Thermoplastic Plastics Classification

Thermoplastic Plastics Classification Table
Name	Abbreviation	Key Properties	Typical Applications
Polyethylene	PE	Chemical resistance, flexibility (HDPE: rigid， LDPE: flexible)	Plastic bags, bottles, pipes, packaging films
Polypropylene	PP	Heat resistance (~120℃), lightweight, fatigue-resistant	Food containers, automotive parts, medical devices, textiles
Polyvinyl Chloride	PVC	Flame-retardant, weather-resistant (rigid/flexible with plasticizers)	Pipes, wire insulation, window frames, flooring
Polystyrene	PS	Transparent, brittle, expandable (EPS)	Disposable cutlery, CD cases, foam packaging
Polyethylene Terephthalate	PET	High clarity, impact-resistant, gas barrier	Beverage bottles, polyester fibers, films
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene	ABS	High strength, impact-resistant, easy to process	Electronics housings, LEGO bricks, automotive components
Polyamide (Nylon)	PA	Wear-resistant, high mechanical strength, hygroscopic	Gears, sports equipment, synthetic fibers
Polycarbonate	PC	Transparent, impact-resistant (bulletproof level), heat-resistant	Eyeglass lenses, riot shields, baby bottles
Polymethyl Methacrylate	PMMA	Excellent light transmission (better than glass), UV-resistant	Advertising signs, car windows, contact lenses
Polytetrafluoroethylene	PTFE	High-temperature resistance (260℃), ultra-low friction (“non-stick coating”)	Non-stick cookware, seals, chemical linings
Polyoxymethylene	POM	High rigidity, self-lubricating, wear-resistant	Gears, bearings, zippers
Polyphenylene Sulfide	PPS	Heat-resistant (220℃), flame-retardant, chemically stable	Automotive electronics, aerospace parts
Polyether Ether Ketone	PEEK	High-temperature (250℃), high strength, biocompatible	Medical implants, aerospace components
Thermoplastic Polyurethane	TPU	Elastic, abrasion-resistant, oil-resistant	Shoe soles, phone cases, industrial hoses
Polylactic Acid	PLA	Biodegradable, derived from renewable resources (e.g., corn starch)	3D printing filaments, disposable tableware, medical sutures