Polymers

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene — the most widely used amorphous engineering/commodity thermoplastic. Excellent balance of toughness, rigidity, and processability. Good surface finish and paintability. Not UV-stable without additives. Trade names include Novodur (INEOS Styrolution), Terluran (INEOS), Cycolac (SABIC). Used for automotive interior trim, appliance housings (vacuum cleaners, monitors), LEGO bricks, 3D printing filament, and pipe fittings.

UV-resistant alternative to ABS — acrylic rubber replaces butadiene for excellent weatherability. Retains color and gloss outdoors for years without coating. Similar mechanical properties to ABS but with 10× better UV resistance. Trade names: Luran S (BASF/INEOS), Geloy (SABIC). Used for automotive exterior trim, outdoor electrical housings, garden furniture, and building cladding.

Cyclic Olefin Copolymer — an amorphous, glass-clear thermoplastic made by copolymerization of norbornene with ethylene. Combines the transparency of glass (>92% light transmission) with excellent dimensional stability, low water absorption (<0.01%), and high biocompatibility. Outstanding barrier to moisture (10× better than PET) but poor oxygen barrier. Tg adjustable 70-180°C via comonomer ratio. Primary applications: medical/pharmaceutical (pre-filled syringes, vials, blister packs — replaces glass), optical films for LCD/OLED displays, diagnostic microfluidic devices, high-barrier food packaging, FDA-approved USP Class VI grades.

Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber — THE outdoor/weather elastomer. Saturated backbone gives outstanding ozone, UV, and weathering resistance. Excellent resistance to steam, hot water, and polar solvents. NOT resistant to oils/fuels (opposite of NBR). Good electrical insulation. ρ 0.85-1.3 (lightest common rubber). Used for automotive door/window seals, roofing membranes, radiator hoses, HVAC gaskets, and pond liners.

Carbon fiber reinforced epoxy — the benchmark structural composite material. Unidirectional ply: tensile strength 1500–2000 MPa, modulus 120–150 GPa at density 1.55 g/cm³ (5x stronger than steel at 1/5 the weight). Quasi-isotropic layup: UTS ~600 MPa, E ~50 GPa. Autoclave-cured prepreg (aerospace) or infusion/RTM (industrial). Used in aerospace primary structures (fuselage, wings), Formula 1 chassis, bicycle frames, wind turbine blades, pressure vessels (Type IV) and high-end sporting goods. Fiber types: T300, T700, T800, M40J, M55J.

Expanded Polystyrene — a closed-cell rigid foam made by expansion of pre-foamed PS beads with pentane blowing agent. Density typically 10-50 kg/m³ (98% air by volume). Outstanding thermal insulation (lambda 0.033-0.040 W/m·K), excellent shock absorption, water-resistant, lightweight. Primary uses: building insulation (walls, roofs, floors), packaging (cushioning, cold chain), molded parts (helmets, coolers). Trade names include Styropor (BASF original, 1950), Neopor (graphite-enhanced), Airpop (industry collective brand).

Fluoroelastomer — THE high-temperature and chemical-resistant rubber. Outstanding resistance to oils, fuels, acids, and solvents at temperatures up to 200°C (short-term 230°C). Fluorine content (64-70%) determines chemical resistance. Trade names: Viton (Chemours), Tecnoflon (Solvay), Dai-El (Daikin). 5-10x more expensive than NBR. Used for aerospace fuel seals, chemical process seals, automotive fuel injector O-rings, semiconductor processing, and any seal exposed to aggressive chemicals at high temperature.

Flame retardant woven fiberglass cloth with epoxy resin binder — the worldwide standard substrate material for printed circuit boards (PCBs). Designated NEMA grade FR-4 and IPC-4101. Good mechanical strength, dimensional stability and electrical insulation up to 130°C (Tg). Dielectric constant 4.2–4.7 at 1 MHz. Self-extinguishing (UL94 V-0). Used for single/multilayer PCBs, electrical insulation boards, structural composites in electronics, test fixtures and jigs. Available in thicknesses 0.1–50 mm.

Glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite — the cost-effective structural composite for industrial, marine and construction applications. E-glass fiber in epoxy matrix. Unidirectional: UTS ~1000 MPa, E ~40 GPa. Quasi-isotropic layup: UTS ~300 MPa, E ~18 GPa. Density 1.8–2.1 g/cm³. Electrically insulating (unlike CFRP). Used for boat hulls, wind turbine blades, chemical tanks/pipes, architectural panels, ladders, gratings, automotive body panels and electrical insulation structures.

General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS), also called Crystal PS — an amorphous, glassy, transparent thermoplastic with sparkle appearance. Excellent optical clarity (~88-92% light transmission), high stiffness, good dimensional stability, low cost. Inherently brittle (elongation 1-3%) and notch-sensitive — HIPS is the impact-modified alternative. Commercialized in the 1930s; today mainly produced by INEOS Styrolution, Trinseo, and TotalEnergies. Typical applications: disposable cups, CD cases, Petri dishes, yogurt containers, cosmetic packaging, costume jewelry, toys, office equipment.

High Impact Polystyrene — polystyrene toughened with 5-15% polybutadiene rubber dispersed as rubber particles in the PS matrix. Opaque milky-white (rubber scatters light). Impact strength 4-10× higher than GPPS, with corresponding reduction in transparency and stiffness. FDA-compliant natural grades approved for food contact. Excellent machinability and dimensional stability — frequent choice for pre-production prototypes and housings. Typical applications: TV housings, air conditioner exteriors, copier/printer housings, toys, frozen food trays, refrigerator interior liners, yogurt cups.

Liquid Crystal Polymer — self-reinforcing aromatic polyester with outstanding flow into thin walls (<0.2mm). Extremely low moisture absorption (0.02%), minimal warpage, excellent dimensional stability. Near-zero creep. Inherently flame-retardant (V-0 at 0.2mm). Very high HDT (>270°C). Trade names: Vectra (Celanese), Zenite (DuPont), Siveras (Toray). THE micro-connector and SMT-reflow-compatible polymer. Used for SMD connectors, fiber optic ferrules, chip carriers, sensors, and ultra-thin-wall electronic housings.

Nitrile butadiene rubber (Buna-N) — THE oil and fuel resistant elastomer. ACN content (18-50%) determines the oil resistance vs low-temp flexibility tradeoff. Higher ACN = better oil resistance but stiffer at low temp. The most widely used seal material worldwide. Used for O-rings, fuel hoses, gaskets, hydraulic seals, oil seals, and nitrile gloves. Not suitable for ozone, UV, or polar solvents (ketones, esters). HNBR variant for higher heat resistance.

Semi-aromatic polyamide (meta-xylylenediamine + adipic acid) reinforced with 50% glass fiber. Exceptional stiffness (18–20 GPa) and strength (250–280 MPa) approaching die-cast aluminum. Very low water absorption (0.15%) compared to PA66 — mechanical properties remain stable in humid conditions. Excellent barrier properties (O2 and CO2). Trade names: Reny (Mitsubishi Gas Chemical), Ixef (Solvay). Used for automotive structural brackets, metal-replacement components, power tool housings and precision mechanical parts.

Polyamide 11 — bio-based engineering thermoplastic derived from castor oil (ricinus). Lower moisture absorption than PA6/PA66 (0.9% vs 2.5-8%), better chemical resistance, and excellent low-temperature impact. 11 carbon atoms between amide groups = long aliphatic chain = more flexible/tough. Trade name: Rilsan (Arkema). Used for flexible tubing (automotive fuel/brake lines, pneumatic), offshore flexible pipes, powder coating, and SLS 3D printing (PA 2200 alternative).

Polyamide 12 — the long-chain polyamide with the lowest moisture absorption of all PA grades (0.1-0.15% vs PA6: 1.5%). Excellent dimensional stability in humid environments. Best chemical resistance among polyamides (oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids). Lowest density of all PA (1.01 g/cm³). Also the dominant 3D printing (SLS/MJF) material. Trade names include Rilsamid (Arkema), Grilamid L (EMS), TECAMID 12 (Ensinger), Vestamid L (Evonik). Used for fuel lines, brake lines, pneumatic tubing, cable sheathing, and 3D-printed functional parts.

Glass-fiber reinforced polyamide 12 (30% short glass fiber). PA12 base resin absorbs significantly less moisture than PA6 or PA66 (0.7% vs 2.5-3.0% at saturation), providing more stable mechanical and dimensional properties in humid environments. GF30 reinforcement boosts tensile strength to ~120 MPa and stiffness to ~8.5 GPa. Better chemical resistance than PA6 GF30 against fuels, oils, and brake fluids. Used for fuel lines, automotive under-hood components, cable connectors, pneumatic tubing, sports equipment, and MJF/SLS 3D-printed structural parts.

Polyamide 46 — highest melting point (295°C) of all commercial polyamides. Short amide spacing gives high crystallinity (70%+), outstanding stiffness retention at elevated temperatures, and excellent fatigue/creep resistance. Higher moisture absorption than PA66 but better hot properties. Trade name: Stanyl (DSM/now Envalior). Used for under-hood automotive (timing chain tensioners, piston guides), EV motor insulation, connectors requiring >150°C continuous service, and SMT-solderable components.

Polyamide 6 (Nylon 6) — the most widely used engineering thermoplastic. Excellent combination of mechanical strength, toughness, wear resistance, and chemical resistance. Properties are moisture-sensitive — conditioned (50% RH) values are significantly lower than dry values. Trade names include Ultramid B (BASF), Akulon (DSM), Zytel (DuPont). Used for gears, bearings, bushings, cable ties, structural brackets, and automotive under-hood components.

Polyamide 6 reinforced with 30% short carbon fibers. Superior stiffness-to-weight ratio compared to glass fiber variants: tensile modulus 22–28 GPa (vs 9 GPa for PA6 GF30) at only 1.28 g/cm³ density. Electrically conductive (EMI shielding). Trade names: Ultramid C3U (BASF), Technyl C (Domo). Used for lightweight structural components, drone frames, robotics, automotive underbody shields, laptop housings and premium sporting goods. Higher cost than GF variants.

Polyamide 6 with 30% short glass fiber reinforcement — the industry standard for metal replacement in structural injection-molded parts. UTS doubles vs unfilled PA6 (175 vs 80 MPa), stiffness triples (E-Mod 9.5 vs 3.0 GPa), and HDT jumps to 200°C+. The classic materialref.com differentiation case: Ultramid B3WG6 (BASF) = Zytel 73G30 (DuPont) = Durethan BKV 30 (LANXESS) = Akulon K224-G6 (DSM) = Grilon BG-30 (EMS) = Technyl C216 V30 (Domo) — all the same base material. Used for automotive brackets, engine covers, power tool housings, electrical connectors, and structural inserts.

PA6 with 50% short glass fiber — maximum common GF loading. Very high stiffness (E-Mod ~16 GPa) and strength (UTS ~210 MPa dry) approaching short-fiber-reinforced thermoset territory. Very low elongation (2-3%). High moisture sensitivity retained from PA6 base. Trade names: Ultramid B3EG10 (BASF), Zytel 73G50 (DuPont). Used for structural automotive parts (front-end carriers, pedal brackets), industrial housings, and metal-replacement applications requiring maximum stiffness at minimum cost.

Polyamide 6 with 15% short glass fiber reinforcement — moderate stiffness increase (E-Mod ~5.5 GPa vs 2.7 unfilled) while retaining good impact strength and elongation. Better toughness than higher-filled grades (GF30, GF50). Trade names: Ultramid B3EG3 (BASF), Zytel 73G15 (DuPont). Used for structural clips, housings, brackets, and under-hood automotive parts where moderate stiffness with good impact is needed.

Polyamide 610 — partially bio-based (sebacic acid from castor oil). Bridge between PA6 (high moisture) and PA11/PA12 (low moisture). Good balance of stiffness, toughness, and moisture resistance. Lower water absorption than PA6/PA66 (~1.4% saturated vs 8-9%). Used for monofilaments (brush bristles, fishing line), cable ties, automotive fluid-handling, and applications needing PA stiffness with better dimensional stability in humid environments.