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Types of Common Polymer
Common polymers are large molecules composed of repeating structural units, widely used across industries due to their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
Types of Common Polymer |
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Category |
Polymer Name |
Abbr. |
Properties |
Injection Suitability |
Typical Applications |
| Thermoplastics | Polypropylene | PP | Lightweight, chemical-resistant, easy to process, but brittle at low temps. | High flowability, suitable for thin walls. | Packaging, automotive interiors, household items. |
| Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | ABS | High strength, impact-resistant, easily colored/plated. | Requires pre-drying, strict mold temp control. | Electronics housings, toys, appliances. | |
| Polycarbonate | PC | Transparent, impact-resistant, high heat resistance (~120°C). | High injection temps (280-320°C). | Lenses, safety helmets, medical devices. | |
| Polyamide (Nylon) | PA6/PA66 | Wear-resistant, high mechanical strength, hygroscopic. | Pre-drying essential, high shrinkage. | Gears, bearings, sports equipment. | |
| Polyoxymethylene | POM | High rigidity, low friction, fatigue-resistant. | Excellent flow, prone to flash. | Precision gears, zippers, auto parts. | |
| Thermosets | Phenolic Resin | PF | Heat-resistant (~200°C), electrically insulating, but brittle. | High-temp/pressure curing, non-recyclable. | Electrical switches, utensil handles. |
| Epoxy Resin | EP | High adhesion, chemical-resistant, dimensionally stable post-cure. | Requires hardeners; corrosion-resistant molds. | Encapsulants, composite matrices. | |
| Unsaturated Polyester | UP | Low-cost, colorable, often glass-fiber reinforced. | Co-injection with fibers; anti-stick molds. | Automotive parts, boat hulls. | |
| Elastomers | Thermoplastic Elastomer | TPE | Injection-moldable, combines rubber elasticity with plastic flexibility. | No vulcanization needed. | Soft-touch grips, seals, shoe soles. |
| Silicone Rubber | SiR | Heat-resistant (~250°C), biocompatible. | Liquid injection (LSR) or vulcanization. | Medical devices, baby nipples. | |
| Nitrile Butadiene Rubber | NBR | Oil-resistant,wear-resistant, but poor ozone resistance. | Requires vulcanization; high-pressure molds. | Oil seals, hydraulic hoses. | |
| Engineering Plastics | Polyphenylene Sulfide | PPS | Heat-resistant (~220°C), flame-retardant, dimensional stability. | High-temp molding (300-350°C). | Automotive sensors, electronics. |
| Polyether Ether Ketone | PEEK | Ultra-high temp (~250°C), extreme mechanical strength, costly. | Dedicated high-temp molds/machines. | Aerospace, implantable medical devices. | |
Key Considerations for Injection Molding
Thermoplastics:
- Monitor melt temperature and cooling rate (e.g., PC requires slow cooling to prevent cracking).
- Hygroscopic materials (e.g., PA, PET) must be pre-dried.
Thermosetting Plastics:
- Molds must withstand high temperature/pressure, and materials cannot be recycled.
- Curing time directly impacts production efficiency.
Elastomers:
- Vulcanized rubber requires secondary processing (compression or injection vulcanization), while TPE can be directly injected.
- LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber) requires low-temperature molds (~20°C) for rapid curing.
Engineering Plastics:
- High-temperature materials (e.g., PEEK) demand high-grade mold steels (e.g., H13) and specialized injection machines.
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