Materials

Polyethylene (PE) is the most frequently used plastic polymer in the world today. PE has a semi-crystalline molecular structure that stretches before breaking, making its stronger and harder to damage. In its porous form, PE is viewed as a tough, light thermoplastic resin with substantial resistance to chemical reactions.

Polypropylene (PP) shares many qualities with high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The orientation of the molecular chains that form the PP polymer creates a higher level of crystallinity, which makes PP more rigid and less susceptible to creep (the propensity to flow under stress) as compared to polyethylene (PE). PP is also highly resistant to corrosive substances, such as acids and alkalis, and resists temperatures up to 300° Fahrenheit.

EVA is an elastomeric polymer that produces materials which are "rubber-like" in softness and flexibility. The material has good clarity and gloss, low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, hot-melt adhesive waterproof properties, and resistance to UV radiation. EVA has a distinctive vinegar-like odor and is competitive with rubber and vinyl products in many electrical applications.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic resin open-chain polymer that comes from plant materials. Polymer chemists can derive PLA from corn starch, tapioca roots, or sugar cane. These renewable resources have made PLA one of the most-used "bioplastics”. A major application for PLA is as feedstock for 3D printers, as well as for other plastic applications which place a high priority on the material's biodegradability.

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are typically flexible materials that can return to their original length after being stretched to more than twice their original length at room temperature. This stretchable quality allows many types of injection-moldable TPEs to replace natural rubber. Manufacturers also use TPEs to improve the impact strength of rigid thermoplastics, making them less brittle and more resistant to impact damage.

Polycarbonates are a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Polycarbonates used in engineering are strong, tough materials, and some grades are optically transparent. They are easily worked, molded, and thermoformed. Because of these properties, polycarbonates find many applications.

Thermoplastic Polyolefins (TPOs) go through different phases, allowing them to be used in different applications. In one phase, TPOs are hard at room temperature and melt into a liquid when exposed to high heat. In another phase, they take on the consistency of rubber at room temperature. These materials are primarily used as flame retardants in the manufacture of wires, batteries, and cables.