Physical Properties Thermoplastics
Reference data and engineering information about physical properties thermoplastics for material properties applications.
Overview
Engineering reference data for Physical Properties Thermoplastics in material science and properties.
Key Formulas
Stress
Force per unit area.
Strain
Change in length per original length.
Hooke's Law
Stress proportional to strain in elastic region.
Thermal Expansion
Length change due to temperature.
Variables
| Symbol | Description | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Stress | Pa | |
| Strain | — | |
| Young's modulus | Pa | |
| Thermal expansion coefficient | 1/°C | |
| Temperature change | °C |
Physical Properties of Common Thermoplastics
Thermoplastic Properties Table
Thermoplastic | Specific Gravity (SG) | Tensile Yield Strength (σy)(10³ psi) | Tensile Modulus (E)(10³ psi) | Coeff. of Linear Expansion (α)(10⁻⁶ in/in °F) | Thermal Conductivity (k)(Btu·in/ft²·h·°F) | Specific Heat (c)(Btu/lb·°F) | Max Temperature Limit(°F/°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | 1.08 | 7 | 340 | 60 | 1.35 | 0.34 | 180/80 |
| PVC | 1.4 | 8 | 410 | 30 | 1.1 | 0.25 | 150/65 |
| CPVC | 1.54 | 8 | 420 | 35 | 1 | 0.2 | 210/100 |
| PE | 0.95 | 3.2 | 120 | 90 | 3.2 | 0.55 | 160/70 |
| PEX | 0.94 | 2.8 | — | 90 | 3.2 | 0.55 | 210/100 |
| PB | 0.92 | 4.2 | 55 | 72 | 1.5 | 0.45 | 210/100 |
| PVDF | 1.76 | 7 | 220 | 70 | 1.5 | 0.29 | 300/150 |
Source: engineeringtoolbox.com
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 |
Source: engineeringtoolbox.com
Unit Conversions
| Conversion | Value |
|---|---|
| 1 psi (lb/in²) | 6,894.8 Pa (N/m²) |
| 1 Btu/lb·°F | 4,186.8 J/(kg·K) = 1 kcal/(kg·°C) |
| 1 in/(in·°F) | 1.8 m/(m·°C) |
| 1 GPa | 10⁹ Pa |
| 1 MPa | 10⁶ Pa |
Key Material Properties
Tensile Yield Strength (σ_y)
The maximum engineering stress at which permanent non-elastic deformation begins.
Yield Point
The first point where the specimen yields, where cross-sectional area begins to contract significantly, or where strain can increase without stress increase.
Ultimate Tensile Strength (σ_u)
The maximum stress a material can withstand before failure.
Tensile Modulus (Young's Modulus, E)
The ratio of stress to strain within the elastic region before yield point:
Thermoplastic Characteristics
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- Strong and rigid
- Resistant to bases and acids
- Vulnerable to some solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons
- Maximum usable temperature: 160°F (71°C)
- Common applications: Drainage, Waste and Vent (DWV) pipes
PE (Polyethylene)
- Flexible pipe for pressurized water systems
- Not suitable for hot water
PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene)
- Flexible pipe for pressurized water systems
- Suitable for hot and cold water
- Uses compression and banded type joints
PB (Polybutylene)
- Flexible pipe for pressurized water systems
- Suitable for hot and cold water
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Strong and rigid
- Resistant to acids and bases
- Vulnerable to some solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons
- Maximum usable temperature