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20 Types of Plastic Materials - Complete Guide of Properties And Uses

Views: 679     Author: GoodTech - Mark Li     Publish Time: 2025-08-21      Origin: Site


20 Types of Plastic Materials – Complete Guide of Properties and Uses

GoodTech MFG


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Engineer-focused guide for material selection in manufacturing and injection molding.


Introduction

Material selection is critical in engineering and manufacturing. This guide provides engineer-focused insights into mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical properties of 20 commonly used plastics, helping you choose the right material for your application.


HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

HDPE is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic made from polymerized ethylene. Its tightly packed molecular chains provide high strength, chemical resistance, and low moisture absorption.

HDPE plastic material


Morphology: Semi-crystalline with a linear structure, giving high tensile strength and excellent impact resistance at low temperatures.

Key Strengths: High chemical and corrosion resistance, toughness, low density, excellent fatigue resistance, and good dimensional stability.

Applications: Suitable for piping, tanks, containers, geomembranes, and structural components requiring durability in harsh chemical environments.

key characteristics listed below

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

20-37 MPa

Flexural Modulus

800-1600 MPa

Elongation

400-1000 %

Impact

20-50 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

-125 °C

Continuous Service Temp

80

Density

0.94-0.97 g/cm3

Dielectric

20-40 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

High

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom HDPE components.

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

LDPE is a thermoplastic polymer with a highly branched molecular structure, providing flexibility and toughness.

LDPE plastic material


Morphology: Semi-crystalline with long-chain branching, resulting in lower density and softer material compared to HDPE.

Key Strengths: High flexibility, chemical resistance, transparency, good impact strength, and easy processability.

Applications: Packaging films, bags, tubing, and flexible containers. Also used in extrusion coating and injection-molded parts requiring elasticity.

key characteristics listed below

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

10-20 MPa

Flexural Modulus

200-400 MPa

Elongation

400-800 %

Impact

10-30 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

-125 °C

Continuous Service Temp

65

Density

0.91-0.93 g/cm3

Dielectric

20-30 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

High

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom LDPE components.

PP (Polypropylene)

PP is a semi-crystalline polymer synthesized from propylene monomers. Its molecular structure imparts stiffness, chemical resistance, and fatigue endurance.

PP plastic material


Morphology: Semi-crystalline, allowing good dimensional stability and resistance to creep.

Key Strengths: Lightweight, chemical and heat resistance, high fatigue strength, and low moisture absorption.

Applications: Automotive parts, industrial components, consumer goods, and medical devices. Excellent for living hinges, containers, and piping.

key characteristics listed below

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

30-40 MPa

Flexural Modulus

1300-1800 MPa

Elongation

200-600 %

Impact

20-50 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

-10 °C

Continuous Service Temp

100

Density

0.90-0.92 g/cm3

Dielectric

15-30 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

High

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom PP components.

PS (Polystyrene)

PS is an amorphous thermoplastic polymer derived from styrene monomers. Its structure provides rigidity and ease of processing.

PS plastic material


Morphology: Amorphous with high transparency in solid forms; can be foamed for insulation or cushioning.

Key Strengths: High stiffness, good dimensional stability, low cost, and ease of fabrication.

Applications: Disposable packaging, insulation panels, display cases, and consumer products. High-impact PS variants are used in electronics housings.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

40-55 MPa

Flexural Modulus

2500-3500 MPa

Elongation

1-2 %

Impact

1-3 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

100 °C

Continuous Service Temp

70

Density

1.04-1.06 g/cm3

Dielectric

20-25 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

Medium

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom PS components.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is an engineering thermoplastic made from three key monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. Each monomer contributes distinct performance traits: acrylonitrile adds chemical and thermal resistance; butadiene enhances toughness and impact strength; and styrene provides rigidity and excellent surface finish.

ABS plastic material


Morphology: Amorphous terpolymer consisting of a continuous styrene-acrylonitrile phase and dispersed polybutadiene particles.

Key Strengths: High impact resistance, low creep, dimensional stability, excellent surface finish, and ease of processing for injection molding and thermoforming.

Applications: Automotive interior components, consumer electronics housings, prototyping, and heavy-gauge thermoformed sheets.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

30-50 MPa

Flexural Modulus

2000-2500 MPa

Elongation

2-50 %

Impact

15-50 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

105 °C

Continuous Service Temp

80

Density

1.04-1.06 g/cm3

Dielectric

15-20 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

Medium

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom ABS components.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is a versatile thermoplastic polymer derived from vinyl chloride monomers. It can be formulated as rigid or flexible by adding plasticizers.

PVC plastic material


Morphology: Semi-crystalline to amorphous depending on additives, offering rigidity in pipes or flexibility in tubing.

Key Strengths: Chemical and corrosion resistance, fire retardancy, durability, and ease of extrusion and molding.

Applications: Piping, window profiles, electrical insulation, medical tubing, and flooring.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

40-55 MPa

Flexural Modulus

2500-3500 MPa

Elongation

10-50 %

Impact

5-20 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

75 °C

Continuous Service Temp

60

Density

1.3-1.45 g/cm3

Dielectric

15-25 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

High

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom PVC components.

PC (Polycarbonate)

PC is an amorphous engineering thermoplastic synthesized from bisphenol-A and phosgene. Its molecular structure provides exceptional toughness and optical clarity.

PC transparent plastic material


Morphology: Amorphous, transparent polymer with high impact strength and dimensional stability.

Key Strengths: High impact resistance, transparency, thermal stability, good electrical insulation, and machinability.

Applications: Safety equipment, lenses, electronic housings, automotive headlamp lenses, and optical discs.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

55-75 MPa

Flexural Modulus

2200-2500 MPa

Elongation

100-150 %

Impact

55-75 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

147 °C

Continuous Service Temp

115

Density

1.20-1.22 g/cm3

Dielectric

15-20 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

Medium

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom PC components.

PA6/PA66 (Polyamide / Nylon)

PA6/PA66 is a semi-crystalline polymer made from diamines and dicarboxylic acids. Its molecular structure imparts excellent mechanical strength and wear resistance.

PA6 plastic material


Morphology: Semi-crystalline, leading to high tensile strength and abrasion resistance.

Key Strengths: High mechanical strength, chemical resistance, wear resistance, low friction, and good thermal stability.

Applications: Gears, bearings, automotive components, industrial machinery, and textile fibers.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

50-90 MPa

Flexural Modulus

2000-3000 MPa

Elongation

20-300 %

Impact

15-40 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

50-60 °C

Continuous Service Temp

80-120

Density

1.13-1.15 g/cm3

Dielectric

15-20 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

High

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom PA6/PA66 components.

PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate / Acrylic)

PMMA is an amorphous thermoplastic derived from methyl methacrylate monomers. Known for its optical clarity and weather resistance.

PMMA transparent plastic material


Morphology: Amorphous, rigid, and transparent polymer.

Key Strengths: Excellent transparency, UV resistance, dimensional stability, and aesthetic surface finish.

Applications: Displays, lighting, signage, lenses, and protective barriers.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

50-90 MPa

Flexural Modulus

2400-3200 MPa

Elongation

2-5 %

Impact

2-4 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

105 °C

Continuous Service Temp

80

Density

1.18-1.20 g/cm3

Dielectric

15-20 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

Medium

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom PMMA components.

POM (Polyoxymethylene / Acetal)

POM  is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer synthesized from formaldehyde. Its molecular structure offers high stiffness and low friction.

POM plastic material


Morphology: Semi-crystalline with high density and strong molecular packing.

Key Strengths: Dimensional stability, low friction, wear resistance, high tensile strength, and chemical resistance.

Applications: Precision gears, bearings, fasteners, automotive components, and industrial machinery parts.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

50-70 MPa

Flexural Modulus

2500-3000 MPa

Elongation

20-30 %

Impact

15-25 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

-60 °C

Continuous Service Temp

100

Density

1.41-1.43 g/cm3

Dielectric

15-20 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

High

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom POM components.

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)

PBT is a semi-crystalline engineering polyester produced from butanediol and terephthalic acid.

PBT plastic material


Morphology: Semi-crystalline structure allows thermal and dimensional stability with low moisture absorption.

Key Strengths: Chemical resistance, dimensional stability, electrical insulation, low creep, and fatigue resistance.

Applications: Electrical connectors, automotive components, consumer electronics, and mechanical parts.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

50-80 MPa

Flexural Modulus

2400-2800 MPa

Elongation

20-50 %

Impact

15-25 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

22-25 °C

Continuous Service Temp

120

Density

1.31-1.33 g/cm3

Dielectric

15-20 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

High

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom PBT components.

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

PET is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyester formed from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.

PET plastic material


Morphology: Semi-crystalline with excellent strength and barrier properties.

Key Strengths: High tensile strength, chemical resistance, dimensional stability, and clarity in amorphous forms.

Applications: Bottles, films, packaging, reinforced composites, and mechanical parts.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

50-80 MPa

Flexural Modulus

2500-3000 MPa

Elongation

20-50 %

Impact

15-30 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

75 °C

Continuous Service Temp

120

Density

1.38-1.40 g/cm3

Dielectric

15-20 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

High

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom PET components.

ABS+PC (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene + Polycarbonate)

ABS+PC blends combine ABS toughness with PC’s high impact strength and heat resistance.

ABS+PC plastic material



Morphology: Amorphous, combining a rubber-toughened ABS phase with a rigid PC phase.

Key Strengths: Improved impact strength, thermal stability, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish.

Applications: Automotive interior panels, electronic housings, and safety equipment.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

55-75 MPa

Flexural Modulus

2200-2600 MPa

Elongation

50-100 %

Impact

50-70 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

110 °C

Continuous Service Temp

90

Density

1.10-1.20 g/cm3

Dielectric

15-20 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

Medium

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom ABS+PC components.

PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide)

PPS is a high-performance semi-crystalline polymer with a rigid aromatic backbone and sulfur linkages.

PPS plastic material


Morphology: Semi-crystalline with high thermal and chemical stability.

Key Strengths: Chemical resistance, high heat resistance, dimensional stability, and flame retardancy.

Applications: Automotive under-the-hood components, electrical connectors, and industrial machinery.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

70-90 MPa

Flexural Modulus

4000-4500 MPa

Elongation

2-5 %

Impact

5-15 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

90 °C

Continuous Service Temp

200

Density

1.35-1.38 g/cm3

Dielectric

15-25 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

High

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom PPS components.

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone)

PEEK is a semi-crystalline high-performance polymer with aromatic ketone and ether linkages.

PEEK plastic material


Morphology: Semi-crystalline, retaining mechanical properties at elevated temperatures.

Key Strengths: Exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and wear resistance.

Applications: Aerospace components, medical implants, high-performance bearings, and industrial parts.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

90-120 MPa

Flexural Modulus

3600-4000 MPa

Elongation

20-50 %

Impact

20-40 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

143 °C

Continuous Service Temp

250

Density

1.30-1.32 g/cm3

Dielectric

15-25 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

High

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom PEEK components.

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

TPE is a block copolymer combining elastomeric and thermoplastic properties, offering flexibility and processability.

TPE plastic material


Morphology: Phase-separated structure with soft rubbery domains in a hard thermoplastic matrix.

Key Strengths: Elasticity, chemical resistance, processable by injection molding, and low-temperature flexibility.

Applications: Seals, gaskets, grips, tubing, and flexible automotive parts.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

15-50 MPa

Flexural Modulus

5-50 MPa

Elongation

200-700 %

Impact

5-25 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

-60 to -50 °C

Continuous Service Temp

90

Density

0.90-1.20 g/cm3

Dielectric

15-25 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

Medium

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom TPE components.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU is an elastomeric thermoplastic with segmented polymer chains of hard and soft blocks.

TPU plastic material


Morphology: Phase-separated with hard domains providing mechanical strength and soft domains providing flexibility.

Key Strengths: Abrasion resistance, elasticity, chemical resistance, and transparency in some grades.

Applications: Footwear, protective films, hoses, flexible tubing, and medical devices.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

25-80 MPa

Flexural Modulus

10-100 MPa

Elongation

300-600 %

Impact

5-30 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

-50 °C

Continuous Service Temp

80

Density

1.10-1.25 g/cm3

Dielectric

15-25 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

Medium

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom TPU components.

PHENOLIC RESIN

PHENOLIC RESIN is a thermosetting polymer formed from phenol and formaldehyde.

PHENOLIC thermoset plastic material


Morphology: Highly crosslinked, rigid, and amorphous.

Key Strengths: Heat resistance, dimensional stability, chemical resistance, and electrical insulation.

Applications: Laminates, molded electrical components, circuit boards, and brake components.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

40-70 MPa

Flexural Modulus

3000-4000 MPa

Elongation

1-3 %

Impact

5-10 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

150 °C

Continuous Service Temp

120

Density

1.30-1.35 g/cm3

Dielectric

20-30 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

High

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom PHENOLIC RESIN components.

EPOXY RESIN

EPOXY RESIN is a thermosetting polymer with reactive epoxide groups that crosslink with hardeners.

EPOXY thermoset plastic material


Morphology: Crosslinked network providing rigidity and stability.

Key Strengths: High adhesion, chemical resistance, dimensional stability, and electrical insulation.

Applications: Coatings, adhesives, composite materials, and electrical components.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

30-70 MPa

Flexural Modulus

2000-4000 MPa

Elongation

1-5 %

Impact

5-15 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

60-120 °C

Continuous Service Temp

80-150

Density

1.15-1.30 g/cm3

Dielectric

15-25 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

High

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom EPOXY RESIN components.

POLYIMIDE (PI)

POLYIMIDE is a high-performance polymer with aromatic imide linkages, offering extreme thermal and chemical stability.



Morphology: Semi-crystalline to amorphous depending on processing; retains integrity at high temperatures.

Key Strengths: Thermal stability, mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and electrical insulation.

Applications: Flexible printed circuits, aerospace components, insulating films, and high-temperature industrial parts.

key characteristics listed below.

Property

Value / Range

Tensile Strength

90-110 MPa

Flexural Modulus

3000-4000 MPa

Elongation

10-20 %

Impact

10-20 kJ/m2

Glass Transition Temp

300 °C

Continuous Service Temp

250

Density

1.40-1.45 g/cm3

Dielectric

20-30 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance

High

Applications & Industry Use Cases: Contact GoodTech MFG for custom POLYIMIDE components.



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