High-performance plastics
Description (definition)
High-performance plastics are a special category of plastics that offer exceptional mechanical, thermal and chemical properties. They are designed for demanding applications where conventional plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene are not sufficient. These plastics are characterized by high temperature resistance, chemical resistance, low friction and extreme strength and are widely used in the automotive, aerospace, medical technology and electronics industries.
Example
A well-known example is polyether ether ketone (PEEK), which is used in the aerospace industry for components that have to withstand extreme temperatures and mechanical stress. PEEK is also used in medical technology for implants as it is biocompatible.
What types of high-performance plastics are there?
The most common high-performance plastics include
PEEK (polyether ether ketone): Chemical and temperature resistant.
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene): Known for its low friction and chemical resistance.
PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride): Excellent electrical and thermal properties.
Polyimide (PI): Particularly heat-resistant and mechanically resilient.
Where are high-performance plastics used?
These plastics are used in the aerospace industry (e.g. engine parts), the automotive industry (e.g. lightweight components), medical technology (e.g. implants and surgical tools) and electronics (e.g. insulation materials and circuit boards).
What distinguishes high-performance plastics from conventional plastics?
High-performance plastics offer superior temperature and chemical resistance as well as exceptional mechanical properties. They can be used in extreme conditions where standard plastics would fail. Because of these properties, they are more expensive and are selected for specific applications.