Thermoplastics - Physical Properties

Typical properties of some common thermoplastics:

For full table with Thermal Conductivity, Specific Heat and Maximum Temperature Limit - rotate the screen!

• 1 psi (lb/in²) = 6,894.8 Pa (N/m²)
  
• 1 (Btu/lb ^oF) = 4,186.8 (J/kg K) = 1 (kcal/kg ^oC)
• 1 in/(in ^oF) = 1.8 m/(m ^oC)
• 1 Btu/(lb_m ^oF) = 4186.8 J/ (kg K) = 1 kcal/(kg ^oC)
• 1 GPa = 10⁹ Pa
• 1 MPa = 10⁶ Pa 

Tensile Yield Strength - σ_y

Tensile yield strength is the maximum engineering stress in psi (or Pa) at which a permanent non-elastic deformation of the thermoplastic material begins.

Yield Point

Yield point is the first point where the specimen yields, where the specimen's cross-sectional area begins to contract significantly, or where the strain can increase without increase in the stress.

Ultimate Tensile Strength - σ_u

Ultimate tensile strength is the maximum stress the thermoplastic material can withstand before failing, whichever occurs at the higher stress level.

Total elongation at failure of some polymers:

Polymer Elongation at Failure

Polymer	Elongation
ABS	5 - 20
Acrylic	2 - 7
Epoxy	4 - 5
HDPE	700 - 1000
Polyamid (Nylon) 6	30 - 100
Polyamid (Nylon) 6/6	15 - 300
Phenolic	0.4 - 0.8
Polyacetal	25
Polycarbonate	110
Polyester	300
Polypropylene	100 - 600
PTFE	250 - 350

Tensile Modulus - or Young's Modulus - E

Tensile modulus or Young's Modulus is the ratio of stress to strain within the elastic region of the stress-strain curve before the yield point.

Thermoplastic Characteristics

ABS - Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

• strong and rigid
• resistant to a variety of bases and acids
• some solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons may damage the material
• maximum usable temperature 160^oF (71^oC)
• common as DEV - Drainage, Waste and Vent - pipes

PB - Polybutylene

• flexible pipe
• used for pressurized water systems
• usable for hot and cold water
• only compression and banded type joints used

PE - Polyethylene

• flexible pipe
• used for pressurized water systems - sprinkler..
• not usable for hot water

PEX - Polyethylene Cross Linked

• flexible pipe
• used for pressurized water systems - sprinkler..

PP - Polypropylene

• lightweight
• temperature up to 180^oF (82^oC)
• highly resistant to acids, bases and many solvents
• usable in laboratory plumbing

PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride

• strong and rigid
• resistant to a variety of acids and bases
• may be damaged by some solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons
• maximum usable temperature 140^oF (60^oC)
• usable for water, gas and drainage systems
• not usable in hot water systems

CPVC - Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride

• similar to PVC - but designed for water up to 180^oF (82^oC)

PVDF - Polyvinylidene Fluoride

• strong and very tough material
• resistant to abrasion, acids, bases, solvents and much more
• usable to 280^oF (138^oC)
• usable in laboratory plumbing

Temperature ^oC
K
^oF

Length m
km
in
ft
yards
miles
naut miles

Area m²
km²
in²
ft²
miles²
acres

Volume m³
liters
in³
ft³
us gal

Weight kg_f
N
lbf

Velocity m/s
km/h
ft/min
ft/s
mph
knots

Pressure Pa
bar
mm H₂O
kg/cm²
psi
inches H₂O

Flow m³/s
m³/h
US gpm
cfm