OK
The material selection platform
Plastics & Elastomers
The material selection platform
Plastics & Elastomers
How to select Plastics? To assist you further in your selection according to your applications, we provide you with Technology Profiles on most used plastics, detailing their benefits, limitations, applications ...

Selection Guide

Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most popular thermoplastic materials. It is available in different crystalline structures, referred to as HDPE, LDPE, and LLDPE. This commodity plastic is produced by addition or radical polymerization. It is used in a large array of applications: plastic containers, bottles, bags, plastic toys, etc. Get technical information on polyethylene, explore what are its different types (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE...) and the properties of some the majorly used forms in detail! Also, learn about key features which make PE an ideal material of choice in applications ranging from packaging, films, tubes and more...

Read More

Selection Guide

Polyamide (PA) or Nylon: Complete Guide (PA6, PA66, PA11, PA12…)
Exhibiting high temperature and electrical resistances, polyamides (nylon) are considered as high performance plastics and are widely used in automotive & transportation markets, consumer goods and electrical and electronics applications among others. Learn more about this interesting class of plastics along with the main properties, benefits and applications of PA11, PA12, PA46, PA6, PA66 and PPA (polyphthalamides).

Read More

Selection Guide

Complete Guide on Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU)
Learn more about Thermoplastic Polyurethane, a versatile thermoplastic elastomer with high durability and flexibility. Learn more about how it is produced, its main properties and benefits which enable various industries to produce advance products. Also, get detailed information on popular applications of thermoplastics polyurethanes ranging from automotive to agriculture and many more.

Read More

Selection Guide

Epoxy Resins: A to Z Technical Review of Thermosetting Polymer
After their first commercial production in late 1940s, epoxy resins comprise of wide family of materials today. Thanks to of their high strength, versatility and excellent adhesion to variety of surfaces, epoxy resins have gained wide acceptance in diverse applications (coatings, electrical, casting resins, composites…). Explore thermosetting epoxy resins in detail along with their key properties and understand what makes them an ideal choice in so many applications. Also, learn about different types of resins available and how to further improve their properties.

Read More

Selection Guide

Thermoplastic Elastomer: Complete Guide on TPE Material
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are one of the most versatile plastics in today’s market bridging between the service properties of elastomers and the processing properties of thermoplastics. The cost effectiveness and design flexibility enable TPEs to be used in many major end-user markets, including consumer products, electronics, medical devices, automotive, and much more. Explore this comprehensive guide and learn everything you need to know about TPEs. Quick Links to the Detailed Profile:  »  What are Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs)?  »  Advantages & Disadvantages of TPEs  »  Classification and Chemistries of TPE Materials  »  Emergence of Bio-based TPEs  »  Key Application Areas of Thermoplastic Elastomers  »  Properties and Processing of TPEs (Continue reading or click to go...

Read More

Selection Guide

PLA Plastic (Polylactic Acid or Polylactide) Complete Guide
Rapidly growing concerns related to environmental and health safety, limiting dependence on petrochemical raw materials, reducing carbon footprint ... are among the few factors driving inclination towards use of biopolymers. There exist several biopolymers today and thanks to the excellent degradation behavior and versatility of PLA:    » It is now widely used in packaging sector right from a niche product in organic trade to premium packaging for branded goods    » High-performance grades, that are an excellent replacement for PS, PP, and ABS, are gaining traction in more demanding applications What makes PLA a very versatile polymer and material of choice in several applications today?...

Read More

Selection Guide

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): Everything You Need to Know
Undoubtedly, fluoropolymer is a class of plastics offering a varied range of properties. And, the discovery of PTFE revolutionized the emergence of fluoropolymers and their benefit in several applications. Today, PTFE applications range from low-tech non-stick frying pan surfaces (yes! it is the slippery coating in your cookware you use in your kitchen) to high-tech exotic medical and hospital uses including implants, surgical instruments and test equipment, and dramatic uses in firefighting equipment etc. Find out what properties make PTFE a versatile polymer offering various advantages in these applications. Learn about its characteristics, properties and much more...

Read More

Selection Guide

A Complete Guide on Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE)
Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is a fluorine-based plastic designed to have high corrosion resistance and strength over a wide temperature range. Thanks to its special chemical and physical properties, ETFE is widely applied in the chemical, electrical/electronic, construction, architectural, and automotive industries. Become an expert by learning some basic information about ETFE, what are the key features & properties, its popular applications and conditions to process this polymer material! Let’s first start by understanding fluoropolymers...

Read More

Selection Guide

PMMA or Acrylic: Guide to Support Your Future ‘Transparent’ Developments
PMMA or acrylic is a widely used transparent plastic material known for its applications in various markets from car windows, smartphone screens to aquariums. It is a tough plastic, easy to shape and a great alternative to the high cost and less resilient glass. Explore polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in detail along with its key properties and understand what makes it an ideal choice in so many applications.

Read More

Selection Guide

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF): Complete Guide
In the recent years, there has been considerable interest expressed in the polymer Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF). The interest it received because it exhibits strongest piezoelectric properties as compared to any other commercial polymer. The polymer is widely used in high tech applications such as chemical process equipment, electrical and electronics, specialty and energy related applications. But, what makes PVDF a high performance plastic in several sectors? Read on to know more…

Read More

Showing 1 - 10 of 31 documents matching your search
Back to Top