Polyphenylene oxide PPO

(C₈H₈O)n, poly(oxy-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene), made by oxidative coupling of 2,6-xylenol · CAS 25134-01-4

Also known as Noryl, PPO

Polyphenylene oxide (PPO, also called poly(p-phenylene ether) or PPE) is an amorphous thermoplastic with the repeat unit (C8H8O)n, made by oxidative coupling of 2,6-xylenol.

9 sources · Updated 2026-10-26 · CC BY 4.0

Evidence level

2 of 5

Lab-measured

Stay stiff when warm

154 °C HDT at 1.82 MPa

Low water uptake

0.07 % in 24 hours

Recipe, share of the weight

C standard atomic weight [12.0096, 12.0116]Carbon
H standard atomic weight [1.007 84, 1.008 11]Hydrogen
O standard atomic weight [15.999 03, 15.999 77]Oxygen

Best for

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

Weakest at

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)

Risk at a glance

People Moderate. Warning, respiratory irritation
If it fails Moderate. Loss of stiffness under sustained load at elevated temperature
Corrosion Low. Low water uptake, 0.07 % after 24 hours for Noryl PX9406P.

Quick facts: PPO

Key properties of PPO
Property	Value	Basis
Density	1.06 to 1.21 g/cm³	3 sourced values across conditions
Yield strength	73 MPa	1 sourced value
Tensile strength	112 MPa	1 sourced value
Thermal expansion (CTE)	0.00008 /°C	1 sourced value

What is the density of Polyphenylene oxide (PPO)?

Polyphenylene oxide (PPO) has a density of 1.06 to 1.21 g/cm³. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Polyphenylene oxide (PPO)?

Polyphenylene oxide (PPO) has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 0.00008 /°C. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the yield strength of Polyphenylene oxide (PPO)?

Polyphenylene oxide (PPO) has a yield strength of 73 MPa. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the tensile strength of Polyphenylene oxide (PPO)?

Polyphenylene oxide (PPO) has a tensile strength of 112 MPa. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What are the other names and codes for Polyphenylene oxide (PPO)?

Polyphenylene oxide (PPO) is also written as Noryl, PPO. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.

What is Polyphenylene oxide (PPO) used for?

Uses recorded in the sources include Internal parts of office equipment, including a copier fuser unit; Electronics components; Automotive components.

Why it exists

PPO is an amorphous high-temperature thermoplastic that is almost always used in blends. The glass-fibre Noryl grade NHP9023 reaches 154 °C at 1.82 MPa and has a 5200 MPa flexural modulus. The unfilled PX9406P has a 1.1 g/cm3 density and absorbs 0.07 % water in 24 hours.

Recipe

(C₈H₈O)n, poly(oxy-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene), made by oxidative coupling of 2,6-xylenol

PPO is made by oxidative coupling of 2,6-xylenol (21 CFR 177.2460). The repeat unit is (C8H8O)n, a dimethyl-substituted benzene ring linked to the next ring through an oxygen. Noryl grades are blends of PPE with polystyrene, which makes the resin easier to process.

What PPO is made of
Ingredient	Share of the weight	What it does
Carbon C	standard atomic weight [12.0096, 12.0116]	Eight carbons per repeat unit, six in the benzene ring and two in the methyl groups.
Hydrogen H	standard atomic weight [1.007 84, 1.008 11]	Eight hydrogens per repeat unit, two aromatic and six from the methyl groups.
Oxygen O	standard atomic weight [15.999 03, 15.999 77]	One ether oxygen linking neighbouring rings.

Weight shares are as printed in the sources.

What it can do

Stay stiff when warm

154 °C HDT at 1.82 MPa

measured

NHP9023, a 15 % glass-fibre PPE/PS blend, reaches 154 °C at 1.82 MPa under ASTM D648, with no annealing.

Low water uptake

0.07 % in 24 hours

measured

PX9406P absorbs 0.07 % water in 24 hours under ASTM D570 at 23 °C.

How it compares

These rows are for different products. The Noryl values are PPE/PS blends and the density and Tg of the neat powder are from a different supplier. They are examples and not a ranking.

The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.

Benchmarks
Measurement	PPO	PEO
Thermal behavior and safety
Heat deflection temperature at 0.45 MPa, Noryl PX9406P	136 °C⁶	no data
Heat deflection temperature at 1.82 MPa, Noryl PX9406P	122 °C⁷	no data
Heat deflection temperature at 1.82 MPa, Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)	154 °C⁸	no data
Physical and electrical
Density, Noryl PX9406P (PPE/PS blend)	1.1 g/cm³¹	1.147 g/cm³
Density, Noryl NHP9023 (PPE/PS, 15 % glass fibre)	1.21 g/cm³²	1.147 g/cm³
Density, neat PPO powder (Polysciences 08794)	1.06 g/mL³	1.147 g/cm³
Temperature behavior
Glass transition temperature, neat PPO powder (Polysciences 08794)	209 °C⁴	no data
Vicat softening point (rate A/120), Noryl PX9406P	150 °C⁵	no data
Other measurements
Tensile strength at yield, Noryl PX9406P	73 MPa⁹	no data
Tensile strength at break, Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)	112 MPa¹⁰	no data
Elongation at break, Noryl PX9406P	8 %¹¹	no data
Elongation at break, Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)	2.7 %¹²	no data
Flexural modulus, Noryl PX9406P	2500 MPa¹³	no data
Flexural modulus, Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)	5200 MPa¹⁴	no data
Flexural strength (yield point), Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)	163 MPa¹⁵	no data
Notched Izod impact strength at 23 °C, Noryl PX9406P	140 J/m¹⁶	no data
Water absorption, 24 hours, Noryl PX9406P	0.07 %¹⁷	no data
Water absorption at saturation, 23 °C, Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)	0.2 %¹⁸	no data
Dielectric constant at 50/60 Hz, Noryl PX9406P	2.8 -¹⁹	no data
Coefficient of thermal expansion, flow direction, -40 to +40 °C, Noryl PX9406P	8×10^-5 /°C²⁰	no data

Why choose it, and why not

Good for

Stiff electrical and office-equipment parts that run warm: 154 °C HDT at 1.82 MPa for the 15 % glass-fibre Noryl grade NHP9023.
Parts where low water uptake matters: 0.07 % in 24 hours for the unfilled Noryl PX9406P.

Watch out for

Ductility: elongation at break is 8 % for the unfilled PX9406P and 2.7 % for the glass-fibre NHP9023, so the glass-fibre grade is brittle.
Short-term heat data only: the HDT values are load tests, and no long-term heat ageing was read.
Space behaviour unknown: no atomic-oxygen, UV, outgassing or radiation data for PPO was found in the sources read.

PPO is an amorphous thermoplastic that is used mainly as a polystyrene blend. The Noryl grades read are stiff up to about 150 °C under load and absorb little water. The neat resin properties are from a single powder listing, and no sourced space-environment data was found.

Technical details

For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.

Other names and standards

The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.

Other names and standards
System	Codes
Trade name	Noryl, PPO

Notes

The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.

Notes for the numbered rows
#	Measurement	Method	Conditions	Caveat
1	Density, Noryl PX9406P (PPE/PS blend)	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend, not reinforcedtest standard ISO 1183	—
2	Density, Noryl NHP9023 (PPE/PS, 15 % glass fibre)	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade NHP9023 (NORYL), PPE/PS blend with 15 % glass fibretest standard ISO 1183	—
3	Density, neat PPO powder (Polysciences 08794)	Value in the product specification table of the supplier listing	product Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), neat, white to off-white powdertest standard not printed	—
4	Glass transition temperature, neat PPO powder (Polysciences 08794)	Value in the product specification table of the supplier listing	product Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), neat, Mn about 20,000 per the descriptiontest standard not printed	—
5	Vicat softening point (rate A/120), Noryl PX9406P	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blendtest standard ISO 306	—
6	Heat deflection temperature at 0.45 MPa, Noryl PX9406P	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend, 6.4 mm, no annealingload 0.45 MPatest standard ASTM D648	—
7	Heat deflection temperature at 1.82 MPa, Noryl PX9406P	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend, 6.4 mm, no annealingload 1.82 MPatest standard ASTM D648	—
8	Heat deflection temperature at 1.82 MPa, Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade NHP9023 (NORYL), PPE/PS blend with 15 % glass fibre, 6.4 mm, no annealingload 1.82 MPatest standard ASTM D648	—
9	Tensile strength at yield, Noryl PX9406P	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend, unfilledspeed 50 mm/mintest standard ISO 527	—
10	Tensile strength at break, Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade NHP9023 (NORYL), PPE/PS blend with 15 % glass fibrespeed 5 mm/mintest standard ISO 527	—
11	Elongation at break, Noryl PX9406P	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend, unfilledspeed 50 mm/mintest standard ISO 527	—
12	Elongation at break, Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade NHP9023 (NORYL), PPE/PS blend with 15 % glass fibrespeed 5 mm/mintest standard ISO 527	—
13	Flexural modulus, Noryl PX9406P	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend, unfilledspeed 2 mm/mintest standard ISO 178	—
14	Flexural modulus, Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade NHP9023 (NORYL), PPE/PS blend with 15 % glass fibrespeed 2 mm/mintest standard ISO 178	—
15	Flexural strength (yield point), Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade NHP9023 (NORYL), PPE/PS blend with 15 % glass fibrespeed 2 mm/mintest standard ISO 178	—
16	Notched Izod impact strength at 23 °C, Noryl PX9406P	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend, unfilledtemperature 23 °Ctest standard ASTM D256	—
17	Water absorption, 24 hours, Noryl PX9406P	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blendtime 24 hourstest standard ASTM D570	—
18	Water absorption at saturation, 23 °C, Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade NHP9023 (NORYL), PPE/PS blend with 15 % glass fibretemperature 23 °C, saturationtest standard ISO 62	—
19	Dielectric constant at 50/60 Hz, Noryl PX9406P	Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase; the unit column is blank on the page and the value is dimensionless	grade PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blendfrequency 50/60 Hztest standard ASTM D150	—
20	Coefficient of thermal expansion, flow direction, -40 to +40 °C, Noryl PX9406P	Printed as 8 x10^-5 per °C on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	grade PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blenddirection flowrange -40 to +40 °Ctest standard ISO 11359-2	—

Corrosion and compatibility

What happens when it meets other materials and environments.

Corrosion and compatibility
Environment	Concern	What happens
Humidity and water uptake	low	Low water uptake, 0.07 % after 24 hours for Noryl PX9406P.¹
Heat in service	not rated	Heat deflection temperature is 136 °C at 0.45 MPa and 122 °C at 1.82 MPa for PX9406P, and 154 °C at 1.82 MPa for NHP9023.²

Corrosion details
#	Environment	Details	Test conditions
1	Humidity and water uptake	The PX9406P datasheet gives 0.07 % water absorption after 24 hours at 23 °C under ASTM D570. The glass-fibre grade NHP9023 reaches 0.2 % at saturation under ISO 62, which is a longer test, so the two figures are not directly comparable.	basis datasheet values for PPE/PS blends, short-term immersion
2	Heat in service	These are short-term load-deflection temperatures under ASTM D648 with no annealing. They show where stiffness starts to fall under load. No long-term heat-ageing or continuous-use figure was read.	basis short-term load test, 6.4 mm bars, no annealing

Risks and side effects

Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.

For people

The Japanese GHS entry for the neat resin gives a Warning signal word and respiratory hazards from dust.

Classification: The GHS entry prints the signal word Warning and states that the material may cause respiratory irritation and respiratory damage with repeated exposure.
Dust: The entry says to avoid breathing dust and to use the material outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

If it fails

The main failure route in these sources is loss of stiffness under sustained heat and load.

Softening under load: The PX9406P heat deflection temperature is 122 °C at 1.82 MPa and 136 °C at 0.45 MPa, so stiffness falls well below the 150 °C Vicat point under load.

Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.

Failure risks

Failure risks
Failure	Trigger and consequence
Loss of stiffness under sustained load at elevated temperaturemoderate severity	Load applied at temperatures near the heat deflection point, 122 °C at 1.82 MPa for PX9406P or 136 °C at 0.45 MPaStiffness falls and deflection increases under load; the HDT figures are short-term test values, not a rated service limit.

Handling and storage

Avoid breathing dust, keep the container tightly closed, and use the material outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, as the GHS entry requires.
Store in a well-ventilated place with the container closed and locked up, as printed on the GHS entry.

Supply and geography

How common the raw materials are and where they come from.

Polyphenylene oxide, production route

2,6-xylenol is the feedstock named in the regulation. No feedstock tonnage or abundance was read.

Polyphenylene oxide, producers

SABIC Innovative Plastics holds the PPO trademark and sells various polyphenylene ether resins under it. No other producer is named in the source read.

Documents

Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.

Documents
Document	Type	Year
SABIC SHPP Japan, NORYL PX9406P datasheet (PlaBase listing)	datasheet	2026
SABIC SHPP Japan, NORYL NHP9023 datasheet (PlaBase listing)	datasheet	2026
Polysciences, Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), product 08794	datasheet	2026
Japan GHS safety data sheet, Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), CAS 25134-01-4	sds	2021
21 CFR 177.2460, Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene) oxide resins	standard	2026

Full record

The complete spore, as stored. Free to reuse under CC-BY-4.0. Images keep the licence shown with each one.

Show the full YAML

spore: profile
id: ppo
spore_version: 0.2
family: engineering-polymers
name: Polyphenylene oxide
abbreviation: PPO
role: amorphous high-temperature thermoplastic, used mainly as a blend with polystyrene (Noryl) for electrical and office-equipment parts
category: polymers
type: polyethers
summary: |
  Polyphenylene oxide (PPO, also called poly(p-phenylene ether) or PPE) is an amorphous thermoplastic with the repeat unit (C8H8O)n, made by oxidative coupling of 2,6-xylenol. The neat resin is hard to process, so it is sold mostly as blends with polystyrene under the Noryl name. The neat PPO powder read (Polysciences product 08794) has a glass transition temperature of 209 °C and a density of 1.06 g/mL. The two SABIC Noryl grades read are PPE/PS blends: PX9406P has a density of 1.1 g/cm3, a 136 °C heat deflection temperature at 0.45 MPa and a 73 MPa tensile strength at yield, and the 15 % glass-fibre grade NHP9023 has a density of 1.21 g/cm3, a 154 °C heat deflection temperature at 1.82 MPa and a 112 MPa tensile strength at break. Water uptake is low, at 0.07 % after 24 hours for PX9406P. No atomic-oxygen erosion yield, UV retention figure or outgassing row for PPO was found in the sources read.
best_for: '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'
weakest_at: '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)'
identity:
  formula: (C8H8O)n, poly(oxy-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene), made by oxidative coupling of 2,6-xylenol
  cas: 25134-01-4
  source: wikipedia-ppo
  where: Infobox and introduction, CAS number 25134-01-4 and repeat-unit name; the same CAS is printed in the Polysciences product description and in the MHLW GHS database. Monomer and process from 21 CFR 177.2460, paragraph (a).
  designations:
    - system: Trade name
      code: Noryl
      source: wikipedia-ppo
      where: History section, modified PPE sold under the Noryl trademark
    - system: Trade name
      code: PPO
      source: wikipedia-ppo
      where: Manufacturers section, SABIC Innovative Plastics holds the PPO trademark
tags:
  environments: []
  stresses:
    - extreme-heat
  applications:
    - electronics-and-chips
    - mechanisms
properties:
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, Noryl PX9406P (PPE/PS blend)
    value: 1.1
    unit: g/cm3
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend, not reinforced
      test_standard: ISO 1183
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-px9406p
    where: Basic Properties table, Density row, ISO 1183
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, Noryl NHP9023 (PPE/PS, 15 % glass fibre)
    value: 1.21
    unit: g/cm3
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: NHP9023 (NORYL), PPE/PS blend with 15 % glass fibre
      test_standard: ISO 1183
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-nhp9023
    where: Basic Properties table, Density row, ISO 1183
  - benchmark: density
    label: Density, neat PPO powder (Polysciences 08794)
    value: 1.06
    unit: g/mL
    scope: material
    conditions:
      product: Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), neat, white to off-white powder
      test_standard: not printed
    method: Value in the product specification table of the supplier listing
    status: ground
    source: polysciences-08794
    where: Specification table, Density row
  - benchmark: glass_transition_temperature
    label: Glass transition temperature, neat PPO powder (Polysciences 08794)
    value: 209
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      product: Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), neat, Mn about 20,000 per the description
      test_standard: not printed
    method: Value in the product specification table of the supplier listing
    status: ground
    source: polysciences-08794
    where: Specification table, Glass transition temperature row
  - benchmark: vicat_softening_temperature
    label: Vicat softening point (rate A/120), Noryl PX9406P
    value: 150
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend
      test_standard: ISO 306
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-px9406p
    where: Thermal Properties table, Vicat softening point (Rate A/120) row, ISO 306
  - benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: Heat deflection temperature at 0.45 MPa, Noryl PX9406P
    value: 136
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend, 6.4 mm, no annealing
      load: 0.45 MPa
      test_standard: ASTM D648
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-px9406p
    where: Thermal Properties table, HDT (0.45 MPa, 6.4 mm, no annealing) row, ASTM D648
  - benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: Heat deflection temperature at 1.82 MPa, Noryl PX9406P
    value: 122
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend, 6.4 mm, no annealing
      load: 1.82 MPa
      test_standard: ASTM D648
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-px9406p
    where: Thermal Properties table, HDT (1.82 MPa, 6.4 mm, no annealing) row, ASTM D648
  - benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    label: Heat deflection temperature at 1.82 MPa, Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)
    value: 154
    unit: °C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: NHP9023 (NORYL), PPE/PS blend with 15 % glass fibre, 6.4 mm, no annealing
      load: 1.82 MPa
      test_standard: ASTM D648
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-nhp9023
    where: Thermal Properties table, HDT (1.82 MPa, 6.4 mm, no annealing) row, ASTM D648
  - benchmark: yield_strength
    label: Tensile strength at yield, Noryl PX9406P
    value: 73
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend, unfilled
      speed: 50 mm/min
      test_standard: ISO 527
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-px9406p
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile strength (yield point) row, ISO 527
  - benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
    label: Tensile strength at break, Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)
    value: 112
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: NHP9023 (NORYL), PPE/PS blend with 15 % glass fibre
      speed: 5 mm/min
      test_standard: ISO 527
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-nhp9023
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile strength (break point) row, ISO 527
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation at break, Noryl PX9406P
    value: 8
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend, unfilled
      speed: 50 mm/min
      test_standard: ISO 527
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-px9406p
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile elongation (break point) row, ISO 527
  - benchmark: elongation
    label: Elongation at break, Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)
    value: 2.7
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: NHP9023 (NORYL), PPE/PS blend with 15 % glass fibre
      speed: 5 mm/min
      test_standard: ISO 527
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-nhp9023
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Tensile elongation (break point) row, ISO 527
  - benchmark: flexural_modulus
    label: Flexural modulus, Noryl PX9406P
    value: 2500
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend, unfilled
      speed: 2 mm/min
      test_standard: ISO 178
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-px9406p
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Bending elasticity (2 mm/min) row, ISO 178
  - benchmark: flexural_modulus
    label: Flexural modulus, Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)
    value: 5200
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: NHP9023 (NORYL), PPE/PS blend with 15 % glass fibre
      speed: 2 mm/min
      test_standard: ISO 178
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-nhp9023
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Bending elasticity (2 mm/min) row, ISO 178
  - benchmark: flexural_strength
    label: Flexural strength (yield point), Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)
    value: 163
    unit: MPa
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: NHP9023 (NORYL), PPE/PS blend with 15 % glass fibre
      speed: 2 mm/min
      test_standard: ISO 178
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-nhp9023
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Bending strength (yield point) row, ISO 178
  - benchmark: notched_izod_impact
    label: Notched Izod impact strength at 23 °C, Noryl PX9406P
    value: 140
    unit: J/m
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend, unfilled
      temperature: 23 °C
      test_standard: ASTM D256
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-px9406p
    where: Mechanical Properties table, Izod impact strength (notched, 23 °C) row, ASTM D256
  - benchmark: moisture_absorption
    label: Water absorption, 24 hours, Noryl PX9406P
    value: 0.07
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend
      time: 24 hours
      test_standard: ASTM D570
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-px9406p
    where: Basic Properties table, Water absorption rate (24 hours) row, ASTM D570
  - benchmark: moisture_absorption
    label: Water absorption at saturation, 23 °C, Noryl NHP9023 (15 % glass)
    value: 0.2
    unit: '%'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: NHP9023 (NORYL), PPE/PS blend with 15 % glass fibre
      temperature: 23 °C, saturation
      test_standard: ISO 62
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-nhp9023
    where: Basic Properties table, Water absorption (23 °C/sat) row, ISO 62
  - benchmark: dielectric_constant
    label: Dielectric constant at 50/60 Hz, Noryl PX9406P
    value: 2.8
    unit: '-'
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend
      frequency: 50/60 Hz
      test_standard: ASTM D150
    method: Value printed on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase; the unit column is blank on the page and the value is dimensionless
    status: ground
    source: plabase-px9406p
    where: Electrical Properties table, Dielectric constant, 50/60 Hz row, ASTM D150
  - benchmark: cte
    label: Coefficient of thermal expansion, flow direction, -40 to +40 °C, Noryl PX9406P
    value: 0.00008
    unit: /°C
    scope: material
    conditions:
      grade: PX9406P (NORYL), PPE/PS blend
      direction: flow
      range: '-40 to +40 °C'
      test_standard: ISO 11359-2
    method: Printed as 8 x10^-5 per °C on the SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    status: ground
    source: plabase-px9406p
    where: Thermal Properties table, CTE (-40 to +40 °C) flow direction row, ISO 11359-2
corrosion:
  - environment: Humidity and water uptake
    headline: Low water uptake, 0.07 % after 24 hours for Noryl PX9406P.
    effect: The PX9406P datasheet gives 0.07 % water absorption after 24 hours at 23 °C under ASTM D570. The glass-fibre grade NHP9023 reaches 0.2 % at saturation under ISO 62, which is a longer test, so the two figures are not directly comparable.
    conditions:
      basis: datasheet values for PPE/PS blends, short-term immersion
    source: plabase-px9406p
    where: Basic Properties table, Water absorption rate (24 hours) row
    rating: low
  - environment: Heat in service
    headline: Heat deflection temperature is 136 °C at 0.45 MPa and 122 °C at 1.82 MPa for PX9406P, and 154 °C at 1.82 MPa for NHP9023.
    effect: These are short-term load-deflection temperatures under ASTM D648 with no annealing. They show where stiffness starts to fall under load. No long-term heat-ageing or continuous-use figure was read.
    conditions:
      basis: short-term load test, 6.4 mm bars, no annealing
    source: plabase-px9406p
    where: Thermal Properties table, HDT rows, ASTM D648
    rating: unknown
risks:
  hazards:
    - text: The Japanese GHS safety data sheet for poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), CAS 25134-01-4, gives the signal word Warning, an exclamation mark and a health-hazard pictogram, and the statements that it may cause respiratory irritation and may cause respiratory damage through prolonged or repeated inhalation. The H-code list was not legible in the text read.
      ghs: []
      source: mhlw-ghs-25134-01-4
      where: GHS classification table and hazard statements, Warning signal word
    - text: The Polysciences listing says "Harmless-use normal precautions" with hazard code A2g and no GHS statements, which conflicts with the GHS classification above. The GHS entry is used here as the more specific source.
      ghs: []
      source: polysciences-08794
      where: Safety and hazards field, hazard code A2g
    - text: The fire hazard and flash point fields are marked not applicable, and the page gives irritating and toxic gases in a fire without naming them.
      ghs: []
      source: mhlw-ghs-25134-01-4
      where: Flammability row and fire-fighting statement
  failure_risks:
    - mode: Loss of stiffness under sustained load at elevated temperature
      trigger: Load applied at temperatures near the heat deflection point, 122 °C at 1.82 MPa for PX9406P or 136 °C at 0.45 MPa
      consequence: Stiffness falls and deflection increases under load; the HDT figures are short-term test values, not a rated service limit.
      severity: moderate
      source: plabase-px9406p
      where: Thermal Properties table, HDT rows, ASTM D648
  side_effects: []
  handling:
    - text: Avoid breathing dust, keep the container tightly closed, and use the material outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, as the GHS entry requires.
      source: mhlw-ghs-25134-01-4
    - text: Store in a well-ventilated place with the container closed and locked up, as printed on the GHS entry.
      source: mhlw-ghs-25134-01-4
  mitigations: []
uses:
  - application: electronics-and-chips
    device: Internal parts of office equipment, including a copier fuser unit
    example: Fuser unit of copy machine and internal components of office equipment, as listed for the glass-fibre Noryl grade NHP9023.
    source: plabase-nhp9023
    where: Main applications line on the datasheet listing
  - application: electronics-and-chips
    device: Electronics components
    example: Electronics, as a stated application of the neat PPO powder (Polysciences product 08794).
    source: polysciences-08794
    where: Stated applications list
  - application: mechanisms
    device: Automotive components
    example: Automotive components, as a stated application of the neat PPO powder (Polysciences product 08794).
    source: polysciences-08794
    where: Stated applications list
supply:
  - subject: Polyphenylene oxide, production route
    demand: No tonnage or demand figure was read for PPO in this run.
    routes: Oxidative coupling of 2,6-xylenol. 21 CFR 177.2460 describes the resin as produced by this process, with diethylamine as the residual catalyst.
    producers: []
    abundance: 2,6-xylenol is the feedstock named in the regulation. No feedstock tonnage or abundance was read.
    critical_lists: []
    substitutes: []
    source: cfr-177-2460
    where: Paragraph (a), production by oxidative coupling of 2,6-xylenol
  - subject: Polyphenylene oxide, producers
    demand: No tonnage or country share was read.
    routes: Not described on the Wikipedia page read.
    producers: []
    abundance: SABIC Innovative Plastics holds the PPO trademark and sells various polyphenylene ether resins under it. No other producer is named in the source read.
    critical_lists: []
    substitutes: []
    source: wikipedia-ppo
    where: Manufacturers and trade names section
documents:
  - title: SABIC SHPP Japan, NORYL PX9406P datasheet (PlaBase listing)
    type: datasheet
    url: https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5ebc224543428b0a5418c2f6
    year: 2026
  - title: SABIC SHPP Japan, NORYL NHP9023 datasheet (PlaBase listing)
    type: datasheet
    url: https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5ebc223f43428b0a5418b7e8
    year: 2026
  - title: Polysciences, Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), product 08794
    type: datasheet
    url: https://www.polysciences.com/default/poly26-dimethyl-14-phenylene-oxide
    year: 2026
  - title: Japan GHS safety data sheet, Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), CAS 25134-01-4
    type: sds
    url: https://anzeninfo.mhlw.go.jp/anzen/gmsds/25134-01-4.html
    year: 2021
  - title: 21 CFR 177.2460, Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene) oxide resins
    type: standard
    url: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/177.2460
    year: 2026
gaps:
  - 'UV and sunlight ageing of PPO: no retention figure was read. A thesis on PPO photodegradation (IIT Delhi) was found, but its PDF is scanned images with no readable text in this run.'
  - 'Atomic oxygen erosion yield for PPO: not found. The search returned phenylphosphine oxide polymers, which are a different material.'
  - 'Outgassing (TML, CVCM, WVR) for PPO or PPE: the Gund Company bulletin PDF was read, and its table has a PPS row but no PPO or PPE row.'
  - 'Chemical resistance by solvent, acid or base with numbers: not found. No qualitative statement was read for PPO.'
  - 'Heat ageing at long-term service temperature: no figure was read. The HDT values above are short-term test results.'
  - 'Radiation, thermal cycling and cryogenic data for PPO in space: none read.'
  - 'Melting point: none printed on the Polysciences page or the two Noryl datasheets read.'
  - 'Dielectric strength, UL 94 rating and oxygen index: not printed on the PX9406P or NHP9023 datasheets read.'
  - Neat PPO properties are from one supplier powder only (Polysciences 08794). The other values are for PPE/PS blends, which are not neat PPO. The Polysciences page gives CAS 25134-01-4 in its description and 25134-01-04 in its specification table; the first form is used.
  - 'Polysciences molecular weight conflicts with itself: 50000 in the specification table, and Mn 20,000 with polydispersity about 2.5 in the description. Neither is used.'
  - 'Japanese GHS database: the H-code list was not legible in the text read, so no H-codes are given. The signal word, pictograms and hazard statements are given as the page prints them. The text read was machine-decoded from Japanese and paraphrased, so the wording is not exact.'
  - PubChem record for CAS 25134-01-4 was not reached (verification page). No PubChem GHS data is used.
  - 'Producer tonnages, country shares and critical-mineral lists for PPO: not found. The producer list on Wikipedia has only SABIC.'
  - 'Standard designations (UNS, EN, DIN, JIS, AISI, ASTM) for PPO as a material: none printed in the sources read. Only trade names are listed.'
  - 'Non-canonical property name used: notched_izod_impact. Dielectric constant unit is blank on the PX9406P page, so it is taken as dimensionless (-).'
  - UL Prospector and SpecialChem pages returned HTTP 403 and were not read. Wikipedia glass transition of 215 °C is not used because Wikipedia is used for composition and history only.
  - 'CTE of the glass-fibre grade NHP9023, 23 to 80 °C flow direction, printed as 3.5 x10^-5 per °C under ISO 11359-2: left out because the exponent format could not be matched to the source text by verify-values. The PX9406P CTE row is kept.'
sources:
  wikipedia-ppo:
    title: Polyphenylene oxide, Wikipedia
    id: Polyphenylene oxide article, introduction, history, manufacturers sections
    url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyphenylene_oxide
    kind: web
    license: CC BY-SA 4.0, linked not reproduced
  plabase-px9406p:
    title: NORYL PX9406P, SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    id: PlaBase item 5ebc224543428b0a5418c2f6, Basic, Thermal, Mechanical, Electrical and Building Properties tables
    url: https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5ebc224543428b0a5418c2f6
    year: 2026
    kind: database
    license: database listing, linked not reproduced
  plabase-nhp9023:
    title: NORYL NHP9023, SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase
    id: PlaBase item 5ebc223f43428b0a5418b7e8, Basic, Thermal, Mechanical and Electrical Properties tables
    url: https://en.plabase.com/plastic/items/5ebc223f43428b0a5418b7e8
    year: 2026
    kind: database
    license: database listing, linked not reproduced
  polysciences-08794:
    title: Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), Polysciences product 08794
    id: Product page, specification table and safety and hazards field
    url: https://www.polysciences.com/default/poly26-dimethyl-14-phenylene-oxide
    year: 2026
    kind: datasheet
    license: supplier product page, linked not reproduced
  mhlw-ghs-25134-01-4:
    title: Japan GHS safety data sheet, Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), CAS 25134-01-4
    id: Japan National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health GHS SDS record, product code R02-B-106
    url: https://anzeninfo.mhlw.go.jp/anzen/gmsds/25134-01-4.html
    year: 2021
    kind: database
    license: government database, linked not reproduced
  cfr-177-2460:
    title: 21 CFR 177.2460, Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene) oxide resins
    id: US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, section 177.2460
    url: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/177.2460
    year: 2026
    kind: standard
    license: US government regulation
  nist-atomic-weights-c:
    title: NIST Atomic Weights and Isotopic Compositions, carbon
    id: 'Standard atomic weight C: [12.0096, 12.0116]'
    url: https://physics.nist.gov/cgi-bin/Compositions/stand_alone.pl?ele=C&all=all&ascii=html
    kind: database
    license: US government data
  nist-atomic-weights-h:
    title: NIST Atomic Weights and Isotopic Compositions, hydrogen
    id: 'Standard atomic weight H: [1.007 84, 1.008 11]'
    url: https://physics.nist.gov/cgi-bin/Compositions/stand_alone.pl?ele=H&all=all&ascii=html
    kind: database
    license: US government data
  nist-atomic-weights-o:
    title: NIST Atomic Weights and Isotopic Compositions, oxygen
    id: 'Standard atomic weight O: [15.999 03, 15.999 77]'
    url: https://physics.nist.gov/cgi-bin/Compositions/stand_alone.pl?ele=O&all=all&ascii=html
    kind: database
    license: US government data
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-10-26'
review:
  status: draft
  method: assistant
  checked_values: 20
  unreachable: 3
  caveats: 5
  note: 'Values were read by an AI assistant on 2026-10-26 from the pages named in each entry. The Noryl values are for PPE/PS blends from SABIC SHPP Japan, not for neat PPO. The only neat PPO property values are from one supplier powder. Unreachable: UL Prospector, SpecialChem and PubChem. The Gund outgassing bulletin was read and has no PPO row.'
story:
  recipe:
    line: PPO is made by oxidative coupling of 2,6-xylenol (21 CFR 177.2460). The repeat unit is (C8H8O)n, a dimethyl-substituted benzene ring linked to the next ring through an oxygen. Noryl grades are blends of PPE with polystyrene, which makes the resin easier to process.
    parts:
      - name: Carbon
        symbol: C
        role: Eight carbons per repeat unit, six in the benzene ring and two in the methyl groups.
        share_note: standard atomic weight [12.0096, 12.0116]
      - name: Hydrogen
        symbol: H
        role: Eight hydrogens per repeat unit, two aromatic and six from the methyl groups.
        share_note: standard atomic weight [1.007 84, 1.008 11]
      - name: Oxygen
        symbol: O
        role: One ether oxygen linking neighbouring rings.
        share_note: standard atomic weight [15.999 03, 15.999 77]
  risk_groups:
    - title: For people
      lead: The Japanese GHS entry for the neat resin gives a Warning signal word and respiratory hazards from dust.
      level: 2
      verdict: Warning, respiratory irritation
      points:
        - label: Classification
          line: The GHS entry prints the signal word Warning and states that the material may cause respiratory irritation and respiratory damage with repeated exposure.
        - label: Dust
          line: The entry says to avoid breathing dust and to use the material outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
    - title: If it fails
      lead: The main failure route in these sources is loss of stiffness under sustained heat and load.
      points:
        - label: Softening under load
          line: The PX9406P heat deflection temperature is 122 °C at 1.82 MPa and 136 °C at 0.45 MPa, so stiffness falls well below the 150 °C Vicat point under load.
  why: PPO is an amorphous high-temperature thermoplastic that is almost always used in blends. The glass-fibre Noryl grade NHP9023 reaches 154 °C at 1.82 MPa and has a 5200 MPa flexural modulus. The unfilled PX9406P has a 1.1 g/cm3 density and absorbs 0.07 % water in 24 hours.
  can_do:
    - label: Stay stiff when warm
      value: 154 °C HDT at 1.82 MPa
      benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
      line: NHP9023, a 15 % glass-fibre PPE/PS blend, reaches 154 °C at 1.82 MPa under ASTM D648, with no annealing.
    - label: Low water uptake
      value: 0.07 % in 24 hours
      benchmark: moisture_absorption
      line: PX9406P absorbs 0.07 % water in 24 hours under ASTM D570 at 23 °C.
  compare: These rows are for different products. The Noryl values are PPE/PS blends and the density and Tg of the neat powder are from a different supplier. They are examples and not a ranking.
  compare_rows:
    - scope: material
      label: Density
      benchmark: density
    - scope: material
      label: Heat deflection temperature
      benchmark: heat_deflection_temperature
    - scope: material
      label: Moisture absorption
      benchmark: moisture_absorption
  handling:
    - Specify the grade, since the neat resin, the unfilled PPE/PS blend and the 15 % glass-fibre grade differ in density, stiffness and heat deflection.
    - Avoid breathing dust, keep containers closed and work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, as the GHS entry requires.
    - Treat the values as typical nominal values from datasheet listings, not as design minimums.
  good_for:
    - 'Stiff electrical and office-equipment parts that run warm: 154 °C HDT at 1.82 MPa for the 15 % glass-fibre Noryl grade NHP9023.'
    - 'Parts where low water uptake matters: 0.07 % in 24 hours for the unfilled Noryl PX9406P.'
  watch_out:
    - 'Ductility: elongation at break is 8 % for the unfilled PX9406P and 2.7 % for the glass-fibre NHP9023, so the glass-fibre grade is brittle.'
    - 'Short-term heat data only: the HDT values are load tests, and no long-term heat ageing was read.'
    - 'Space behaviour unknown: no atomic-oxygen, UV, outgassing or radiation data for PPO was found in the sources read.'
  verdict: PPO is an amorphous thermoplastic that is used mainly as a polystyrene blend. The Noryl grades read are stiff up to about 150 °C under load and absorb little water. The neat resin properties are from a single powder listing, and no sourced space-environment data was found.

References

Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.

References
Source	Type	Year	Used for
Polyphenylene oxide, Wikipedia	web		2 values
NORYL PX9406P, SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	database	2026	14 values
NORYL NHP9023, SABIC SHPP Japan datasheet listing on PlaBase	database	2026	8 values
Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), Polysciences product 08794	datasheet	2026	5 values
Japan GHS safety data sheet, Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), CAS 25134-01-4	database	2021	4 values
21 CFR 177.2460, Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene) oxide resins	standard	2026	1 value
NIST Atomic Weights and Isotopic Compositions, carbon	database		0 values
NIST Atomic Weights and Isotopic Compositions, hydrogen	database		0 values
NIST Atomic Weights and Isotopic Compositions, oxygen	database		0 values

References
Identity
Formula	(C8H8O)n, poly(oxy-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene), made by oxidative coupling of 2,6-xylenol
CAS	25134-01-4
Role	amorphous high-temperature thermoplastic, used mainly as a blend with polystyrene (Noryl) for electrical and office-equipment parts
Benchmarks	20

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PVFPolyvinyl fluoride (clear Tedlar) · weatherable fluoropolymer film with good atomic oxygen resistance
PVF (white Tedlar)Crystalline polyvinyl fluoride with white pigment · biaxially oriented fluoropolymer film with titanium dioxide pigment, used as a weather-resistant outer layer
UHMWPEUltra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene · wear-resistant engineering plastic and high-strength fibre (Dyneema, Spectra)