Polymer materials for engineering
A practical reference to thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers, with common piping and engineering polymers, repeating units, properties and applications.
Polymer families
Soften when heated and can generally be remelted: PVC, CPVC, PE, PP, PVDF, PTFE, PEEK, PA, PC, PET, POM and ABS.
Cure into cross-linked networks and do not remelt in normal processing: epoxies, phenolics and many polyester resins.
Highly elastic polymers used in seals, hoses and vibration control: EPDM, NBR, FKM and silicone families.
Common engineering polymers
(C₂H₃Cl)ₙ
General piping, conduit, profiles and chemical-service components. Properties vary significantly with formulation and plasticizers.
PVC formulation without plasticizers
Rigid water, drainage and industrial piping; dimensional stability and chemical resistance are key reasons for use.
Chlorinated PVC chain
Higher chlorine content raises temperature capability relative to conventional PVC; common in hot/cold water and industrial chemical piping.
(C₂H₂F₂)ₙ
Fluoropolymer with strong chemical resistance, purity and useful temperature capability for chemical, semiconductor and high-purity systems.
(C₂H₄)ₙ
Includes LDPE, MDPE and HDPE. HDPE is widely used for water, gas and industrial pipelines because of toughness and fusion joining.
(C₃H₆)ₙ
Low density and good chemical resistance; used in tanks, piping, ducting, laboratory and process equipment.
(C₂F₄)ₙ
Very low friction and broad chemical resistance; used in gaskets, linings, seals and electrical insulation.
High-performance aromatic thermoplastic
High temperature, mechanical and chemical performance for demanding aerospace, oil & gas, medical and industrial components.
Amide-containing polymer family
Good wear and mechanical properties; used in gears, bearings, fasteners and engineered components. Moisture absorption matters.
Terpolymer
Impact-resistant engineering plastic used in housings, fittings, consumer and industrial components.
Carbonate-linked polymer
High impact strength and transparency; used in guards, glazing, electrical and equipment housings.
(CH₂O)ₙ
Low friction, good dimensional stability and fatigue performance for precision mechanical components.
Elements present in polymer chemistry
Polymers are not periodic-table element categories. Their molecular structures are built mainly from elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, fluorine, chlorine, silicon, sulfur and phosphorus. The element pages should therefore be cross-linked as constituent chemistry, not sorted as “polymer elements.”
How to select a polymer
Always verify grade-specific manufacturer data, design standard, pressure-temperature derating, permeation, environmental stress cracking, fire/smoke requirements and chemical compatibility before specification.
