Materials/Polymers/Collections
Engineering polymers
engineering-polymersAbout engineering polymers
Engineering polymers (PEEK, nylon, POM, polycarbonate, PTFE and others): strength, temperature limits and data with sources.
Engineering polymers are plastics chosen for strength, stiffness and temperature resistance. Values depend on the grade, moisture and test temperature, which each value names.
At a glance
- Highest density: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) reaches 2.18 g/cm³. Lowest: Polymethylpentene starts at 0.83 g/cm³. (61 of 62 grades have a sourced value.)
- Highest tensile strength: Poly fibre (Zylon) reaches 5,800 MPa. Lowest: Polyurethane (PU) starts at 2.5 MPa. (39 of 62 grades have a sourced value.)
- Highest young's modulus: Poly fibre (Zylon) reaches 270 GPa. Lowest: Polyamide 11 (PA 11) starts at 0.35 GPa. (35 of 62 grades have a sourced value.)
Ranges run across the conditions each source reports (temper, heat treatment, form), measured at room temperature where the source says so.
Types
- Fluoropolymers: 10 grades. Fluoropolymers (PTFE, FEP, PFA, ETFE, ECTFE, PVDF, PCTFE, PVF): chemical resistance, temperature range and electrical data with sources.
- High-performance polymers: 11 grades. High-performance polymers (PEEK, PEI, PPS, PSU, PPSU, PES, PAI, PBI, PEK, PEKK): temperature limits, strength and stiffness with sources.
- Polyamides (nylons): 6 grades. Polyamides (PA6, PA66, PA11, PA12, PA46, PPA): strength, moisture uptake and temperature data with sources.
- Polyesters and liquid crystal polymers: 6 grades. Polyesters (PET, PBT, PEN, PLA, PHB, LCP): strength, barrier and temperature data with sources.
- Polyimides: 5 grades. Polyimides (Kapton, Upilex, PMR-15, CP1): temperature range, radiation tolerance and electrical data with sources.
- Polyolefins and related plastics: 9 grades. Polyolefins (polyethylene, HDPE, UHMWPE, polypropylene, COC, PMP, polyketone, EPDM): density, strength and chemical resistance with sources.
How they compare
The same measurements for every material in the collection. A range means the grade has values under several conditions; "at least" means the source gives a specified minimum. "no data" means no sourced value yet. For ranked tables, open a benchmark.
| Material | Density | Tensile strength | Young's modulus | Glass transition | Service temperature | Thermal conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)structural/insulating polymer | 1.3 g/cm³ | no data | no data | no data | no data | 0.29 W/(m·K) |
| Polyetherimide (PEI)high-performance thermoplastic (Ultem), flame-retardant grades for moulding and FDM printing | 1.27 to 1.34 g/cm³ | no data | 3.2 GPa | 186 to 217 °C | no data | 0.22 W/(m·K) |
| Polyamide 6 (nylon 6) (PA 6)semicrystalline engineering thermoplastic; flown as a thin film in the MISSE 2 PEACE polymer set; ground values read in dry (as-moulded) and conditioned states where the supplier states them | 1.12 to 1.15 g/cm³ | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| PA 66engineering thermoplastic for moulded parts, with a dry and a conditioned state | 1.13 to 1.14 g/cm³ | no data | no data | no data | no data | 0.33 W/(m·K) |
| Polyoxymethylene (acetal), POMengineering thermoplastic for precision moulded parts; Delrin is a DuPont trade name for POM | 1.41 to 1.42 g/cm³ | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| PCtough, transparent housing and optical polymer | 1.19 g/cm³ | no data | 2.35 to 2.4 GPa | 142 to 144 °C | no data | no data |
| Poly (PMMA)transparent structural/optical polymer (acrylic) | 1.19 g/cm³ | no data | no data | no data | 80 °C | 0.19 W/(m·K) |
| Polypropylene (PP)thermoplastic for moulding, films and battery separators | 0.9 g/cm³ | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Polyethylene (PE)lithium-ion separator polymer and general engineering thermoplastic | 0.93 to 0.96 g/cm³ | 21 to 30 MPa | 0.8 to 1.27 GPa | no data | no data | no data |
| ABStough thermoplastic for housings, moulded parts and bodywork | 1.04 to 1.05 g/cm³ | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| PETPolyester film for thermal blankets, solar sails and electrical insulation | 1.35 to 1.39 g/cm³ | 190 to 210 MPa | 3.8 GPa | 76 °C | 150 °C | 0.15 W/(m·K) |
| PSRigid thermoplastic for moulding, packaging and foams (GPPS: clear and brittle; HIPS: rubber-toughened) | 1.04 to 1.05 g/cm³ | 13.8 to 53 MPa | 1.86 to 3.3 GPa | no data | no data | 0.17 W/(m·K) |
| Polyvinylidene fluoridefluoropolymer for moulded parts, films and lithium-ion electrode binder | no data | no data | no data | -40 to -38 °C | no data | no data |
| Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)low-friction insulating and chemically inert polymer | 2.14 to 2.18 g/cm³ | no data | no data | -103 °C | 260 °C | no data |
| FEPmelt-processible fluoropolymer for wire coating, linings and low-outgassing films | 2.14 to 2.15 g/cm³ | 20 MPa | no data | no data | 204 °C | no data |
| Kapton HN polyimide filmflexible insulating film | 1.42 to 1.43 g/cm³ | no data | no data | no data | 400 °C | 0.12 W/(m·K) |
| Poly, ADC (CR-39)clear, light thermoset used for eyeglass lenses and as a solid-state nuclear track detector | 1.14 to 1.32 g/cm³ | no data | no data | 91 °C | 100 °C | no data |
| AFclear, amorphous fluoroplastic coating and optical-cladding polymer | 2.15 g/cm³ | 26.9 to 28.4 MPa | 1.6 GPa | 160 °C | no data | no data |
| Cellulose acetate (CA)bioplastic film base, eyeglass frame and fibre material | 1.29 to 1.32 g/cm³ | no data | no data | 180 to 189 °C | no data | no data |
| CA, CABCellulose ester thermoplastic for film, fibre, moulded and extruded parts, and coatings | 1.26 to 1.31 g/cm³ | 20 to 55.2 MPa | no data | 109 to 193 °C | no data | 0.17 to 0.33 W/(m·K) |
| Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC)amorphous, transparent thermoplastic for optics, packaging and moulded parts (Zeon COP grades included for comparison) | 1.01 to 1.02 g/cm³ | 46 MPa | 2.6 to 3.2 GPa | 68 to 162 °C | no data | no data |
| Polychlorotrifluoroethylenechemically inert, moisture-barrier fluoropolymer with low gas absorption at cryogenic temperature | 2.13 g/cm³ | 32 to 128 MPa | 5.65 GPa | 45 °C | 175 °C | no data |
| Ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylenetough, chemically resistant semi-crystalline fluoropolymer for linings, pipes and cable jackets | 1.65 to 1.71 g/cm³ | 48.3 to 55.2 MPa | 1.65 to 1.7 GPa | no data | 149 to 150 °C | 0.16 W/(m·K) |
| Epoxy (epoxide)thermosetting resin for coatings, adhesives and composite matrices | 1.11 to 1.16 g/cm³ | 69 MPa | 2.75 GPa | no data | no data | no data |
| EPDMSeal, O-ring and hose elastomer for hot water, steam and weathering service | 1.14 to 1.19 g/cm³ | 10.5 to 17 MPa | no data | -42 to -37 °C | 125 to 260 °C | no data |
| ETFEmelt-processible fluoropolymer for wire insulation, film and lined equipment | 1.7 to 1.74 g/cm³ | 28 to 60.4 MPa | 1.08 GPa | no data | 150 to 160 °C | no data |
| HDPElight, tough, chemically resistant thermoplastic for molded, machined and extruded parts | 0.95 to 0.96 g/cm³ | no data | 0.75 GPa | no data | 82.2 °C | no data |
| Liquid crystal polymer (LCP)high-performance thermoplastic for low-loss RF and flexible electronics | 1.4 g/cm³ | 55 to 165 MPa | no data | no data | 200 to 220 °C | 0.18 W/(m·K) |
| Polyamide 11 (PA 11)semicrystalline engineering thermoplastic made from castor oil; the plasticised Rilsan pellet grades read here are for tube extrusion and injection moulding, not for powder-bed printing | 1.03 to 1.05 g/cm³ | 48 to 55 MPa | 0.35 GPa | no data | no data | no data |
| Polyamide 12 (PA 12)semicrystalline engineering thermoplastic; the powder grade (EOS PA 2200 and similar) is the common 3D-printing feedstock for laser sintering and multi jet fusion | 0.9 to 0.95 g/cm³ | 45 to 46 MPa | 1.7 GPa | no data | 80 to 160 °C | no data |
| PA 46high-heat engineering thermoplastic for moulded gear, housing and structural parts | 1.18 to 1.19 g/cm³ | 55 to 103 MPa | 1 to 16 GPa | no data | 100 to 200 °C | 0.3 W/(m·K) |
| Polyamide-imide (PAI)high-performance thermoplastic (Torlon), unfilled tough grade 4203L and graphite-filled bearing grade 4301 | 1.41 to 1.45 g/cm³ | 113 to 138 MPa | 4.14 to 6.83 GPa | 275 °C | 260 °C | 0.53 W/m/K |
| Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)carbon fibre precursor and textile fibre polymer | 1.14 to 1.18 g/cm³ | no data | no data | 85 to 100 °C | no data | no data |
| Polybenzimidazole (PBI)High-temperature aromatic polymer used as flame-resistant fibre and moulded resin, and in NASA space textiles | 1.28 to 1.3 g/cm³ | 160 MPa | 5.9 GPa | 415 to 425 °C | 260 to 400 °C | 0.41 W/(m·K) |
| Poly fibre (Zylon)high-strength fibre | 1.4 g/cm³ | 3,220 to 5,800 MPa | 137 to 270 GPa | no data | no data | no data |
| PBTInjection-moulding polyester for electrical housings, plug connectors and keycaps; one sample flew on MISSE 2 in low Earth orbit | 1.3 to 1.33 g/cm³ | no data | 2.4 to 2.6 GPa | 60 °C | 150 to 200 °C | 0.27 W/(m·K) |
| PDMSelastomer, encapsulant and potting base | 1.03 g/cm³ | 6.7 MPa | no data | no data | 200 °C | 0.27 W/(m·K) |
| Polyetherketone (PEK)structural/insulating polymer | 1.3 g/cm³ | no data | 4.2 to 4.3 GPa | 141 to 165 °C | no data | 0.29 W/m/K |
| Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK)structural/insulating polymer | 1.29 g/cm³ | 93.9 to 116 MPa | 1.06 to 4 GPa | 158 to 165 °C | no data | no data |
| PENPolyester film for motor slot and phase insulation, and a higher-temperature alternative to PET film | 1.33 to 1.36 g/cm³ | 200 to 300 MPa | 2.2 to 5.5 GPa | 114 °C | 155 to 180 °C | 0.15 W/(m·K) |
| Polyethylene oxide (PEO)Water-soluble polyether; flown as a MISSE 2 PEACE polymer for atomic-oxygen erosion | 1.15 g/cm³ | no data | no data | no data | 65 °C | no data |
| Polyethersulfone (PES)high-performance amorphous thermoplastic (poly(oxy-1,4-phenylenesulfonyl-1,4-phenylene), sold as Ultrason E, Sumikaexcel and Sustason PES); the sulfone-only sibling of PSU | 1.37 g/cm³ | no data | 2.64 GPa | 225 °C | 220 °C | no data |
| Perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA)melt-processible fluoropolymer for wire insulation, high-purity fluid handling and chemical linings | 2.14 to 2.15 g/cm³ | 21 MPa | 0.48 GPa | no data | 260 °C | 0.2 W/(m·K) |
| PHBBacterial bioplastic polyester for moulded, extruded and printed parts | 1.22 to 1.23 g/cm³ | 30 to 38 MPa | 3.3 GPa | 2.4 °C | no data | no data |
| Phenolic resin (PF)thermosetting resin for ablative heat shields, laminates and moulded parts | 1.21 to 1.32 g/cm³ | 62 to 93.1 MPa | no data | no data | 121 to 125 °C | no data |
| Colorless polyimide CP1 filmflexible, optically clear polyimide film for thin-film space structures | 1.42 g/cm³ | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Kapton H polyimide filmflexible insulating film, the original general-purpose grade | 1.43 g/cm³ | no data | no data | no data | 400 °C | no data |
| High temperature polyimide resin (PMR-15)high-temperature structural matrix resin for composites | 1.29 to 1.32 g/cm³ | no data | no data | 332 to 362 °C | 316 °C | no data |
| Upilex-S polyimide film (BPDA)flexible insulating film | 1.39 to 1.47 g/cm³ | 520 MPa | 9.1 GPa | no data | no data | 0.29 W/(m·K) |
| PLABio-based polyester for moulded parts, extruded sheet, coatings and 3D printing filament | 1.22 to 1.24 g/cm³ | 24 to 53 MPa | 2.31 to 3.5 GPa | 55 to 60 °C | no data | no data |
| Polymethylpentenetransparent low-density thermoplastic for moulding, films and release | 0.83 g/cm³ | 25 MPa | 1.9 GPa | no data | no data | no data |
| Aliphatic polyketone (PK)semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic made from carbon monoxide and olefins; PEVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) is covered briefly as the PV encapsulant polymer | 0.95 g/cm³ | 19 MPa | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Polyphthalamide (PPA)high-temperature polyamide for moulded connectors and parts that replace metal | 1.45 to 1.47 g/cm³ | 210 to 220 MPa | 11.5 to 12.1 GPa | 140 °C | no data | no data |
| Polyphenylene oxide (PPO)amorphous high-temperature thermoplastic, used mainly as a blend with polystyrene (Noryl) for electrical and office-equipment parts | 1.06 to 1.21 g/cm³ | 112 MPa | no data | 209 °C | no data | no data |
| Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)high-temperature thermoplastic for moulded electrical, fluid-handling and automotive parts | 1.36 to 1.68 g/cm³ | 179 to 200 MPa | 5.77 GPa | 90 °C | 170 °C | no data |
| Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU)high-performance amorphous thermoplastic (poly(biphenyl ether sulfone), sold as Radel R-5000 by Syensqo and Ultrason P by BASF); the biphenyl sibling of PES and PSU | 1.29 g/cm³ | 69.6 MPa | 2.34 GPa | 220 °C | no data | no data |
| Polysulfone (PSU)high-performance amorphous thermoplastic (bisphenol-A polysulfone, sold as Udel and Sultron), flown as a sample on MISSE 2 | 1.22 g/cm³ | 70.3 MPa | 2.48 GPa | 190 to 230 °C | no data | no data |
| Polyurethane (PU)thermoplastic and cast elastomer, and rigid or flexible foam, made from a diisocyanate and a polyol | 1.03 to 1.23 g/cm³ | 2.5 to 40 MPa | no data | no data | 100 °C | no data |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)rigid pipe and profile thermoplastic (uPVC); plasticised for flexible cable jackets and tubing | 1.18 to 1.62 g/cm³ | 13.1 to 33 MPa | 2.3 to 3.72 GPa | no data | 60 °C | no data |
| PVFweatherable fluoropolymer film with good atomic oxygen resistance | 1.37 to 1.72 g/cm³ | 55.2 to 110 MPa | no data | no data | 107 °C | no data |
| Crystalline polyvinyl fluoride with white pigmentbiaxially oriented fluoropolymer film with titanium dioxide pigment, used as a weather-resistant outer layer | 1.37 to 1.72 g/cm³ | 55 to 62 MPa | 2.66 GPa | -20 to 50 °C | 107 °C | no data |
| UHMWPEwear-resistant engineering plastic and high-strength fibre (Dyneema, Spectra) | 0.93 to 0.97 g/cm³ | 40 MPa | 0.55 GPa | no data | 82.2 to 90 °C | 0.41 W/(m·K) |
What these materials are made of
Composition by weight, as printed in the sources for each grade (the first constituents listed).
| Material | Main constituents |
|---|---|
| Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) | C 79.2% · H 4.2% · O 16.6% |
| Polyetherimide (PEI) | C 75% · H 4.1% · O 16.2% · N 4.7% |
| Polyoxymethylene (acetal), POM | C 40.0% · H 6.7% · O 53.3% |
| Polyethylene (PE) | C 85.6% · H 14.4% |
| Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) | C 24.0% · F 76.0% |
| Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) | C 67.9% · H 5.7% · N 26.4% |
| Polyethersulfone (PES) | C 62.1% · H 3.5% · O 20.7% · S 13.8% |
| Upilex-S polyimide film (BPDA) | C 72.1% · H 2.8% · O 17.5% · N 7.6% |
| Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) | C 72.0% · H 4.0% · O 16.0% · S 8.0% |
| Polysulfone (PSU) | C 73.3% · H 5.0% · O 14.5% · S 7.2% |
| PVF | C 52.2% · H 6.6% · F 41.3% |
| UHMWPE | C 85.6% · H 14.4% |
Where they are used
| Use | Grades |
|---|---|
| 3D-printed PEEK structure for a 2U CubeSat-class nanosatellite for low Earth orbit (design and ground tests only in the paper) | Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) |
| PEEK film samples on the exterior of the ISS Russian Service Module (flight exposure experiment) | Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) |
| Candidate seal or liner material for liquid-hydrogen systems (ground tensile tests only) | Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) |
| FDM 3D-printed parts in Ultem 9085 (flame-retardant grade) | Polyetherimide (PEI) |
| FDM 3D-printed aerospace parts in Ultem 9085 | Polyetherimide (PEI) |
| Aircraft interior components (ULTEM 1000 base resin) | Polyetherimide (PEI) |
| Gears and bearings | Polyamide 6 (nylon 6) (PA 6), PA 66 |
| Load-bearing automotive and electronics parts | Polyamide 6 (nylon 6) (PA 6) |
| Fibres: parachutes, aircraft tyre cord and towing cables (wartime Germany) | Polyamide 6 (nylon 6) (PA 6) |
| Terminals and cable connectors | PA 66 |
| Automotive under-the-hood housings and gears (33 % glass) | PA 66 |
| Gears and drive trains | Polyoxymethylene (acetal), POM |
| Zippers and thin-section parts | Polyoxymethylene (acetal), POM |
| Fasteners and snap-fits | Polyoxymethylene (acetal), POM |
| Injection-moulded housings and covers | PC |
| Optical and light-transmitting parts | PC |
When each grade fits
| Material | Best for | Weakest at |
|---|---|---|
| Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) | A stiff, heat-tolerant, low-outgassing structural and electrically insulating plastic (printed PEEK lost 0.19% of its mass in an outgassing test) | Ultraviolet and atomic-oxygen exposure in low Earth orbit (embrittled to about 15% of its original elongation on the ISS), and loss of strength between 77 K and 20 K |
| Polyetherimide (PEI) | High-temperature parts that need flame retardance and stiffness, with a glass transition of 217 degC for the base resin and 186 degC for the 9085 FDM grade | Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit: an erosion yield of at least 3.31e-24 cm3/atom on the MISSE 2 sample; stress cracking in chlorinated solvents |
| Polyamide 6 (nylon 6) (PA 6) | Flight-proven polymer for atomic-oxygen exposure data in low Earth orbit (only one flight value read here) | Moisture uptake: the Aquafil sheet gives a saturation water uptake of 10 %, and the stiffness and strength values fall once conditioned |
| PA 66 | Stiff moulded parts where the dry state is known: 3 GPa tensile modulus and 85 MPa yield stress in the dry BASF Q601 grade, as printed on the datasheet page | Water: 8.5 % moisture at saturation changes the stiffness and strength of the part. The conditioned Q603 grade has a tensile modulus of 1.2 GPa against 3 GPa dry |
| Polyoxymethylene (acetal), POM | Stiff, dimensionally stable moulded parts: a 2700 MPa tensile modulus and 64 MPa yield stress in the C 13021 FC copolymer grade | Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit: an erosion yield of 9.14e-24 cm3/atom on MISSE 2 |
| PC | Tough, transparent housings and light covers: 89 % luminous transmittance, 55 J puncture energy at 23 °C and 1190 kg/m3 density in the Covestro injection-moulding grades | Ultraviolet light: PC yellows under UV, with an activation energy of about 21 kJ/mol for the yellowing (Pickett 2019), and atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit erodes it (MISSE 2) |
| Poly (PMMA) | A clear, rigid, easily shaped plastic for windows, lenses and covers (about 92% transmittance, refractive index 1.491) with low outgassing in the NASA database entries (0.51 to 0.81% mass loss) | Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit (eroded faster than Kapton H), ultraviolet light in grades without a UV absorber, and heat (maximum permanent service temperature about 80 degC) |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Light battery separators and moulded parts: a 14 µm Celgard PP1410 monolayer at 43 % porosity and 290 gf puncture strength (typical), and a 0.90 g/cm3 density in the LyondellBasell grades | Heat and atomic oxygen: heat deflection temperatures of 80 °C to 97 °C in the grades read, and an erosion yield of 2.68e-24 cm3/atom in low Earth orbit |
| Polyethylene (PE) | Low-density, tough, chemically resistant plastic, and a melt-based shutdown near 130 °C in a battery separator | Stiffness and heat resistance: a separator layer melts near 130 to 135 °C, and the H5818J HDPE grade has a flexural modulus of 13000 kg/cm2 |
| ABS | Impact-tough moulded parts: 23 kJ/m2 Charpy notched impact at 23 °C in SABIC MG94F, with 2200 MPa flexural modulus in Chimei PA-757F | Heat and atomic oxygen: heat deflection of 80 °C at 1.8 MPa for SABIC MG94F, and an erosion yield of 1.09e-24 cm3/atom in low Earth orbit |
| PET | Thin, lightweight, flexible film where low mass and tensile strength matter, and where it sits in vacuum away from direct sunlight (multilayer insulation, sails, electrical insulation) | Water and heat over time: Mylar hydrolyzes under high temperature and humidity, and in LEO atomic oxygen erodes it (MISSE 2, 3.01e-24 cm3/atom) |
| PS | Rigid moulded parts that need a Vicat softening point near 101 degC and melt flow rates from 2 to 25 g/10 min at 200 degC/5 kg (Versalis grades read) | Brittleness in GPPS form, and atomic oxygen erosion in low Earth orbit (3.74e-24 cm3/atom on the MISSE 2 flight sample) |
| Polyvinylidene fluoride | Chemically resistant moulded parts and lithium-ion electrode binder: a 1.78 specific gravity and a 169 to 171 °C melting range in the Kynar 1000 Series | Stiffness and heat under load: a tensile yield strength of 45 to 55 MPa and a heat deflection temperature of 125 to 140 °C at 0.45 MPa |
| Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) | A low-friction, electrically insulating, low-outgassing plastic that resists atomic oxygen far better than Kapton, PEEK or most hydrocarbon polymers | Ionizing radiation (it loses strength and stretch at megarad doses), low strength (23 to 27 MPa at room temperature) and heating above 300 degC, where it gives off toxic fumes |
| FEP | A chemically inert, electrically insulating and low-outgassing fluoropolymer that can be melt-processed into thin films, coatings and tubing. | Mechanical strength and ductility after long orbital exposure (Hubble retrieved specimens dropped to 0 to 25 percent elongation), and releasing hydrogen fluoride when processed above 250 degC. |
| Kapton HN polyimide film | A thin, flexible, electrically insulating film that works from cryogenic to about 400 degC and passes the usual outgassing screen | Atomic-oxygen erosion in low Earth orbit (the outer film is eaten away unless it is covered or coated), and slow darkening under space radiation |
| Poly, ADC (CR-39) | Light, clear optical parts and track detectors: 1.498 refractive index and about half the weight of glass (Wikipedia) | Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit (erosion yield above 6.80e-24 cm3/atom on MISSE 2) and UV, which changes its optical absorption and etch behaviour |
| AF | Thin, low-index, optically clear and hydrophobic fluoropolymer coatings and claddings that must survive atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit | Strength and stiffness at high temperature: tensile strength falls from 26.9 MPa at 23 degC to 7.7 MPa at 220 degC, and the material decomposes above 360 degC |
| Cellulose acetate (CA) | Stiff, clear film and moulding compound from a cellulose ester: a glass transition of 180 °C in the Eastman CA-398-3 grade, and a flight-measured erosion yield of 5.05e-24 cm3/atom in low Earth orbit for predicting similar esters | Heat and moisture: the Eastman SDS prints a decomposition temperature of 304 °C, sources say CA releases acetic acid when heat or moisture act on film, and it erodes in low Earth orbit at 5.05e-24 cm3/atom |
| CA, CAB | Injection-moulded and extruded parts that carry a load up to about 85 to 95 °C, with low plasticizer grades giving the highest heat deflection and stiffness, and CAB where a lower glass transition and an outdoor-stabilised formulation are wanted. | Heat above about 90 °C under load, water uptake of 1.2 to 2.6 % by 24 h immersion, and UV: outdoor use needs UV inhibitors, and the Eastman weathering note says deterioration depends on humidity and temperature as well as radiation. |
| Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) | Clear, moulded optical and medical parts where low moisture uptake matters (91 % light transmission for TOPAS 8007S-04 and 92 % for ZEONEX 5000) | Heat: the low-Tg TOPAS 8007S-04 grade deflects at 75 °C under 0.45 MPa, and no space exposure data were found |
| Polychlorotrifluoroethylene | Cryogenic and liquid-oxygen seals, valve seats and moisture barriers where chemical inertness matters more than stiffness | Ionizing radiation (it degrades like PTFE) and a low continuous service temperature compared with metals; a valve-seat study also found dimensional instability between 40 and 70 degC |
| Ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene | Corrosion-resistant linings, pipes and tanks, and wire or cable jacketing that must survive acids and solvents and still be tough | Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit (far more than PTFE on the MISSE 2 flight) and overheating, which gives toxic and corrosive fumes including hydrogen fluoride |
| Epoxy (epoxide) | Structural bonding and matrix resin where a rigid, chemically resistant cured network is needed (EPON 828 cures to tensile values above 69 MPa when unfilled) | Atomic oxygen and ultraviolet exposure in orbit: an erosion yield of 4.21e-24 cm3/atom, and UV ageing that cracks the surface and lowers hardness |
| EPDM | Seals for hot water, steam, ozone and weathering, and for glycol or silicone brake fluids (Polymax, Parker) | Petroleum lubricants (Parker says it deteriorates in them), and UV exposure, which crosslinks and oxidises the rubber in the one UV-aged study read here |
| ETFE | Melt-processible, tough fluoropolymer insulation and film that resists atomic oxygen better than Kapton H and most hydrocarbon polymers | Ionizing radiation in air (elongation falls sharply above about 400 kGy) and continuous service above about 160 C |
| HDPE | Light, tough, moisture-resistant plastic parts that are kept out of sunlight and out of heat | UV and heat: pure HDPE lost 66.0% of its elongation after 600 h of UV lamp ageing, and its heat-deflection temperature is 42 to 70 °C under light load |
| Liquid crystal polymer (LCP) | Low-loss RF substrates and flexible circuits where the dielectric constant and moisture uptake must stay stable in humid air | Loss rises with temperature, about 20% more line loss at 75 °C and 50% or more at 125 °C, and no space-exposure result for LCP was found |
| Polyamide 11 (PA 11) | Ground tubing, fluid-transfer lines and injection-moulded parts from plasticised PA11 pellets, where the Arkema datasheet values are known | UV: the only UV result read is a rising carbonyl index in a clay-filled PA11 study (Kaci 2018), with no tensile loss figure; water uptake reaches 1.6 % at equilibrium; the plasticised grades soften at 45 degC under 1.8 MPa load |
| Polyamide 12 (PA 12) | Ground 3D-printed functional parts from PA12 powder (laser sintering and multi jet fusion), where the printed-part values are known | UV ageing: accelerated weathering cut tensile strength by about 40 % and elongation by about 84 % for non-coated additive-manufactured PA12; water uptake reaches 1.93 % in hot water |
| PA 46 | Heat-tolerant moulded parts that carry load: TW341 has a deflection temperature of 190 °C at 1.8 MPa, and the 50 % glass-filled TW241F10 grade has 290 °C at 1.80 MPa | Water: TW341 takes up 3.7 % moisture at 50 % RH and its tensile modulus falls from 3300 MPa dry to 1000 MPa conditioned. Strong acids and strong alkalis are rated unacceptable for Nylatron 4.6 |
| Polyamide-imide (PAI) | Wear-resistant bearing parts and electrical insulators that must keep their strength near 250 °C | Water uptake, attack by saturated steam and strong bases, and no atomic-oxygen or outgassing data found |
| Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) | Atomic-oxygen tolerance in low Earth orbit in the one flight data point collected here (NASA MISSE 2, about 3.95 years) | Only one flight result and one ground test of its erosion behaviour were found; no UV or thermal-cycling result for the neat polymer |
| Polybenzimidazole (PBI) | Flame-resistant protective fabrics and high-temperature parts that must keep stiffness, with a glass transition of 425 degC | Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit (erosion yield of at least 2.21e-24 cm3/atom on MISSE 2); fine dust is flammable and explosive when suspended in air |
| Poly fibre (Zylon) | Very high-strength, stiff fibre for ballistic armour and tensile lines, where the fibre is kept out of sunlight | Ultraviolet light, which cuts tensile strength sharply; and low compressive strength (NIST: about 10 to 15 percent of tensile strength) |
| PBT | Stiff, dimensionally stable moulded parts for electrical housings and plug connectors that stay dry and below about 150 °C | Hot water and long heat: PBT is sensitive to hot water above 60 °C, and atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit erodes it at 9.11e-24 cm3/atom (MISSE 2) |
| PDMS | Clear, flexible potting and encapsulation of electronics, power supplies and connectors over -45 to 200 degC | Low tensile strength (6.7 MPa) and a soft cure (durometer 43), sensitive to cure inhibitors such as organotin, sulfur and some plasticisers, and aged by UVB and prolonged heat |
| Polyetherketone (PEK) | Stiff, heat-tolerant thermoplastic parts that need about 4300 MPa tensile modulus at 23 °C and a deflection temperature of 163 °C (VICTREX HT G22) | Flexural strength at high temperature (32.0 MPa at 175 °C for G22, against 180 MPa at 23 °C), and no space-environment data |
| Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) | Stiff, flame-resistant thermoplastic for filament-printed or fibre-reinforced structural parts that must stay rigid at 150 °C and above (LOI 38 %, V-0 at 0.8 mm) | Printed parts, where crystallinity in the printed layers sets strength and ductility (tensile strength fell about 49 % when the top layer crystallized), and where printed stiffness fell far below the datasheet value. No space ageing data. |
| PEN | Thin, stiff, heat-tolerant electrical film, where PET runs out of temperature margin (motor slot insulation, flexible substrates) | Little published ageing data: no flight atomic-oxygen value and no quantitative humidity or UV result was found in the sources checked |
| Polyethylene oxide (PEO) | Water-soluble, flexible polymer for aqueous formulations; the flown erosion yield is low enough to make it a candidate where atomic-oxygen erosion is the main concern | Heat and water: the MISSE 2 table gives a maximum operating temperature of 65 C, the grade melts at 66 to 75 C, and the polymer is soluble in water |
| Polyethersulfone (PES) | Electrical and structural parts that must keep their shape at about 205 degC (heat deflection at 1.8 MPa) and need a UL V-0 flame class at 1.5 mm | Ultraviolet light and oxygen: UV breaks the polymer chain and forms sulfonic acid groups when oxygen is present, and no PES flight or radiation result was found |
| Perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA) | Melt-processible thin films, wire insulation, and fluid components requiring extreme chemical inertness, low outgassing, and resistance to atomic oxygen erosion in low Earth orbit. | Low resistance to ionizing radiation (chain scission causes embrittlement above 10 kGy), modest mechanical tensile strength of 21 MPa, and release of corrosive hydrogen fluoride upon heating above 350 °C. |
| PHB | Bio-based, biodegradable thermoplastic parts and 3D-printed items where a fossil-free polyester is wanted and brittleness is acceptable or blended away. | Brittleness and a narrow processing window: unfilled P(3HB) breaks at 3.8 % elongation, and it degrades just above its melting point. |
| Phenolic resin (PF) | Char-forming ablators and laminates for gears and bearings, where a hard, machinable thermoset is needed (NEMA LE cotton phenolic: 13 ksi lengthwise tensile) | Low char yield and low decomposition onset compared with polyimide and cyanate ester, and a lower glass transition than cyanate ester and polybenzoxazine (NASA) |
| Colorless polyimide CP1 film | Thin, clear, flexible film for solar sails and sunshades where the film stays uncoated in orbit only for short times | Optical darkening under UV and particle radiation (solar absorptance rose more than 0.3 in simulation), and atomic-oxygen erosion of exposed film |
| Kapton H polyimide film | A thin, flexible polyimide film for insulation and multilayer blankets where the film is covered or coated against atomic oxygen | Atomic-oxygen erosion in low Earth orbit. The MISSE 2 flight value is 3.00e-24 cm3/atom, so bare outer film is eaten away. |
| High temperature polyimide resin (PMR-15) | Structural composite parts that must hold strength at about 290 to 316 degC, such as engine ducts, cowls and fan blades | Atomic-oxygen erosion in low Earth orbit (the MISSE 2 sample eroded through), and weight loss from thermo-oxidation at 316 degC; the MDA monomer is a carcinogen concern during manufacture |
| Upilex-S polyimide film (BPDA) | A thin, flexible, electrically insulating film with a very low coefficient of thermal expansion and no melting point, where dimensional stability over temperature matters more than atomic-oxygen resistance | Atomic-oxygen erosion in low Earth orbit (MISSE 2 erosion yield 9.22e-24 cm3/atom, the highest of the polyimides in the NASA table), so exposed film must be covered or coated |
| PLA | Moulded and extruded parts that stay below about 55 °C in service, such as clear cups, cutlery and housings, and printed parts from the high-heat monofilament grades (heat deflection 75 to 90 °C). | Heat and moisture: the 2003D, 3052D and amorphous 3100HP grades deform at 54 to 55 °C, and moisture above 0.025 % (250 ppm) risks viscosity loss during processing. |
| Polymethylpentene | Transparent, low-density mouldings and release films where heat resistance and a low dielectric constant matter: RT18 at 833 kg/m3, 94 % transmittance and a dielectric constant of 2.11 at 1 MHz | Impact and long exposure: an Izod impact of 24 J/m for RT18, a heat distortion temperature of 127 °C at 0.45 MPa, and Mitsui's warning that long outdoor use can cause colour change and quality loss |
| Aliphatic polyketone (PK) | Injection-moulded and extruded ground parts that need wear resistance and resistance to hot water and weak chemicals (PK) | UV and heat ageing: no UV or heat-ageing number was read for PK, and the Akro-Plastic chemical table shows large yield-stress losses in hot acid and in dimethylformamide |
| Polyphthalamide (PPA) | Moulded connector housings and parts that replace metal at high temperature: the glass-filled grades keep a heat deflection temperature of 260 to 303 degC and a melting point of 300 to 310 degC | Water and long-term heat. The Zytel 35 % glass grade absorbs 3.5 % water at saturation, and its relative thermal index for impact is 125 degC. No UV, atomic-oxygen or vacuum result for PPA was found. |
| Polyphenylene oxide (PPO) | Stiff, low-water-uptake electrical and office-equipment parts that run at up to about 150 °C: PX9406P has a 136 °C HDT at 0.45 MPa and NHP9023 has 154 °C at 1.82 MPa | Ductility and processing: the glass-fibre grade breaks at 2.7 % elongation and the PX9406P grade at 8 %, and the neat resin is hard to process without a blend partner (Wikipedia) |
| Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) | Glass-filled moulded parts that run hot and must stay stiff: 40 % glass grades with a 265 °C deflection temperature at 1.8 MPa (ASTM D648) | Ductility: elongation at break is 1.5 % to 2.5 % in the grades read, and no PPS atomic-oxygen erosion yield was found |
| Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) | Parts that must be steam sterilised many times and keep their shape near 200 degC, such as surgical instruments and flame-rated aircraft interior parts | UV and weathering: the polysulfone family is known to weather, and no numeric UV or atomic oxygen result for PPSU was found |
| Polysulfone (PSU) | Parts that must hold stiffness and shape at about 170 degC, can be steam-sterilised, and need dimensional stability (174 degC deflection temperature for the P-1700 grade) | Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit, where the NASA flight sample eroded at 2.94e-24 cm3/atom; and no published glass-transition or radiation data from a manufacturer datasheet in this run |
| Polyurethane (PU) | Flexible, tough elastomers and seals in the ground-tested grades read, and a known LEO atomic oxygen rate of 1.56e-24 cm3/atom | Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit (erosion yield 1.56e-24 cm3/atom) and hydrolysis; the isocyanate precursors are strong respiratory sensitisers |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) | Stiff, dense, flame-rated rigid profiles, pipes and window frames, and flexible cable jackets where elongation matters | Heat under load: rigid compounds deflect at 57 to 72.2 °C under 1.8 MPa, and the flexible cable grades are rated to 60 °C for continuous use |
| PVF | Weatherable, tough, flexible thin film for outdoor or decorative surfaces where a pigment can shield it from atomic oxygen | Clear film erodes under atomic oxygen about as fast as Kapton H (NASA MISSE 2), so it needs pigment or a shield in low Earth orbit |
| Crystalline polyvinyl fluoride with white pigment | Protective outer films on solar arrays and aircraft interiors where weathering, UV stability and chemical resistance matter | Atomic oxygen erosion of thin films, which can peel at the edges, and the low tensile strength of the 1.5 and 2.0 mil white grades |
| UHMWPE | Low-friction, abrasion-resistant parts, and high-strength fibre at about 0.97 g/cm3 | Heat and sunlight: a 82.2 °C long-term air limit for the sheet grade, and UV ageing that breaks polymer chains |
Materials
engineering-polymers/abs
Styrenics • 20 sourced entries • 11 sources • 2026
engineering-polymers/adc-cr-39
Polycarbonates • 21 sourced entries • 8 sources • 2026
fluoropolymers/af
Fluoropolymers • 26 sourced entries • 8 sources • 2026
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polyolefins/coc
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fluoropolymers/pctfe-ctfe-kel-f
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fluoropolymers/ectfe-halar
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engineering-polymers/ep
Epoxies and resins • 18 sourced entries • 4 sources • 2026
polyolefins/epdm
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fluoropolymers/etfe
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fluoropolymers/fep
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polyolefins/hdpe
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polyesters/lcp
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polyamides/pa-11
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polyamides/pa-12
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polyamides/pa-6
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high-performance-polymers/pai
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polyamides/pa-46
Polyamides • 44 sourced entries • 8 sources • 2026
engineering-polymers/pan
Acrylics • 13 sourced entries • 7 sources • 2026
high-performance-polymers/pbi
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polyamides/pa-66
Polyamides • 38 sourced entries • 13 sources • 2026
high-performance-polymers/pbo-zylon
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engineering-polymers/pdms
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high-performance-polymers/peek
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polyesters/pbt
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high-performance-polymers/pei
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high-performance-polymers/pek
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polyesters/pen
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engineering-polymers/peo
Polyethers • 17 sourced entries • 6 sources • 2026
high-performance-polymers/pes
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polyesters/pet
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fluoropolymers/pfa
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polyesters/phb
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engineering-polymers/pf
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polyimides/pi-cp1
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polyimides/pi-kapton-h
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polyimides/pi-pmr-15
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polyesters/pla
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engineering-polymers/pmma
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polyolefins/pmp-tpx
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polyolefins/pe
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engineering-polymers/pc
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polyolefins/pk
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polyolefins/pp
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engineering-polymers/pom
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engineering-polymers/ppo
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high-performance-polymers/pps
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polyamides/ppa
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high-performance-polymers/ppsu
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engineering-polymers/ps
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high-performance-polymers/psu
High-performance • 20 sourced entries • 8 sources • 2026
fluoropolymers/ptfe
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engineering-polymers/pu
Polyurethanes • 14 sourced entries • 10 sources • 2026
polyolefins/pvc
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fluoropolymers/pvdf-kynar
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fluoropolymers/pvf
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fluoropolymers/pvf-white-tedlar
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polyolefins/uhmwpe
Polyolefins • 31 sourced entries • 8 sources • 2026