly 10% per year, and like PE its molecule-lengths and side-branches can be tailored by clever catalysis, giving precise control of impact strength, and of the properties that influence molding and drawing. In its pure form polypropylene is flammable and degrades in sunlight. Fire retardants make it slow to burn and stabilizers give it extreme stability, both to UV radiation and to fresh and salt water and most aqueous solutions. Composition (CH2-CH(CH3))n Image _

Caption Polypropylene is widely used in household products. General properties Density 55.56 - 56.81 lb/ft^3 Price 0.6395 - 0.7035 USD/lb Mechanical properties Young's modulus 0.13 - 0.2248 10^6 psi Shear modulus 0.0458 - 0.07953 10^6 psi Bulk modulus 0.3626 - 0.3771 10^6 psi Poisson's ratio 0.4052 - 0.4269 Yield strength (elastic limit) 3.002 - 5.395 ksi Tensile strength 4.003 - 6.005 ksi Compressive strength 3.64 - 8.006 ksi Elongation 100 - 600 % Hardness - Vickers 6.2 - 11.2 HV Fatigue strength at 10^7 cycles 1.601 - 2.402 ksi Fracture toughness 2.73 - 4.095 ksi.in^1/2 Mechanical loss coefficient 0.02581 - 0.04464 Thermal properties Thermal conductor or insulator? Good insulator Thermal conductivity 0.06529 - 0.09649 BTU.ft/h.ft^2.F Thermal expansion coefficient 68 - 100 µstrain/°F Specific heat 0.4466 - 0.4671 BTU/lb.F Melting point 301.7 - 346.7 °F Glass temperature -13.27 - 4.73 °F Maximum service temperature 212 - 239 °F Minimum service temperature -189.7 - -99.67 °F Electrical properties Electrical conductor or insulator? Good insulator Electrical resistivity 3.3e22 - 3e23 µohm.cm Dielectric constant (relative permittivity) 2.1 - 2.3 Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent) 3e-4 - 7e-4 Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown) 576.6 - 624.8 V/mil Optical properties Transparency Translucent Refractive index 1.5 - 1.52 Eco properties, material production Embodied energy 8169 - 9025 kcal/lb CO2 footprint 2.07 - 2.29 kg/kg Eco properties, processing Polymer molding energy 1027 - 1255 kcal/lb Polymer extrusion energy 359.3 - 439.2 kcal/lb Eco properties, recycling and disposal Recycle True Downcycle True Combust for energy recovery True Biodegrade False Landfill True A renewable resource? False Recycle mark _ Environmental notes PP is exceptionally inert and easy to recycle, and can be incinerated to recover the energy it contains. PP, like PE and PVC, is made by processes that are relatively energy-efficient, making

them the least energy-intensive of commodity polymers. Its utility per kilogram far exceeds that of gasoline or fuel-oil (and its energy is stored and still accessible), so that production from oil will not disadvantage it in the near future Processability Castability 1 - 2 Moldability 4 - 5 Machinability 3 - 4 Weldability 5 Durability Flammability Flammable Fresh water Very good Salt water Very good Weak acids Very good Strong acid Very good Weak alkalis Very good Strong alkalis Very good Organic solvents Average Sunlight (UV radiation) Good Oxidation at 500C Very poor Supporting information Design guidelines Standard grade PP is inexpensive, light and ductile but it has low strength. It is more rigid than PE and can be used at higher temperatures. The properties of PP are similar to those of HDPE but it is stiffer and melts at a higher temperature (165 - 170 C). Stiffness and strength can be improved further by reinforcing with glass, chalk or talc. When drawn to fiber PP has exceptional strength and resilience; this, together with its resistance to water, makes it attractive for ropes and fabric. It is more easily molded than PE, has good transparency and can accept a wider, more vivid range of colors. PP is commonly produced as sheet, moldings fibers or it can be foamed. Advances in catalysis promise new co-polymers of PP with more attractive combinations of toughness, stability and ease of processing. Mono-filaments fibers have high abrasion resistance and are almost twice as strong as PE fibers. Multi-filament yarn or rope does not absorb water, will float on water and dyes easily. Technical notes The many different grades of polypropylene fall into three basic groups: homopolymers (polypropylene, with a range of molecular weights and thus properties), co-polymers (made by co-Polymerization of propylene with other olefines such as ethylene, butylene or styrene) and composites (polypropylene reinforced with mica, talc, glass powder or fibers) that are stiffer and better able to resist heat than simple polypropylenes. Typical uses Ropes, general polymer engineering, automobile air ducting, parcel shelving and air-cleaners, garden furniture, washing machine tank, wet-cell battery cases, pipes and pipe fittings, beer bottle crates, chair shells, capacitor dielectrics, cable insulation, kitchen kettles, car bumpers, shatter proof glasses, crates, suitcases, artificial turf, thermal underwear. Tradenames Adpro, Amoco, Appryl, Aqualoy, Astryn, Cefor, Comalloy, Comshield, Dypro, EA36NA, Eltex P, Empee, Escorene, Ferrex, Ferrolene, Fortilene, Fotilene, Hifax, Hostalen PP, Latene, Marlex, Moplen, Multi-Flam, Multi-Pro, Nortuff, Novalen, Novolen, Nyloy, Petrothene, Polyfort, Polypro, Precolor, Pro Fax, Propak, Rexflex, Stamylyn, Starlylen, Statoil, Technoprene, Thermocomp, Vestolen, WPP, Washpen Links Reference ProcessUniverse Producers No warranty is given for the accuracy of this data. Values marked * are estimates.

Polyvinylchloride (tpPVC) Description The material PVC - Vinyl - is one of the cheapest, most versatile and - with polyethylene - the most widely used of polymers and epitomizes their multi-facetted character. In its pure form - as a thermoplastic, tpPVC - it is rigid, and not very tough; its low price makes it a cost-effective engineering plastic where extremes of service are not encountered. Incorporating plasticizers creates flexible PVC, elPVC, a material with leather-like or rubber-like properties, and used a substitute for both. By contrast, reinforcement with glass fibers gives a material that is sufficiently stiff, strong and tough to be used for roofs, flooring and building panels. Both rigid and flexible PVC can be foamed to give lightweight structural panels, and upholstery for cars and domestic use. Blending with other polymers extends the range of properties further: vinyl gramophone records were made of a vinyl chloride/acetate co-polymer; blow molded bottles and film are a vinyl chloride/acrylic copolymer. Composition (CH2CHCl)n Image _ Caption These boat fenders illustrate that PVC is tough, weather resistant and easy to form and color General properties Density 81.16 - 98.64 lb/ft^3 Price 0.5896 - 0.6485 USD/lb Mechanical properties Young's modulus 0.3104 - 0.6005 10^6 psi Shear modulus 0.1111 - 0.216 10^6 psi Bulk modulus 0.6817 - 0.7107 10^6 psi Poisson's ratio 0.3825 - 0.4074 Yield strength (elastic limit) 5.134 - 7.556 ksi Tensile strength 5.903 - 9.446 ksi Compressive strength 6.161 - 13 ksi Elongation 11.93 - 80 % Hardness - Vickers 10.6 - 15.6 HV Fatigue strength at 10^7 cycles 2.351 - 3.778 ksi Fracture toughness 1.33 - 4.662 ksi.in^1/2 Mechanical loss coefficient 9.662e-3 - 0.01869 Thermal properties Thermal conductor or insulator? Good insulator Thermal conductivity 0.08493 - 0.1692 BTU.ft/h.ft^2.F Thermal expansion coefficient 55.56 - 83.33 µstrain/°F Specific heat 0.3237 - 0.3451 BTU/lb.F Glass temperature 166.7 - 220.7 °F Maximum service temperature 140 - 158 °F Minimum service temperature -189.7 - -99.67 °F Electrical properties Electrical conductor or insulator? Good insulator Electrical resistivity 1e20 - 1e22 µohm.cm Dielectric constant (relative permittivity) 3.1 - 4.4 Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent) 0.03 - 0.1 Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown) 350.5 - 500.4 V/mil Optical properties Transparency Translucent Refractive index 1.54 - 1.56 Eco properties, material production

Embodied energy 6880 - 7605 kcal/lb CO2 footprint 1.85 - 2.04 kg/kg Eco properties, processing Polymer molding energy 1134 - 1386 kcal/lb Polymer extrusion energy 396.8 - 485 kcal/lb Eco properties, recycling and disposal Recycle True Downcycle True Combust for energy recovery True Biodegrade False Landfill True A renewable resource? False Recycle mark _ Environmental notes The vinyl chloride monomer is thoroughly nasty stuff, leading to pressure to discontinue production. But properly controlled, the processing is safe, and the polymer PVC has no known harmful effects. Disposal, however, can be a problem: thermal degradation releases chlorine, HCl and other toxic compounds, requiring special high-temperature incineration for safety. Processability Castability 1 - 2 Moldability 4 - 5 Machinability 3 - 4 Weldability 5 Durability Flammability Flammable Fresh water Very good Salt water Very good Weak acids Very good Strong acid Good Weak alkalis Very good Strong alkalis Very good Organic solvents Average Sunlight (UV radiation) Very good Oxidation at 500C Very poor Supporting information Design guidelines In its pure form, PVC is heavy, stiff and brittle. Plasticizers can transform it from a rigid material to one that is almost as elastic and soft as rubber. Plasticized PVC is used as a cheap substitute for leather, which it can be made to resemble in color and texture. It is less transparent than PMMA or PC, but it also costs much less, so it is widely used for transparent, disposable containers. PVC is available as film, sheet or tube. It can be joined with polyester, epoxy or polyurethane adhesives. It has excellent resistance to acids and bases and good barrier properties to atmospheric gasses, but poor resistance to some solvents. Technical notes PVC can be a thermoplastic or a thermoset. There are many types of PVC: expanded rigid PVC, type I, type II, CPVC, acrylic/PVC blend, clear PVC. Typical uses tpPVC: pipes, fittings, profiles, road signs, cosmetic packaging, canoes, garden hoses, vinyl flooring, windows and cladding, vinyl records, dolls, medical tubes. elPVC: artificial leather, wire insulation, film, sheet, fabric, car upholstery. Tradenames Conoco, Dural, Ethyl, Flexalloy, Geon, Hy-vin, Keysor, Locovyl, Novatemp, Oxyclear, Polyvin, Satinflex, Sicron, Solvic, Solvin, Superkleen, Trosiplast, Unichem, Vestolit, Vinoflex, Vistel Links

Reference ProcessUniverse Producers No warranty is given for the accuracy of this data. Values marked * are estimates.

II. Thermoplastics (Engineering): Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) Description The material ABS (Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is tough, resilient, and easily molded. It is usually opaque, although some grades can now be transparent, and it can be given vivid colors. ABS-PVC alloys are tougher than standard ABS and, in self-extinguishing grades, are used for the casings of power tools. Composition (CH2-CH-C6H4)n Image _ Caption The picture says a lot: ABS allows detailed moldings, accepts color well, and is non-toxic and tough enough to survive the worst that children can do to it. General properties Density 63.05 - 75.54 lb/ft^3 Price 1.139 - 1.339 USD/lb Mechanical properties Young's modulus 0.1595 - 0.4206 10^6 psi Shear modulus 0.04625 - 0.1497 10^6 psi Bulk modulus 0.5511 - 0.5802 10^6 psi Poisson's ratio 0.3908 - 0.422 Yield strength (elastic limit) 2.683 - 7.397 ksi Tensile strength 4.003 - 8.006 ksi Compressive strength 4.496 - 12.5 ksi Elongation 1.5 - 100 % Hardness - Vickers 5.6 - 15.3 HV Fatigue strength at 10^7 cycles 1.601 - 3.202 ksi Fracture toughness 1.079 - 3.903 ksi.in^1/2 Mechanical loss coefficient 0.01379 - 0.04464 Thermal properties Thermal conductor or insulator? Good insulator Thermal conductivity 0.1086 - 0.1936 BTU.ft/h.ft^2.F Thermal expansion coefficient 47 - 130 µstrain/°F Specific heat 0.3311 - 0.4583 BTU/lb.F Glass temperature 190.1 - 262.1 °F Maximum service temperature 143.3 - 170.3 °F Minimum service temperature -189.7 - -99.67 °F Electrical properties Electrical conductor or insulator? Good insulator Electrical resistivity 3.3e21 - 3e22 µohm.cm Dielectric constant (relative permittivity) 2.8 - 3.2 Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent) 3e-3 - 7e-3 Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown) 350.5 - 551.2 V/mil Optical properties

Transparency Opaque Refractive index 1.53 - 1.54 Eco properties, material production Embodied energy * 9859 - 1.105e4 kcal/lb CO2 footprint * 3.27 - 3.62 kg/kg Eco properties, processing Polymer molding energy 1151 - 1407 kcal/lb Polymer extrusion energy 402.9 - 492.4 kcal/lb Eco properties, recycling and disposal Recycle True Downcycle True Combust for energy recovery True Biodegrade False Landfill True A renewable resource? False Recycle mark _ Environmental notes The acrylonitrile monomer is nasty stuff, almost as poisonous as cyanide. Once polymerized with styrene it becomes harmless. ABS is FDA compliant, can be recycled, and can be incinerated to recover the energy it contains. Processability Castability 1 - 2 Moldability 4 - 5 Machinability 3 - 4 Weldability 5 Durability Flammability Flammable Fresh water Very good Salt water Very good Weak acids Good Strong acid Average Weak alkalis Good Strong alkalis Good Organic solvents Poor Sunlight (UV radiation) Average Oxidation at 500C Very poor Supporting information Design guidelines ABS has the highest impact resistance of all polymers. It takes color well. Integral metallics are possible (as in GE Plastics' Magix.) ABS is UV resistant for outdoor application if stabilizers are added. It is hygroscopic (may need to be oven dried before thermoforming) and can be damaged by petroleum-based machining oils. ASA (acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile) has very high gloss; its natural color is off-white but others are available. It has good chemical and temperature resistance and high impact resistance at low temperatures. UL-approved grades are available. SAN (styrene-acrylonitrile) has the good processing attributes of polystyrene but greater strength, stiffness, toughness, and chemical and heat resistance. By adding glass fiber the rigidity can be increased dramatically. It is transparent (over 90% in the visible range but less for UV light) and has good color, depending on the amount of acrylonitrile that is added this can vary from water white to pale yellow, but without a protective coating, sunlight causes yellowing and loss of strength, slowed by UV stabilizers. All three can be extruded, compression molded or formed to sheet that is then vacuum thermo-formed. They can be joined by ultrasonic or hot-plate welding, or bonded with polyester, epoxy, isocyanate or nitrile-phenolic adhesives. Technical notes

ABS is a terpolymer - one made by copolymerizing 3 monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. The acrylonitrile gives thermal and chemical resistance, rubber-like butadiene gives ductility and strength, the styrene gives a glossy surface, ease of machining and a lower cost. In ASA, the butadiene component (which gives poor UV resistance) is replaced by an acrylic ester. Without the addition of butyl, ABS becomes, SAN - a similar material with lower impact resistance or toughness. It is the stiffest of the thermoplastics and has excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, salts and many solvents. Typical uses Safety helmets; camper tops; automotive instrument panels and other interior components; pipe fittings; home-security devices and housings for small appliances; communications equipment; business machines; plumbing hardware; automobile grilles; wheel covers; mirror housings; refrigerator liners; luggage shells; tote trays; mower shrouds; boat hulls; large components for recreational vehicles; weather seals; glass beading; refrigerator breaker strips; conduit; pipe for drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems. Tradenames Claradex, Comalloy, Cycogel, Cycolac, Hanalac, Lastilac, Lupos, Lustran ABS, Magnum, Multibase, Novodur, Polyfabs, Polylac, Porene, Ronfalin, Sinkral, Terluran, Toyolac, Tufrex, Ultrastyr Links Reference ProcessUniverse Producers No warranty is given for the accuracy of this data. Values marked * are estimates.

Polyamides (Nylons, PA) Description The material Back in 1945, the war in Europe just ended, the two most prized luxuries were cigarettes and nylons. Nylon (PA) can be drawn to fibers as fine as silk, and was widely used as a substitute for it. Today, newer fibers have eroded its dominance in garment design, but nylon-fiber ropes, and nylon as reinforcement for rubber (in car tires) and other polymers (PTFE, for roofs) remains important. It is used in product design for tough casings, frames and handles, and - reinforced with glass - as bearings gears and other load-bearing parts. There are many grades (Nylon 6, Nylon 66, Nylon 11….) each with slightly different properties. Composition (NH(CH2)5C0)n Image _ Caption Polyamides are tough, and easily colored. General properties Density 69.92 - 71.17 lb/ft^3 Price * 1.449 - 1.619 USD/lb Mechanical properties Young's modulus 0.38 - 0.4641 10^6 psi Shear modulus * 0.1407 - 0.1719 10^6 psi Bulk modulus 0.5366 - 0.5656 10^6 psi Poisson's ratio 0.34 - 0.36 Yield strength (elastic limit) 7.252 - 13.75 ksi Tensile strength 13.05 - 23.93 ksi Compressive strength 7.977 - 15.12 ksi Elongation 30 - 100 %

Hardness - Vickers 25.8 - 28.4 HV Fatigue strength at 10^7 cycles * 5.221 - 9.572 ksi Fracture toughness * 2.019 - 5.111 ksi.in^1/2 Mechanical loss coefficient * 0.0125 - 0.01527 Thermal properties Thermal conductor or insulator? Good insulator Thermal conductivity 0.1346 - 0.1462 BTU.ft/h.ft^2.F Thermal expansion coefficient 80 - 83 µstrain/°F Specific heat * 0.3823 - 0.3976 BTU/lb.F Melting point 409.7 - 427.7 °F Glass temperature 110.9 - 132.5 °F Maximum service temperature 230 - 284 °F Minimum service temperature * -189.7 - -99.67 °F Electrical properties Electrical conductor or insulator? Good insulator Electrical resistivity * 1.5e19 - 1.4e20 µohm.cm Dielectric constant (relative permittivity) 3.7 - 3.9 Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent) 0.014 - 0.03 Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown) 383.5 - 416.6 V/mil Optical properties Transparency Translucent Refractive index 1.52 - 1.53 Eco properties, material production Embodied energy * 1.105e4 - 1.224e4 kcal/lb CO2 footprint 3.99 - 4.41 kg/kg Eco properties, processing Polymer molding energy 1095 - 1338 kcal/lb Polymer extrusion energy 383.2 - 468.4 kcal/lb Eco properties, recycling and disposal Recycle True Downcycle True Combust for energy recovery True Biodegrade False Landfill True A renewable resource? False Recycle mark _ Environmental notes Nylons have no known toxic effects, although they are not entirely inert biologically. Nylons are oil-derivatives, but this will not disadvantage them in the near future. With refinements in polyolefin catalysis, nylons face stiff competition from less expensive polymers. Processability Castability 1 - 2 Moldability 4 - 5 Machinability 3 - 4 Weldability 5 Durability Flammability Flammable Fresh water Very good Salt water Very good Weak acids Good Strong acid Poor Weak alkalis Very good Strong alkalis Good

Organic solvents Average Sunlight (UV radiation) Average Oxidation at 500C Very poor Supporting information Design guidelines Nylons are tough, strong and have a low coefficient of friction, with useful properties over a wide range of temperature (-80 to +120 C). They are easy to injection mold, machine and finish, can be thermally or ultrasonically bonded, or joined with epoxy, phenol-formaldehyde or polyester adhesives. Certain grades of nylon can be electroplated allowing metallization, and most accept print well. A blend of PPO/Nylon is used in fenders, exterior body parts. Nylon fibers are strong, tough, elastic and glossy, easily spun into yarns or blended with other materials. Nylons absorb up to 4% water; to prevent dimensional changes, they must be conditioned before molding, allowing them to establishing equilibrium with normal atmospheric humidity. Nylons have poor resistance to strong acids, oxidizing agents and solvents, particularly in transparent grades. Technical notes The density, stiffness, strength, ductility and toughness of Nylons all lie near the average for unreinforced polymers. Their thermal conductivities and thermal expansion are a little lower than average. Reinforcement with mineral, glass powder or glass fiber increases the modulus, strength and density. Semi-crystalline nylon is distinguished by a numeric code for the material class indicating the number of carbon atoms between two nitrogen atoms in the molecular chain. The amorphous material is transparent; the semi-crystalline material is opal white. Typical uses Light duty gears, bushings, sprockets and bearings; electrical equipment housings, lenses, containers, tanks, tubing, furniture casters, plumbing connections, bicycle wheel covers, ketchup bottles, chairs, toothbrush bristles, handles, bearings, food packaging. Nylons are used as hot-melt adhesives for book bindings; as fibers - ropes, fishing line, carpeting, car upholstery and stockings; as aramid fibers - cables, ropes, protective clothing, air filtration bags and electrical insulation. Tradenames Adell, Akulon, Albis, Amilan, Ashlene, Capron, Celanese, Chemlon, Durethan, Gapex, Grilon, Grivory, Hylon, Kopa, Latamid, Lubrilon, Magnacomp, Maranyl, Minlon, NSC, Nivionplast, Novamid, Nydur, Nylamid, Nylene, Nypel, Orgamide, Radilon, Schulamid, Selar, Sniamid, Star-C, Star-L, Staramide, Texalon, Ultramid, Vestamid, Wellamid, Zytel Links Reference ProcessUniverse Producers No warranty is given for the accuracy of this data. Values marked * are estimates.

Polycarbonate (PC) Description The material PC is one of the 'engineering' thermoplastics, meaning that they have better mechanical properties than the cheaper 'commodity' polymers. The family includes the plastics polyamide (PA), polyoxymethylene (POM) and polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE). The benzene ring and the -OCOO- carbonate group combine in pure PC to give it its unique characteristics of optical transparency and good toughness and rigidity, even at relatively high temperatures. These properties make PC a good choice for applications such as compact disks, safety hard hats and housings for power tools. To enhance the properties of PC even further, it is possible to co-polymerize the molecule with other monomers (improves the flame retardancy, refractive index and resistance to softening), or to reinforce the PC with glass fibers (giving better mechanical properties at high temperatures). Composition

(O-(C6H4)-C(CH3)2-(C6H4)-CO)n Image _ Caption Polycarbonate is tough and impact-resistant: hence its use in hard hats and helmets, transparent roofing and riot shields. General properties Density 71.17 - 75.54 lb/ft^3 Price 1.649 - 1.939 USD/lb Mechanical properties Young's modulus 0.2901 - 0.3539 10^6 psi Shear modulus 0.1145 - 0.1265 10^6 psi Bulk modulus 0.5366 - 0.5656 10^6 psi Poisson's ratio 0.3912 - 0.4082 Yield strength (elastic limit) 8.557 - 10.15 ksi Tensile strength 8.702 - 10.5 ksi Compressive strength 10.01 - 12.6 ksi Elongation 70 - 150 % Hardness - Vickers 17.7 - 21.7 HV Fatigue strength at 10^7 cycles 3.211 - 4.468 ksi Fracture toughness 1.911 - 4.188 ksi.in^1/2 Mechanical loss coefficient 0.01639 - 0.0181 Thermal properties Thermal conductor or insulator? Good insulator Thermal conductivity 0.1092 - 0.126 BTU.ft/h.ft^2.F Thermal expansion coefficient 66.7 - 76 µstrain/°F Specific heat 0.3665 - 0.3904 BTU/lb.F Glass temperature 287.3 - 400.7 °F Maximum service temperature 213.5 - 290.9 °F Minimum service temperature -189.7 - -99.67 °F Electrical properties Electrical conductor or insulator? Good insulator Electrical resistivity 1e20 - 1e21 µohm.cm Dielectric constant (relative permittivity) 3.1 - 3.3 Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent) 8e-4 - 1.1e-3 Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown) 398.8 - 487 V/mil Optical properties Transparency Optical Quality Refractive index 1.54 - 1.59 Eco properties, material production Embodied energy 1.138e4 - 1.257e4 kcal/lb CO2 footprint 3.8 - 4.2 kg/kg Eco properties, processing Polymer molding energy 1214 - 1484 kcal/lb Polymer extrusion energy 425 - 519.5 kcal/lb Eco properties, recycling and disposal Recycle True Downcycle True Combust for energy recovery True Biodegrade False Landfill True A renewable resource? False Recycle mark _

Environmental notes The processing of engineering thermoplastics requires a higher energy input than that of commodity plastics, but otherwise there are no particular environmental penalties. PC can be recycled if unreinforced. Processability Castability 1 - 2 Moldability 4 - 5 Machinability 3 - 4 Weldability 5 Durability Flammability Flammable Fresh water Very good Salt water Very good Weak acids Good Strong acid Average Weak alkalis Average Strong alkalis Average Organic solvents Poor Sunlight (UV radiation) Good Oxidation at 500C Very poor Supporting information Design guidelines The optical transparency and high impact resistance of PC make it suitable for bullet-resistant or shatter-resistant glass applications. It is readily colored. PC is usually processed by extrusion or thermoforming (techniques that impose constraints on design), although injection molding is possible. When designing for extrusion with thermoplastics, the wall thickness should be as uniform as possible to prevent warping, and projections and sharp corners avoided- features like hollows and lone unsupported die sections greatly increase the mold cost. The stiffness of the final part can be improved by the incorporation of corrugations or embossed ribs. PC can be reinforced using glass fibers to reduce shrinkage problems on cooling and to improve the mechanical performance at high temperatures. Technical notes The combination of the benzene ring and carbonate structures in the PC molecular structure give the polymer its unique characteristics of high strength and outstanding toughness. It can be easily blended with ABS or polyurethane. ABS/PC gets its flame retardance and UV resistance from polycarbonate at a lower cost than that of ABS. PU/PC gets its rigidity from polycarbonate and flexibility and ease of coating from polyurethane. Typical uses Safety shields and goggles; lenses; glazing panels; business machine housing; instrument casings; lighting fittings; safety helmets; electrical switchgear; laminated sheet for bullet-proof glazing; twin-walled sheets for glazing; kitchenware and tableware; microwave cookware, medical (sterilizable) components. Tradenames Calibre, FR-PC, Latilon, Lexan, Lupilon, Makrolon, Naxell, Nyloy, Panlite, Sinvet, Star-C, Starglas, Triex, Xantar Links Reference ProcessUniverse Producers No warranty is given for the accuracy of this data. Values marked * are estimates.

III. Thermosets: Epoxies Description The material Epoxies are thermosetting polymers with excellent mechanical, electrical and adhesive properties and good resistance to heat and chemical attack. They are used for adhesives (Araldite), surface coatings and, when filled with other materials such as glass or carbon fibers, as matrix resins in composite materials. Typically, as adhesives, epoxies are used for high-strength bonding of dissimilar materials; as coatings, they are used to encapsulate electrical coils and electronic components; when filled, they are used for tooling fixtures for low-volume molding of thermoplastics. Composition (O-C6H4-CH3-C-CH3-C6H4)n Image _ Caption Epoxies paints are exceptionally stable and protective, and take color well General properties Density 69.3 - 87.4 lb/ft^3 Price 0.9993 - 1.119 USD/lb Mechanical properties Young's modulus 0.3408 - 0.446 10^6 psi Shear modulus 0.1218 - 0.1601 10^6 psi Bulk modulus 0.5511 - 0.5802 10^6 psi Poisson's ratio 0.38 - 0.42 Yield strength (elastic limit) 5.221 - 10.4 ksi Tensile strength 6.527 - 13 ksi Compressive strength 5.743 - 11.44 ksi Elongation 2 - 10 % Hardness - Vickers 10.8 - 21.5 HV Fatigue strength at 10^7 cycles * 3.202 - 5.076 ksi Fracture toughness 0.364 - 2.022 ksi.in^1/2 Mechanical loss coefficient * 9.5e-3 - 0.027 Thermal properties Thermal conductor or insulator? Good insulator Thermal conductivity 0.104 - 0.2889 BTU.ft/h.ft^2.F Thermal expansion coefficient 32.22 - 65 µstrain/°F Specific heat 0.3569 - 0.4777 BTU/lb.F Maximum service temperature 284 - 356 °F Minimum service temperature -189.7 - -99.67 °F Electrical properties Electrical conductor or insulator? Good insulator Electrical resistivity 1e20 - 6e21 µohm.cm Dielectric constant (relative permittivity) 3.4 - 5.7 Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent) 7e-4 - 0.015 Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown) 299.7 - 500.4 V/mil Optical properties Transparency Transparent Refractive index 1.54 - 1.6 Eco properties, material production Embodied energy 9761 - 1.079e4 kcal/lb CO2 footprint 3.22 - 3.56 kg/kg

Eco properties, recycling and disposal Recycle False Downcycle True Combust for energy recovery True Biodegrade False Landfill True A renewable resource? False Environmental notes Both resin and hardener are irritants; their vapors are potentially toxic. Ventilation and skin protection are important, but both are achievable. Thermosets cannot be recycled, though it may be possible to use them as fillers. Cutting and machining of glass and carbon-fiber composites requires special forced-air ventilation to remove the fine glass or carbon dust that is damaging if inhaled. Processability Castability 4 - 5 Moldability 4 - 5 Machinability 3 - 4 Weldability 1 Durability Flammability Self-extinguishing Fresh water Very good Salt water Very good Weak acids Very good Strong acid Average Weak alkalis Very good Strong alkalis Very good Organic solvents Good Sunlight (UV radiation) Good Oxidation at 500C Very poor Supporting information Design guidelines Epoxy molding compounds are supplied in liquid or granular form. They can be shaped by transfer molding at low pressures (350-700 kPa). When designing with epoxy, as with any thermosetting material, allowance must be made for shrinkage on cooling; perfectly flat molded surfaces are not achievable, and the minimum wall thickness for average-sized epoxy molded parts is 2.0mm. Unmodified epoxies have a high viscosity; they are shaped by transfer molding. Diluted epoxy resins have a lower viscosity and cure slowly, but can be cast or used to impregnate a mat or weave of fibers. The addition of fillers gives epoxies improved machinability, hardness, impact resistance and thermal conductivity; thermal expansion and mold shrinkage are both reduced. Plasticizers and flexibilizers increase flexibility and toughness. Epoxy is also commonly used as a pattern or mold material. Epoxy resin laminates are formed using a wide range of processes, from batch techniques such as hand lay up and bulk molding compound (BMC) molding, producing, for example, mechanical components like gears and distributor caps, to continuous processes such as filament winding, pultrusion and continuous laminating, making rods or girder stock. Epoxy resins are tougher than polyesters and have lower shrinkage, but are more expensive. if brought into contact with the skin, epoxies can cause skin irritations. Technical notes Most epoxies are formed by the combination of bisphenol-A and epichlorohydrin in the presence of a catalyst. Catalysts include several amines and acid anhydrides, and the temperature at which the epoxy will cure (ranging from room- to high -temperature) is determined by the type of catalyst, which also affects the properties of the final product. Typical uses Pure epoxy molding compounds: the encapsulation of electrical coils and electronics components; epoxy resins in laminates: pultruded rods, girder stock, special tooling fixtures,

mechanical components such as gears; adhesives, often for high-strength bonding of dissimilar materials; patterns and molds for shaping thermoplastics. Tradenames Araldite, Epikote, Epolite, Fiberite, Lytex, Stycast Links Reference ProcessUniverse Producers No warranty is given for the accuracy of this data. Values marked * are estimates.

Phenolics Description The material Bakelite, commercialized in 1909, triggered a revolution in product design. It was stiff, fairly strong, could (to a muted degree) be colored, and - above all - was easy to mold. Products that, earlier, were handcrafted from woods, metals or exotics such as ivory, could now be molded quickly and cheaply. At one time the production of phenolics exceeded that of PE, PS and PVC combined. Now, although the ration has changed, phenolics still have a unique value. They are stiff, chemically stable, have good electrical properties, are fire-resistant and easy to mold - and they are cheap. Image _ Caption Phenolics are good insulators, and resist heat and chemical attack exceptionally well, making them a good choice for electrical switchgear like this distributor cap. General properties Density 77.41 - 82.4 lb/ft^3 Price 0.7494 - 0.8494 USD/lb Mechanical properties Young's modulus 0.4003 - 0.7005 10^6 psi Shear modulus * 0.1444 - 0.2527 10^6 psi Bulk modulus 0.7542 - 0.7832 10^6 psi Poisson's ratio * 0.3783 - 0.3936 Yield strength (elastic limit) * 4.003 - 7.205 ksi Tensile strength 5.004 - 9.007 ksi Compressive strength * 4.403 - 7.926 ksi Elongation 1.5 - 2 % Hardness - Vickers 8.3 - 14.9 HV Fatigue strength at 10^7 cycles * 2.002 - 3.603 ksi Fracture toughness * 0.7161 - 1.103 ksi.in^1/2 Mechanical loss coefficient * 8.282e-3 - 0.01449 Thermal properties Thermal conductor or insulator? Good insulator Thermal conductivity 0.08147 - 0.08782 BTU.ft/h.ft^2.F Thermal expansion coefficient 66.7 - 69.4 µstrain/°F Specific heat * 0.3505 - 0.3645 BTU/lb.F Maximum service temperature * 392 - 446 °F Minimum service temperature * -189.7 - -99.67 °F Electrical properties Electrical conductor or insulator? Good insulator Electrical resistivity 3.3e18 - 3e19 µohm.cm Dielectric constant (relative permittivity) * 4 - 6

Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent) * 5e-3 - 0.01 Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown) 249.9 - 398.8 V/mil Optical properties Transparency Opaque Refractive index 1.59 - 1.6 Eco properties, material production Embodied energy * 9306 - 1.029e4 kcal/lb CO2 footprint * 2.83 - 3.12 kg/kg Eco properties, recycling and disposal Recycle False Downcycle True Combust for energy recovery True Biodegrade False Landfill True A renewable resource? False Environmental notes Phenolics, like all thermosets, cannot be recycled. Processability Castability 3 - 4 Moldability 3 - 5 Machinability 4 Weldability 1 Durability Flammability Self-extinguishing Fresh water Very good Salt water Very good Weak acids Good Strong acid Poor Weak alkalis Average Strong alkalis Average Organic solvents Very good Sunlight (UV radiation) Very good Oxidation at 500C Very poor Supporting information Design guidelines Phenolic resins hard, tolerate heat and resist most chemicals except the strong alkalis. Phenolic laminates with paper have excellent electrical and mechanical properties and are cheap; filled with cotton the mechanical strength is increases and a machined surface is finer; filled with glass the mechanical strength increases again and there is improved chemical resistance. Fillers play three roles: extenders (such as wood flour and mica) are inexpensive and reduce cost; functional fillers add stiffness, impact resistance and limit shrinkage; reinforcements (such as glass, graphite and polymer fibers) increase strength, but cost increases too. Phenolic resins have creep resistance, and they self-extinguish in a fire. They can be cast (household light and switch fittings) and are available as rod and sheet. Impregnated into paper (Nomex) and cloth (Tufnol), they have exceptional durability, chemical resistance and bearing properties. Phenolics accept paint, electroplating, and melamine overlays. Technical notes Phenolic resins are formed by a condensation, generating water in the process, involving a reaction between phenol and formaldehyde to form the A-stage resin. Fillers, colorants, lubricants and chemicals to cause cross-linking are added to form the B-stage resin. This resin is then fused under heat and pressure converting to the final product - a C-stage resin - or completely cross-linked polymer. Typical uses

Electrical parts - sockets, switches, connectors, general industrial, water-lubricated bearings, relays, pump impellers, brake pistons, microwave cookware, handles, bottles tops, coatings, adhesives, bearings, foams and sandwich structures. Tradenames Bakelite, Durez, Ferropreg, Fiberite, Norsophen, Plaslok, Plenco, Polychem, Reliapreg, Resinoid, Texolite, Trolitan, Vyncolite, Tufnol Links Reference ProcessUniverse Producers No warranty is given for the accuracy of this data. Values marked * are estimates.

Polyester Description The material Polyesters can be a thermosets, a thermoplastics or elastomers. The unsaturated polyester resins are thermosets. Most polyester thermosets are used in glass fiber/polyester composites. They are less stiff and strong than epoxies, but they are considerably cheaper. Composition (OOC-C6H4-COO-C6H10)n Image _ Caption Thermosetting polyester is used as the matrix of this glass-reinforced deck chair. General properties Density 64.93 - 87.4 lb/ft^3 Price * 0.8194 - 0.9293 USD/lb Mechanical properties Young's modulus 0.3002 - 0.6396 10^6 psi Shear modulus * 0.108 - 0.23 10^6 psi Bulk modulus 0.6527 - 0.6817 10^6 psi Poisson's ratio 0.381 - 0.403 Yield strength (elastic limit) * 4.786 - 5.802 ksi Tensile strength 6.005 - 13 ksi Compressive strength * 5.265 - 6.382 ksi Elongation 2 - 2.6 % Hardness - Vickers 9.9 - 21.5 HV Fatigue strength at 10^7 cycles * 2.402 - 5.198 ksi Fracture toughness * 0.9874 - 1.542 ksi.in^1/2 Mechanical loss coefficient * 9.07e-3 - 0.01932 Thermal properties Thermal conductor or insulator? Good insulator Thermal conductivity * 0.166 - 0.1726 BTU.ft/h.ft^2.F Thermal expansion coefficient 55 - 100 µstrain/°F Specific heat * 0.3598 - 0.3742 BTU/lb.F Maximum service temperature 266 - 302 °F Minimum service temperature * -189.7 - -99.67 °F Electrical properties Electrical conductor or insulator? Good insulator Electrical resistivity 3.3e18 - 3e19 µohm.cm Dielectric constant (relative permittivity) 2.8 - 3.3 Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent) * 1e-3 - 0.03

Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown) 381 - 500.4 V/mil Optical properties Transparency Transparent Refractive index 1.54 - 1.57 Eco properties, material production Embodied energy * 9100 - 1.008e4 kcal/lb CO2 footprint * 2.7 - 3 kg/kg Eco properties, recycling and disposal Recycle False Downcycle True Combust for energy recovery True Biodegrade False Landfill True A renewable resource? False Environmental notes Thermosetting polyesters cannot be recycled. Processability Castability 3 - 4 Moldability 3 - 4 Machinability 3 - 4 Weldability 1 Durability Flammability Flammable Fresh water Very good Salt water Very good Weak acids Very good Strong acid Average Weak alkalis Average Strong alkalis Average Organic solvents Average Sunlight (UV radiation) Very good Oxidation at 500C Very poor Supporting information Design guidelines Thermosetting polyesters are the cheapest resins for making glass or carbon fiber composites, but they have lower strength than epoxies. They can be formulated to cure at or above room temperature. Modifications can improve the chemical resistance, UV resistance and heat resistance without too much change in the ease of processing. Polyester elastomers have relatively high moduli and are stronger than polyurethanes. They have good melt flow properties, low shrinkage, good resistance to oils and fuels. Polyester can be made conductive by adding 30% carbon fiber. As a tape, Mylar is used for magnetic sound recording. Unfilled polyester thermosetting resins are normally used as surface coatings but they tend to be brittle. of Thermosetting polyester has a corroding influence on copper Technical notes Polyesters are made by a condensation reaction of an alcohol like ethyl alcohol (the one in beer) and an organic acid like acetic acid (the one in vinegar). The two react, releasing water, and forming an ester. Typical uses Laminated structures; Surface gel coatings; Liquid castings; Furniture products; Bowling balls; Simulated marble; Sewer pipe gaskets; Pistol grips; Television tube implosion barriers; Boats; Truck cabs; Concrete forms; Lamp housings; Skylights; Fishing rods. Tradenames Celanex, Eastar, Hytrel, Plenco, Rynite, Synolite, Valox, Vybrex Links

Reference ProcessUniverse Producers No warranty is given for the accuracy of this data. Values marked * are estimates.