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Which industrial polymers are considered engineering plastics?
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major industrial polymers
Figure 1: The linear form of polyethylene, known as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
Engineering plastics, also known as engineering resins, are specialty polymers designed with properties that allow them to compete with die-cast metals in demanding applications such as automotive parts, hardware, and plumbing. Unlike high-volume commodity plastics, these materials are typically produced at lower volumes and higher costs to meet specific performance requirements.1
Key examples of engineering plastics include:
- Polyacetal: Used for gears, bearings, and shower heads.1
- Polyamide: Commonly known by the trade name nylon, used for pulleys, bearings, and gears.1
- Polycarbonate: A tough, transparent plastic used in safety glasses, sporting equipment, and compact discs.123
- Polytetrafluoroethylene: Often known by the trademark Teflon, utilized for nonstick surfaces and self-lubricated bearings.1
- Polyetheretherketone (PEEK): Employed in aerospace, automotive, and machine parts.1
- Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS): Used in electrical equipment, appliances, and machine parts.1
- Epoxy: Used for aircraft parts and circuit boards.1
- Polyarylate: A family of high-performance aromatic polyesters noted for their toughness and heat resistance.4