Thermoplastics - Physical Properties
Physical properties of thermoplastics like ABS, PVC, CPVC, PE, PEX, PB and PVDF.
Typical properties of some common thermoplastics:
For full table with Thermal Conductivity, Specific Heat and Maximum Temperature Limit - rotate the screen!
| Thermoplastic | Specific Gravity - SG - | Tensile Yield Strength - σy - (103 psi) Load Calculator! | Tensile Modulus - E - (103 psi) Load Calculator! | Coefficient of Linear Expansion - α - (10-6 in/in oF) | Thermal Conductivity - k - (Btu in /ft2 h oF) | Specific Heat - c - (Btu/lb oF) | Maximum Temperature Limit (oF/oC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | 1.08 | 7.0 | 340 | 60 | 1.35 | 0.34 | 180/80 |
| PVC | 1.4 | 8.0 | 410 | 30 | 1.1 | 0.25 | 150/65 |
| CPVC | 1.54 | 8.0 | 420 | 35 | 1.0 | 0.20 | 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 | 7.0 | 220 | 70 | 1.5 | 0.29 | 300/150 |
- 1 psi (lb/in2) = 6,894.8 Pa (N/m2)
- 1 (Btu/lb oF) = 4,186.8 (J/kg K) = 1 (kcal/kg oC)
- 1 in/(in oF) = 1.8 m/(m oC)
- 1 Btu/(lbm oF) = 4186.8 J/ (kg K) = 1 kcal/(kg oC)
- 1 GPa = 109 Pa
- 1 MPa = 106 Pa
Tensile Yield Strength - σy
Tensile yield strength is the maximum engineering stress in psi (or Pa) at which a permanent non-elastic deformation of the thermoplastic material begins.
Yield Point
Yield point is the first point where the specimen yields, where the specimen's cross-sectional area begins to contract significantly, or where the strain can increase without increase in the stress.
Ultimate Tensile Strength - σu
Ultimate tensile strength is the maximum stress the thermoplastic material can withstand before failing, whichever occurs at the higher stress level.
Total elongation at failure of some polymers:
| 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 |
Tensile Modulus - or Young's Modulus - E
Tensile modulus or Young's Modulus is the ratio of stress to strain within the elastic region of the stress-strain curve before the yield point.
Thermoplastic Characteristics
ABS - Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- strong and rigid
- resistant to a variety of bases and acids
- some solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons may damage the material
- maximum usable temperature 160oF (71oC)
- common as DEV - Drainage, Waste and Vent - pipes
PB - Polybutylene
- flexible pipe
- used for pressurized water systems
- usable for hot and cold water
- only compression and banded type joints used
PE - Polyethylene
- flexible pipe
- used for pressurized water systems - sprinkler..
- not usable for hot water
PEX - Polyethylene Cross Linked
- flexible pipe
- used for pressurized water systems - sprinkler..
PP - Polypropylene
- lightweight
- temperature up to 180oF (82oC)
- highly resistant to acids, bases and many solvents
- usable in laboratory plumbing
PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride
- strong and rigid
- resistant to a variety of acids and bases
- may be damaged by some solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons
- maximum usable temperature 140oF (60oC)
- usable for water, gas and drainage systems
- not usable in hot water systems
CPVC - Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride
- similar to PVC - but designed for water up to 180oF (82oC)
PVDF - Polyvinylidene Fluoride
- strong and very tough material
- resistant to abrasion, acids, bases, solvents and much more
- usable to 280oF (138oC)
- usable in laboratory plumbing