Industrial plastics, also known as engineering plastics, form a broad category of synthetic materials that have been specifically developed for industrial applications.
They are often characterised by their mechanical properties, thermal stability, chemical resistance, sliding properties, wear resistance and electrical insulating capabilities. Industrial plastics are widely used across various industries, including the machinery, marine, automotive, aerospace, electronics, packaging and construction industries.
Unlike general-purpose plastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, industrial plastics are designed to meet specific technical requirements. They can be tailored to comply with various criteria, including strength, stiffness, wear resistance, heat resistance, flame retardancy, UV stability and chemical resistance. This makes them suitable for demanding applications where high performance and durability are required.
Some examples of commonly used industrial plastics include:
- Polyamide (nylon): Polyamides offer excellent mechanical properties, high wear resistance and a high melting temperature, making them suitable for applications such as gears, bearings, cables and automotive components.
- Polyurethane: Polyurethane is a versatile material that can range from soft and flexible to rigid and hard. It is used in products such as foams, elastomers, coatings and seals.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC is a thermoplastic polymer with good chemical resistance and flame-retardant properties. It is widely used in the construction sector for pipes, window profiles, cladding and flooring.
- Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is a transparent and impact-resistant material with high heat resistance. It is used for headlamp covers, safety glasses, CDs/DVDs and electronic housings.
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): PET is a strong, lightweight and transparent plastic widely used in the packaging industry for bottles, films and fibres.