Materials

Commodity plastics or commodity polymers are plastics produced in high volumes for applications such as packaging, food containers, and household products, including both disposable products and durable goods. Approximately 80% of global plastic production includes commodity plastics.

Most commodity plastics are identifiable by their Resin Identification Codes (RICs), a standardized numbering system developed by ASTM International.

• 01 - Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)
• 02 – High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
• 03 – Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• 04 – Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
• 05 – Polypropylene (PP)
• 06 – Polystyrene (PS)

Engineering plastics are a class of polymers designed for demanding applications where commodity plastics fall short. They offer superior mechanical strength, durability, and resistance to heat and chemicals, making them suitable for industrial and technical uses.

• Examples of engineering plastics include:
  • Polycarbonate (PC): Used in automotive headlamp lenses, safety glasses, and electronic housings.
  • Polyamide (PA, Nylon): Found in gears, bearings, and under-the-hood automotive components.
  • Polyoxymethylene (POM): Applied in precision parts like pump impellers, conveyor belts, and mechanical gears.

High-performance plastics go beyond engineering plastics, offering exceptional properties:

• Thermal stability: Continuous service temperatures above 150 °C (302 °F).
• Chemical resistance: Withstand aggressive solvents, fuels, and corrosive environments.
• Mechanical strength: High stiffness, wear resistance, and dimensional stability.
• Electrical insulation: Excellent dielectric properties for electronics and wiring.
• Specialized performance: Some are radiation-resistant, flame-retardant, or biocompatible for medical use.
• Examples of High-performance plastics include:
  • Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS): Used in aircraft exteriors, medical implants, and transmission parts.
  • Polyetheretherketone (PEEK): Used in automotive components and pump parts.