Polystyrene (PS) Grades – Master Comparison Table

Polystyrene (PS) Grades – Master Comparison Table

General purpose (crystal) vs. heat resistant vs. high impact (HIPS) vs. flame retarded HIPS vs. 20% and 30% glass fiber reinforced

PropertyUnitPS General Purpose (Crystal)PS Heat ResistantPS High Impact (HIPS)PS-HI-FR High Impact, Flame Retarded (HIPS-FR)PS + 20% Glass FiberPS + 30% Glass Fiber
General information
Designation Polystyrene (medium/high flow, homopolymer)Polystyrene (heat resistant, homopolymer)High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)HIPS, flame retardedPolystyrene (20% glass fiber, homopolymer)Polystyrene (30% glass fiber, homopolymer)
Polymer code PSPSPS-HIPS-HI-FRPS-GF20PS-GF30
Material family Thermoplastic, amorphousThermoplastic, amorphousThermoplastic, amorphousThermoplastic, amorphousThermoplastic, amorphousThermoplastic, amorphous
Additive / reinforcement ——Impact modifier (5–15% butadiene rubber)Flame retardant + impact modifierShort glass fiber (<5 mm)Short glass fiber (<5 mm)
Polymer content%10010010090 – 958070
Glass fiber content%00002030
Flame retardant content%0005 – 1000
Physical properties
Densitykg/m³1,040 – 1,0501,040 – 1,0501,030 – 1,0601,150 – 1,1701,190 – 1,2101,280 – 1,300
Mechanical properties
Young’s modulusGPa2.28 – 3.283.1 – 3.341.16 – 2.551.65 – 2.076.21 – 8.278.27 – 8.96
Specific stiffnessMN·m/kg2.18 – 3.142.97 – 3.21.11 – 2.441.42 – 1.795.17 – 6.896.41 – 6.95
Yield strength (elastic limit)MPa28.7 – 41.444.4 – 56.219 – 41.421.4 – 28.355.2 – 66.275 – 80
Tensile strengthMPa35.9 – 51.744.4 – 56.520 – 42.718.3 – 28.369 – 82.775.8 – 89.6
Specific strengthkN·m/kg27.5 – 39.642.5 – 53.818.2 – 39.618.4 – 24.446 – 55.258.1 – 62.1
Elongation% strain1.2 – 2.52 – 3.640 – 6530 – 501 – 1.31 – 1.2
Compressive modulusGPa3.3 – 3.373.4 – 3.441.1 – 2.551.65 – 2.076.21 – 8.278.27 – 8.96
Compressive strengthMPa82.7 – 89.689.6 – 96.522.8 – 49.725.7 – 36.4110 – 117114 – 121
Flexural modulusGPa2.61 – 3.373.09 – 3.441.1 – 2.681.93 – 2.276.53 – 7.568.05 – 8.46
Flexural strength (modulus of rupture)MPa69 – 10189.6 – 96.531.4 – 6931 – 51.796.5 – 12496.5 – 138
Shear modulusGPa0.817 – 1.181.11 – 1.20.391 – 0.9070.587 – 0.7362.27 – 3.032.97 – 3.22
Bulk modulusGPa4.23 – 4.444.79 – 5.032.9 – 3.043.18 – 3.348.67 – 9.112.7 – 13.4
Poisson’s ratio 0.387 – 0.4030.383 – 0.3980.397 – 0.4180.397 – 0.4130.358 – 0.3730.38 – 0.4
Shape factor 76.266.89.28.8
Hardness – VickersHV9 – 1213 – 176 – 126 – 917 – 2023 – 24
Hardness – Rockwell M 60 – 7575 – 8438 – 4231 – 3580 – 9585 – 95
Hardness – Rockwell R 99 – 109109 – 12050 – 8238 – 65113 – 125115 – 127
Elastic stored energy (springs)kJ/m³150 – 314309 – 486111 – 473124 – 217205 – 317324 – 375
Fatigue strength at 10⁷ cyclesMPa14.4 – 20.717.7 – 238 – 17.17.32 – 11.326.6 – 34.632.4 – 35.7
Impact & fracture properties
Fracture toughnessMPa·m^0.50.7 – 1.10.7 – 1.10.999 – 2.960.761 – 2.282.61 – 3.853.45 – 4.5
Toughness (G)kJ/m²0.182 – 0.4350.159 – 0.3610.683 – 4.340.38 – 2.320.964 – 2.051.41 – 2.33
Impact strength, notched, 23 °CkJ/m²2.86 – 3.152.79 – 3.617.34 – 11.64.78 – 10.74.8 – 134.8 – 16
Impact strength, notched, −30 °CkJ/m²1.9 – 2.11.9 – 2.14.03 – 6.752.21 – 4.093.64 – 4.43.64 – 4.4
Impact strength, unnotched, 23 °CkJ/m²8.6 – 14.98.66 – 16.492.2 – 11144.1 – 11010.9 – 13.213.3 – 14.7
Impact strength, unnotched, −30 °CkJ/m²3.87 – 4.273.87 – 4.2745.8 – 5532.8 – 88.95.45 – 6.66.36 – 7.7
Thermal properties
Glass transition temperature°C90 – 10095 – 10085 – 9985 – 10096 – 10496 – 104
Heat deflection temperature (0.45 MPa)°C86 – 9691 – 9980 – 9480 – 95104 – 110107 – 110
Heat deflection temperature (1.8 MPa)°C76 – 9485 – 9574 – 9073 – 8393 – 104102 – 104
Vicat softening point°C90 – 10094 – 9984 – 9883 – 98——
Maximum service temperature°C75 – 9085 – 9570 – 9065 – 8042 – 5743 – 56
Minimum service temperature°C−75 – −65−75 – −65−53 – −33−53 – −33−75 – −65−75 – −65
Thermal conductivityW/m·°C0.12 – 0.140.12 – 0.140.13 – 0.190.15 – 0.190.238 – 0.2570.4 – 0.5
Specific heat capacityJ/kg·°C1,200 – 1,3001,200 – 1,3001,350 – 1,4501,570 – 1,6301,530 – 1,6001,460 – 1,520
Thermal expansion coefficientµstrain/°C90 – 149122 – 15377.9 – 81.279.4 – 82.671.3 – 7235.3 – 36.7
Thermal shock resistance°C77.4 – 15396.5 – 133122 – 344138 – 19699.7 – 139237 – 264
Thermal distortion resistanceMW/m0.00086 – 0.001450.00083 – 0.001080.00163 – 0.002390.00185 – 0.002350.00332 – 0.003590.0111 – 0.0139
Electrical properties
Electrical resistivityµohm·cm1e25 – 1e271e25 – 1e275.98e21 – 5.38e225.98e21 – 5.38e225.98e21 – 5.38e225.98e21 – 5.38e22
Electrical conductivity%IACS1.72e-25 – 1.72e-231.72e-25 – 1.72e-233.2e-21 – 2.88e-203.2e-21 – 2.88e-203.2e-21 – 2.88e-203.2e-21 – 2.88e-20
Dielectric constant (relative permittivity) 2.4 – 2.62.4 – 2.63 – 3.23 – 3.23 – 3.23 – 3.2
Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent) 0.0001 – 0.00030.0001 – 0.00030.001 – 0.0060.001 – 0.0060.004 – 0.0060.004 – 0.006
Dielectric strength (breakdown)MV/m19.7 – 22.619.7 – 20.716.9 – 20.320.8 – 22.516.1 – 17.417 – 18.4
Comparative tracking indexV275 – 575275 – 575275 – 575275 – 575275 – 575275 – 575
Magnetic type Non-magneticNon-magneticNon-magneticNon-magneticNon-magneticNon-magnetic
Optical, aesthetic & acoustic properties
Transparency Optical qualityTransparentOpaqueOpaqueOpaqueOpaque
Refractive index 1.55 – 1.611.55 – 1.61————
Acoustic velocitym/s1,470 – 1,7801,720 – 1,7901,030 – 1,5901,190 – 1,3402,270 – 2,6302,530 – 2,640
Mechanical loss coefficient (tan delta) 0.0122 – 0.01750.012 – 0.01290.0157 – 0.03640.0193 – 0.02420.00912 – 0.01110.00862 – 0.00912
Contains >5 wt% critical elements? NoNoNoNoNoNo
Absorption & permeability
Water absorption @ 24 hrs%0.01 – 0.030.0091 – 0.0110.05 – 0.070.005 – 0.010.07 – 0.10.0818 – 0.099
Water vapor transmissiong·mm/m²·day3.42 – 3.993.42 – 3.990.713 – 1.440.713 – 1.44——
Oxygen permeabilitycm³·mm/m²·day·atm120 – 145120 – 145156 – 163156 – 163——
Processing properties
Injection molding ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
Extrusion ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentUnsuitableUnsuitable
Thermoforming ExcellentAcceptableExcellentExcellentUnsuitableUnsuitable
Linear mold shrinkage%0.4 – 0.70.4 – 0.70.4 – 0.70.3 – 0.60.1 – 0.30.1 – 0.2
Melt temperature°C177 – 260177 – 260177 – 274191 – 232164 – 288159 – 238
Mold temperature°C35 – 5535 – 5535 – 5535 – 5535 – 5535 – 55
Molding pressure rangeMPa34.4 – 13834.4 – 13868.8 – 13841.3 – 10368.8 – 13868.8 – 138
Durability
Water (fresh) ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
Water (salt) ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
Weak acids ExcellentExcellentAcceptableAcceptableExcellentExcellent
Strong acids Limited useLimited useLimited useLimited useLimited useLimited use
Weak alkalis ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
Strong alkalis AcceptableAcceptableLimited useLimited useAcceptableAcceptable
Organic solvents UnacceptableUnacceptableUnacceptableUnacceptableUnacceptableUnacceptable
Oxidation at 500 °C UnacceptableUnacceptableUnacceptableUnacceptableUnacceptableUnacceptable
UV radiation (sunlight) FairFairFairFairFairFair
Flammability Highly flammableHighly flammableHighly flammableSelf-extinguishingHighly flammableHighly flammable
Recycling
Recyclable YesYesYesYesNoNo

Polystyrene (20% Glass Fiber, Homopolymer)

Polystyrene (30% Glass Fiber, Homopolymer)

Polystyrene (Medium/High Flow, Homopolymer, General Purpose, Crystal)

Polystyrene (Heat Resistant, Homopolymer)

PS-HI / HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

PS-HI-FR / HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) Flame retarded

PET – Amorphous vs Semi-Crystalline

This comparison presents the key properties of unfilled PET in its amorphous and semi-crystalline forms. The table covers physical, mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, processing, durability, environmental, and recycling-related properties.

PropertyPET – Unfilled, AmorphousPET – Unfilled, Semi-Crystalline
DesignationPolyethylene Terephthalate (unfilled, amorphous)Polyethylene Terephthalate (unfilled, semi-crystalline)
Typical usesBlow molded bottles, packaging film, film, photographic and x-ray film, audio/visual tapes, industrial strapping, capacitor film, drawing office transparencies, fibers.Electrical fittings and connectors, audio/visual tapes, industrial strapping, capacitor film, fibers.
Compositional summary(CO-(C6H4)-CO-O-(CH2)2-O)n(CO-(C6H4)-CO-O-(CH2)2-O)n
Material familyPlastic (thermoplastic, amorphous)Plastic (thermoplastic, semi-crystalline)
Base materialPET (Polyethylene terephthalate)PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)
Polymer codePETPET
Polymer100 %100 %
Density1.29 – 1.39 g/cm³1.37 – 1.4 g/cm³
Young’s modulus2.8 – 3 GPa2.76 – 3.1 GPa
Specific stiffness2.06 – 2.28 MN.m/kg1.99 – 2.24 MN.m/kg
Yield strength (elastic limit)50 – 55 MPa65 – 70 MPa
Tensile strength55 – 60 MPa70 – 75 MPa
Specific strength36.9 – 41.6 kN.m/kg46.9 – 50.6 kN.m/kg
Elongation280 – 320 % strain65 – 75 % strain
Compressive modulus2.76 – 4.14 GPa2.76 – 4.14 GPa
Compressive strength50 – 60 MPa75.8 – 103 MPa
Flexural modulus2.41 – 3.09 GPa2.99 – 3.09 GPa
Flexural strength (modulus of rupture)50 – 60 MPa70 – 75 MPa
Shear modulus0.994 – 1.49 GPa0.994 – 1.49 GPa
Bulk modulus4.94 – 5.19 GPa4.94 – 5.19 GPa
Poisson’s ratio0.381 – 0.3960.381 – 0.396
Shape factor5.64.9
Hardness – Vickers2 – 5 HV17 – 20 HV
Hardness – Rockwell M28 – 3082 – 87
Hardness – Rockwell R45 – 50120 – 125
Elastic stored energy (springs)430 – 524 kJ/m³709 – 853 kJ/m³
Fatigue strength at 10^7 cycles19.3 – 29 MPa19.3 – 29 MPa
Fracture toughness4.75 – 5.25 MPa.m^0.54.75 – 5.25 MPa.m^0.5
Toughness (G)7.76 – 9.54 kJ/m²7.62 – 9.54 kJ/m²
Impact strength, notched 23 °C6.19 – 6.83 kJ/m²2.86 – 3.15 kJ/m²
Impact strength, unnotched 23 °C590 – 600 kJ/m²590 – 600 kJ/m²
Melting pointNA
(Amorphous PET does not have a melting temperature because it lacks a long-range, ordered crystalline structure.)
255 – 265 °C
Glass temperature60 – 84 °C68 – 80 °C
Heat deflection temperature 0.45MPa70 – 74 °C105 – 115 °C
Heat deflection temperature 1.8MPa68 – 72 °C70 – 80 °C
Maximum service temperature55 – 65 °C115 – 120 °C
Minimum service temperature-58 – -38 °C-58 – -38 °C
Thermal conductivity0.138 – 0.151 W/m.°C0.138 – 0.151 W/m.°C
Specific heat capacity1.15e3 – 1.25e3 J/kg.°C1.1e3 – 1.2e3 J/kg.°C
Thermal expansion coefficient115 – 119 µstrain/°C75 – 80 µstrain/°C
Thermal shock resistance145 – 164 °C276 – 321 °C
Thermal distortion resistance0.00117 – 0.0013 MW/m0.00176 – 0.00197 MW/m
Electrical resistivity3.3e20 – 3e21 µohm.cm3.3e20 – 3e21 µohm.cm
Electrical conductivity5.75e-20 – 5.22e-19 %IACS5.75e-20 – 5.22e-19 %IACS
Dielectric constant (relative permittivity)3.5 – 3.73.5 – 3.7
Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent)0.003 – 0.0070.002 – 0.003
Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown)36 – 44 MV/m16.5 – 18 MV/m
Comparative tracking index200 – 325 V200 – 325 V
Magnetic typeNon-magneticNon-magnetic
Refractive index1.57 – 1.581.57 – 1.58
TransparencyOptical qualityOpaque
Acoustic velocity1.43e3 – 1.51e3 m/s1.41e3 – 1.5e3 m/s
Mechanical loss coefficient (tan delta)0.00966 – 0.01450.00966 – 0.0145
Contains >5wt% critical elements?NoNo
Water absorption @ 24 hrs0.14 – 0.18 %0.1 – 0.2 %
Water vapor transmission0.464 – 0.707 g.mm/m².day0.464 – 0.707 g.mm/m².day
Permeability (O2)1.2 – 2.77 cm³.mm/m².day.atm1.2 – 2.77 cm³.mm/m².day.atm
Polymer injection moldingAcceptableAcceptable
Polymer extrusionLimited useLimited use
Polymer thermoformingAcceptableLimited use
Linear mold shrinkage0.3 – 0.5 %1.5 – 1.7 %
Melt temperature260 – 280 °C260 – 280 °C
Mold temperature20 – 30 °C125 – 145 °C
Molding pressure range13.8 – 48.1 MPa13.8 – 48.1 MPa
Water (fresh)ExcellentExcellent
Water (salt)ExcellentExcellent
Weak acidsAcceptableAcceptable
Strong acidsUnacceptableUnacceptable
Weak alkalisAcceptableAcceptable
Strong alkalisLimited useLimited use
Organic solventsLimited useLimited use
Oxidation at 500CUnacceptableUnacceptable
UV radiation (sunlight)FairFair
FlammabilityHighly flammableHighly flammable
Embodied energy, primary production78.4 – 86.4 MJ/kg78.4 – 86.4 MJ/kg
CO2 footprint, primary production2.59 – 2.86 kg/kg2.59 – 2.86 kg/kg
Water usage126 – 140 l/kg126 – 140 l/kg
Polymer extrusion energy5.82 – 6.43 MJ/kg5.8 – 6.42 MJ/kg
Polymer extrusion CO20.437 – 0.483 kg/kg0.435 – 0.481 kg/kg
Polymer extrusion water4.83 – 7.24 l/kg4.82 – 7.23 l/kg
Polymer molding energy18.7 – 20.6 MJ/kg18.2 – 20.1 MJ/kg
Polymer molding CO21.4 – 1.55 kg/kg1.36 – 1.51 kg/kg
Polymer molding water12.6 – 18.9 l/kg12.4 – 18.6 l/kg
Coarse machining energy0.864 – 0.954 MJ/kg1.08 – 1.19 MJ/kg
Coarse machining CO20.0648 – 0.0716 kg/kg0.0811 – 0.0896 kg/kg
Fine machining energy4.36 – 4.82 MJ/kg6.54 – 7.22 MJ/kg
Fine machining CO20.327 – 0.361 kg/kg0.49 – 0.542 kg/kg
Grinding energy8.25 – 9.11 MJ/kg12.6 – 13.9 MJ/kg
Grinding CO20.618 – 0.684 kg/kg0.945 – 1.04 kg/kg
Embodied energy, recycling26.8 – 29.6 MJ/kg26.8 – 29.6 MJ/kg
CO2 footprint, recycling1.45 – 1.6 kg/kg1.45 – 1.6 kg/kg
Recycle fraction in current supply20 – 22.1 %20 – 22.1 %
Heat of combustion (net)23 – 24.2 MJ/kg23 – 24.2 MJ/kg
Combustion CO22.24 – 2.35 kg/kg2.24 – 2.35 kg/kg

Polycarbonate (PC) – High Viscosity vs. Low Viscosity

Polycarbonate (PC) is supplied in both high- and low-viscosity molding and extrusion grades, both based on the same bisphenol-A (BPA) homopolymer chemistry. The two grades share identical density, pricing, and the great majority of mechanical, thermal, electrical, and environmental properties – differing chiefly in molecular weight. The high-viscosity grade’s higher molecular weight gives it markedly greater impact toughness (up to roughly three times higher in unnotched impact strength) and a modest edge in heat deflection and maximum service temperature, but it is harder to process, requiring higher melt temperatures and molding pressures. The low-viscosity grade trades some of that toughness for easier processability, slightly better elongation at break, and marginally lower processing energy and emissions. The table below sets the full property sets of both grades side by side, with the properties that actually differ between them highlighted for quick reference.

PropertyPC High ViscosityPC Low ViscosityUnitDifference
General Information
DesignationHigh Viscosity, Unfilled, Molding and ExtrusionLow Viscosity, Unfilled, Molding and Extrusion—Grade designation differs
Compositional noteHigher molecular weight; less processable but more toughLower molecular weight; more processable but less tough—High-visc = tougher/less processable; Low-visc = more processable/less tough
Material familyPlastic (thermoplastic, amorphous)Plastic (thermoplastic, amorphous)—Identical
Base materialPC (Polycarbonate)PC (Polycarbonate)—Identical
Polymer codePCPC—Identical
Polymer content100100%Identical
Physical Properties
Density1.19 – 1.211.19 – 1.21g/cm³Identical
Mechanical Properties
Young’s modulus2.32 – 2.442.32 – 2.44GPaIdentical
Specific stiffness1.93 – 2.041.93 – 2.04MN.m/kgIdentical
Yield strength (elastic limit)59.1 – 65.259.1 – 65.2MPaIdentical
Tensile strength62.7 – 72.462.7 – 72.4MPaIdentical
Specific strength49.2 – 54.449.2 – 54.4kN.m/kgIdentical
Elongation110 – 120110 – 150% strainLow visc. has higher max elongation (up to 150 vs 120)
Compressive modulus2.35 – 2.472.35 – 2.47GPaIdentical
Compressive strength69 – 86.269 – 86.2MPaIdentical
Flexural modulus2.27 – 2.342.27 – 2.34GPaIdentical
Flexural strength (modulus of rupture)86.2 – 93.182.7 – 96.5MPaLow visc. range is wider (lower min, higher max)
Shear modulus0.829 – 0.8720.829 – 0.872GPaIdentical
Bulk modulus3.83 – 4.033.83 – 4.03GPaIdentical
Poisson’s ratio0.391 – 0.4070.391 – 0.407—Identical
Shape factor4.64.6—Identical
Hardness – Vickers18 – 2018 – 20HVIdentical
Hardness – Rockwell M70 – 7570 – 75—Identical
Hardness – Rockwell R104 – 115104 – 115—Identical
Elastic stored energy (springs)734 – 894734 – 894kJ/m³Identical
Fatigue strength at 10^7 cycles23.7 – 30.823.7 – 30.8MPaIdentical
Impact & Fracture Properties
Fracture toughness2.1 – 2.32.1 – 2.3MPa.m^0.5Identical
Toughness (G)1.85 – 2.231.85 – 2.23kJ/m²Identical
Impact strength, notched, 23 °C69.7 – 10210.1 – 83.1kJ/m²High visc. is notably tougher (min 69.7 vs 10.1)
Impact strength, notched, -30 °C12.6 – 155.65 – 23.3kJ/m²Low visc. has a much wider/lower range at min
Impact strength, unnotched, 23 °C590 – 600188 – 226kJ/m²High visc. is dramatically tougher (~3x higher)
Impact strength, unnotched, -30 °C590 – 600183 – 220kJ/m²High visc. is dramatically tougher (~3x higher)
Thermal Properties
Glass temperature142 – 158142 – 158°CIdentical
Heat deflection temperature, 0.45 MPa138 – 142134 – 138°CHigh visc. slightly higher
Heat deflection temperature, 1.8 MPa121 – 132121 – 132°CIdentical
Maximum service temperature104 – 119101 – 116°CHigh visc. slightly higher
Minimum service temperature-47 – -37-47 – -37°CIdentical
Thermal conductivity0.189 – 0.2050.193 – 0.218W/m.°CLow visc. slightly higher
Specific heat capacity1150 – 12501150 – 1250J/kg.°CIdentical
Thermal expansion coefficient120 – 125120 – 125µstrain/°CIdentical
Thermal shock resistance201 – 226201 – 226°CIdentical
Thermal distortion resistance0.00154 – 0.001680.00157 – 0.00179MW/mLow visc. slightly higher
Electrical Properties
Electrical resistivity1e20 – 1e211e20 – 1e21µohm.cmIdentical
Electrical conductivity1.72e-19 – 1.72e-181.72e-19 – 1.72e-18%IACSIdentical
Dielectric constant (relative permittivity)3.1 – 3.33.1 – 3.3—Identical
Dissipation factor (dielectric loss tangent)8.6e-4 – 9.4e-48.6e-4 – 9.4e-4—Identical
Dielectric strength (dielectric breakdown)16 – 19.216 – 19.2MV/mIdentical
Comparative tracking index175 – 325175 – 325VIdentical
Magnetic Properties
Magnetic typeNon-magneticNon-magnetic—Identical
Optical, Aesthetic & Acoustic Properties
Refractive index1.58 – 1.591.58 – 1.59—Identical
TransparencyOptical qualityOptical quality—Identical
Acoustic velocity1.39e3 – 1.43e31.39e3 – 1.43e3m/sIdentical
Mechanical loss coefficient (tan delta)0.0164 – 0.01720.0164 – 0.0172—Identical
Critical Materials Risk
Contains >5wt% critical elements?NoNo—Identical
Absorption & Permeability
Water absorption @ 24 hrs0.135 – 0.1650.135 – 0.165%Identical
Water vapor transmission1.1 – 2.051.1 – 2.05g.mm/m².dayIdentical
Permeability (O2)91.6 – 10591.6 – 105cm³.mm/m².day.atmIdentical
Processing Properties
Polymer injection moldingExcellentAcceptable—High visc. rated better for injection molding
Polymer extrusionAcceptableAcceptable—Identical
Polymer thermoformingExcellentExcellent—Identical
Linear mold shrinkage0.5 – 0.70.5 – 0.7%Identical
Melt temperature226 – 322205 – 298°CHigh visc. requires higher melt temperature
Mold temperature70 – 10070 – 100°CIdentical
Molding pressure range69 – 13855 – 103MPaHigh visc. requires higher molding pressure
Durability
Water (fresh)ExcellentExcellent—Identical
Water (salt)ExcellentExcellent—Identical
Weak acidsExcellentExcellent—Identical
Strong acidsExcellentExcellent—Identical
Weak alkalisAcceptableAcceptable—Identical
Strong alkalisUnacceptableUnacceptable—Identical
Organic solventsLimited useLimited use—Identical
Oxidation at 500 °CUnacceptableUnacceptable—Identical
UV radiation (sunlight)FairFair—Identical
FlammabilitySlow-burningSlow-burning—Identical
Primary Production Energy, CO2 & Water
Embodied energy, primary production100 – 111100 – 111MJ/kgIdentical
CO2 footprint, primary production4.53 – 4.994.53 – 4.99kg/kgIdentical
Water usage165 – 182165 – 182l/kgIdentical
Processing Energy, CO2 Footprint & Water
Polymer extrusion energy5.82 – 6.435.78 – 6.39MJ/kgHigh visc. marginally higher
Polymer extrusion CO20.437 – 0.4830.434 – 0.48kg/kgHigh visc. marginally higher
Polymer extrusion water4.83 – 7.244.81 – 7.22l/kgHigh visc. marginally higher
Polymer molding energy18.7 – 20.617.6 – 19.5MJ/kgHigh visc. higher
Polymer molding CO21.4 – 1.551.32 – 1.46kg/kgHigh visc. higher
Polymer molding water12.6 – 18.912.2 – 18.2l/kgHigh visc. higher
Coarse machining energy (per unit wt removed)1.09 – 1.21.09 – 1.2MJ/kgIdentical
Coarse machining CO2 (per unit wt removed)0.0814 – 0.090.0814 – 0.09kg/kgIdentical
Fine machining energy (per unit wt removed)6.58 – 7.276.58 – 7.27MJ/kgIdentical
Fine machining CO2 (per unit wt removed)0.494 – 0.5460.494 – 0.546kg/kgIdentical
Grinding energy (per unit wt removed)12.7 – 1412.7 – 14MJ/kgIdentical
Grinding CO2 (per unit wt removed)0.951 – 1.050.951 – 1.05kg/kgIdentical
Recycling & End of Life
RecycleYesYes—Identical
Embodied energy, recycling35 – 38.735 – 38.7MJ/kgIdentical
CO2 footprint, recycling2.32 – 2.562.32 – 2.56kg/kgIdentical
Recycle fraction in current supply0.672 – 0.7420.672 – 0.742%Identical
DowncycleYesYes—Identical
Combust for energy recoveryYesYes—Identical
Heat of combustion (net)30.3 – 31.830.3 – 31.8MJ/kgIdentical
Combustion CO22.7 – 2.842.7 – 2.84kg/kgIdentical
LandfillYesYes—Identical
BiodegradeNoNo—Identical