Material reference

Plastic material database

Use this page as a first-pass reference when comparing common polymer families. Actual performance depends on the grade, formulation, geometry, processing history and service conditions.

PET

Polyethylene terephthalate

Clear, strong and widely used for bottles, food packaging and fibres.

Typical uses: Bottles, trays, films, fibres
Common processing: Injection / blow molding / extrusion
Selection watch-outs: Moisture control, barrier requirements, temperature and end-use compliance.

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HDPE

High-density polyethylene

Low-density, tough polyolefin with good chemical resistance and common recyclability.

Typical uses: Containers, pipes, closures, household products
Common processing: Blow molding / extrusion / injection
Selection watch-outs: Density, stiffness, environmental stress cracking, UV exposure and grade-specific limits.

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Polypropylene

Lightweight thermoplastic used across packaging, automotive, appliances and reusable products.

Typical uses: Caps, containers, woven products, automotive parts
Common processing: Injection / extrusion / blow molding
Selection watch-outs: Temperature, hinge fatigue, impact at low temperature and filler/reinforcement effects.

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LDPE

Low-density polyethylene

Flexible polyethylene family commonly used in films and squeeze applications.

Typical uses: Films, liners, bags, flexible packaging
Common processing: Film extrusion / extrusion coating / molding
Selection watch-outs: Seal performance, puncture resistance, stiffness and film structure.

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LLDPE

Linear low-density polyethylene

Flexible polyethylene with useful toughness and puncture resistance for films.

Typical uses: Stretch film, packaging film, liners
Common processing: Film extrusion / rotational molding
Selection watch-outs: Comonomer type, density, MFR, seal behaviour and mechanical requirements.

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PVC

Polyvinyl chloride

Versatile polymer available in rigid and flexible forms through formulation.

Typical uses: Pipes, profiles, cable insulation, flooring
Common processing: Extrusion / injection / calendaring
Selection watch-outs: Stabilization, plasticizer system, processing temperature and thermal history.

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Polycarbonate

Transparent engineering thermoplastic valued for impact strength and dimensional performance.

Typical uses: Guards, housings, glazing and technical parts
Common processing: Injection molding / extrusion
Selection watch-outs: Stress cracking, chemical exposure, drying and temperature.

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PMMA

Polymethyl methacrylate (acrylic)

Clear rigid plastic with strong optical appearance and outdoor-use options.

Typical uses: Signs, displays, lenses, glazing applications
Common processing: Injection / extrusion / thermoforming
Selection watch-outs: Scratch resistance, impact requirements, solvent exposure and UV/weathering grade.

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ABS

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

Engineering thermoplastic combining processability with useful impact and surface properties.

Typical uses: Appliance housings, electronics, automotive interiors
Common processing: Injection molding / extrusion
Selection watch-outs: Heat resistance, chemical exposure, UV stabilization and moisture/processing condition.

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How to use this data

Start with the application, then confirm the grade.

A polymer family is not a complete material specification. Compare the actual grade's datasheet for melt flow, density, stiffness, impact, temperature performance, chemical compatibility, colour system, additives and regulatory status where relevant.

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Technical sources to verify

For production decisions, use the resin manufacturer's current technical data sheet and the applicable test method or standard. This site explains concepts; it does not certify a material, product or application.

ASTM International and ISO are useful starting points for test methods and standards. For food-contact or other regulated applications, verify the requirements of the relevant authority for the destination market.