May 5 2001
Produced in both copolymer and homopolymer forms which do not differ greatly, both polymers are hard, tough, and stiff with good appearance (can provide high surface gloss) and excellent abrasion resistance.
Generally highly opaque and crystalline, their natural color is white but they are frequently used colored. They have poor resistance to UV. and generally to alkalis and acids.
Compared to copolymer, the homopolymer has slightly better mechanical properties, but somewhat worse thermo-oxidative stability. The copolymer alone is appropriate for continuous use with hot water.
Polymer Type
Thermoplastic
Advantages
The excellent mechanical properties of a homopolymer with improved weather ability and longer lifetime for external components.
Disadvantages
In the case of carbon black modification best results are obtained with 1.5% of well-dispersed fine particles. However the finer the particle, the poorer the heat stability. Also prone to high mould shrinkage and attack by acids and bases, as with unmodified homopolymer.
Applications
Sporting equipment, eg. Ski boot bindings, tennis racquet handles, mast supports and frame connectors for windsurfing boards. Toys.
Other applications include snap fittings, bearings, gears and many other engineering components, jug kettles, appliance casings, and plumbing fittings.
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Homopolymer can be used in ssport equipment such as tennis racquet handles Image Credit: Africa Studio/ShutterStock
Typical Properties
| Property |
Value |
| Density (g/cm3) |
1.42 |
| Surface Hardness |
RM94 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) |
64 |
| Flexural Modulus (GPa) |
2.78 |
| Notched Izod (kJ/m) |
0.072 |
| Linear Expansion (/°C x 10-5) |
12 |
| Elongation at Break (%) |
35 |
| Strain at Yield (%) |
10 |
| Max. Operating Temp. (°C) |
85 |
| Water Absorption (%) |
0.25 |
| Oxygen Index (%) |
15 |
| Flammability UL94 |
HB |
| Volume Resistivity (log ohm.cm) |
14 |
| Dielectric Strength (MV/m) |
18 |
| Dissipation Factor 1 kHz |
0.003 |
| Dielectric Constant 1 kHz |
3.8 |
| HDT @ 0.45 MPa (°C) |
165 |
| HDT @ 1.80 MPa (°C) |
130 |
| Material. Drying hrs @ (°C) |
2 @ 90 |
| Melting Temp. Range (°C) |
200 - 220 |
| Mould Shrinkage (%) |
2 |
| Mould Temp. Range (°C) |
80 - 100 |
Source : Abstracted from Plascams
For more information on Plascams please visit RAPRA Technology Ltd.