polyphenylene oxide

chemical compound

Also known as: PPO

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 2, 2026

Quick Summary

Polyphenylene oxide (PPO) is a type of polyether, a polymer formed by linking monomers through ether linkages (C-O-C). PPO is created by the oxidative coupling of phenylene oxide monomer, using oxygen and a copper-based catalyst.1

It is often blended with polystyrene to create a strong, moisture-resistant engineering plastic known as Noryl. This material is utilized in various applications, including telecommunications and computer equipment, automotive parts, appliances, pipes, and valves. PPO resins exhibit significant resistance to water and high temperatures, ranging from 175°C to 300°C (350°F to 575°F).12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

5 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

polyether
Polyphenylene oxide resins, such as Noryl, possess great resistance to water and to high temperatures (175°–300° C; 350°–575° F). Penton, a chlorine-containing polyether unaffected by many chemicals, is fabricated into sheets used for lining storage tanks and the like.
Read More
Polyphenylene oxide resins, such as Noryl, possess great resistance to water and to high temperatures (175°–300° C; 350°–575° F). Penton, a chlorine-containing polyether unaffected by many chemicals, is fabricated into sheets used for lining storage tanks and the like.
Read More

major industrial polymers
Polyphenylene oxide (PPO)
PPO is prepared by oxidative coupling of phenylene oxide monomerusing oxygen and a copper-based catalyst. The polymer is blended with polystyrene to produce a high-strength, moisture-resistant engineering plastic marketed by the General Electric Co. under the trademarked name of
Read More
PPO is prepared by oxidative coupling of phenylene oxide monomerusing oxygen and a copper-based catalyst. The polymer is blended with polystyrene to produce a high-strength, moisture-resistant engineering plastic marketed by the General Electric Co. under the trademarked name of
Read More