5 Important Types of Heat Resistant Plastics

Many industrial applications operated at high temperatures. These applications use plastic parts made of a special type of polymers called heat-resistant plastics. As the name suggests, these plastics are developed to withstand high temperatures up to and exceeding 300° F without impacting their mechanical properties. These plastics demonstrate excellent chemical and corrosion resistance, electrical and thermal resistivity, and a host of other beneficial properties. These various qualities make them suitable for use in a wide range of industrial applications. This post introduces you to a few popular heat-resistant plastics used today. 

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Five Types of Heat Resistant Plastics

There are various types of heat-resistant plastics with their unique pros and cons. The following are five popular ones among them.  

1. Polyetherimide (PEI): Polyetherimide is an amorphous thermoplastic used for making equipment in chemical labs. This plastic is durable, chemical and flame resistant, and possesses the highest dielectric strength. This plastic can be used for temperatures up to 338° F.
2. Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK): Polyether Ether Ketone is a transparent semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer primarily used for engineering applications. It is one of the most heat-resistant plastics used for making bearings, piston parts, electrical cable insulations, and so on. The parts made of this semi-crystalline thermoplastic can resist chemicals, heat, fatigue, and wear. It can endure high flexibility and possess excellent tensile strength. This plastic can be operated at a continuous operating temperature above 500° F. Parts made of this plastic can withstand wear and tear in harsh chemical and physical conditions. 
3. Polybenzimidazole (PBI): This plastic assures the highest wear and tear resistance in temperatures above 400ºF. PBI is known for its glass transition temperature of 800ºF and ensures better wear resistance and load-carrying capabilities at extremely high temperatures. 
4. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): Polytetrafluoroethylene is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene used for various types of applications. It contains a high molecular weight polymer used for the non-stick coating. It possesses a broad operating temperature range between -328ºF and +500ºF. This fluoropolymer exhibits excellent electrical and weather resistance, flexural strength, and thermal stability. 
5. Torlon: Torlon exhibits stiffness and strength in continuous temperatures as high as +500ºF, which makes it a reliable alternative to metal in various high-temperature wear and friction applications. 

Gaining an understanding of heat-resistant plastics will help you with the right selection for your next project. However, you can amplify their benefits in your application by partnering with a trusted CNC machining service provider in your region or anywhere in the US. For several years, Brogan & Patrick have been among the best and most trusted CNC shops in Wisconsin, USA. The material and machining experts at the company possess an in-depth understanding and knowledge of various heat-resistant plastics. They have been helping clients to optimize the properties of these plastics by adopting the right CNC machining techniques. You can get in touch with the experts at the company to discuss your application requirements.