You have probably heard something about thermoplastic resins, but do you know what they are and where they are applied? These materials are artificial polymers produced from the union of molecules of the polymer chain derived from petroleum.
The name “resin” is designated for both the molten (liquid) and solid form, called pellets, melted and transformed into final products. Are you interested in the subject and want to know the different types of thermoplastics? Follow the Polyexcel blog!
What are thermoplastic resins?
Widely used in the industrial production of various types of plastic products, thermoplastic polymeric resin is incorporated into everyday life for various purposes. It is divided into two groups: thermoset (or thermosetting), and thermoplastic resins, which change according to melting and fusion characteristics.
But, after all, what is the definition of thermoplastic resin? This is a synthetic polymer that can be remolded when subjected to high temperatures. In practice, this can be done through injection and blowing processes, as well as extrusion of profiles, films, and metal sheets for rotational molding and thermoforming.
The manufacture of thermoplastic resins is essential for the national and global industry. The versatility in production and recycling processes is one of the main reasons for this. It is even one of the factors for the resin to replace the use of glass and metal in several industrial segments.
What are the types and applications of thermoplastic resins?
As mentioned earlier, thermoplastic acrylic resin is easily molded at high temperatures and can be processed many times. This means that it can be cooled or heated without the occurrence of changes in the chemical structure. Check out the main types of this resin below!
Polyethylene (PE)
Manufactured with different densities, in reticulated, linear, and branched form, polyethylene is generally used in the production of houseware items. Among the applications of this compound are bowls, can coatings, pots, packaging, and bags.
In addition, this resin is used in the production of safety accessories, such as bulletproof vests, and the insulation of wires and cables for the energy and telecommunications sector.
Polypropylene (PP)
Among the thermoplastic resin examples, we find polypropylene. Also known as PP, it is non-toxic, can be molded easily, and has low moisture absorption, good flexural strength, and high chemical resistance.
Other highlights of polypropylene are thermal stability and easy coloration. The application of this compound can be made in the manufacture of syringes, industrial packaging, electronics, toys, and automobiles.
Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene has good transparency, easy processing, and coloring. This resin also has low resistance to weathering and impacts, which is why it is used in household appliances, automobile parts, toys, and food packaging. The polymerization occurs by heating a suspension in water.
PS is a versatile artificial polymer. For this reason, it can be used in three ways: as common polystyrene (crystal), similar to glass, high-impact polystyrene, with high rigidity, and extruded polystyrene foam (XPS).
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Among thermoplastic resins, we also highlight PVC, a material resistant to chemical substances such as acids, oils, bases, and antioxidants. Because of this feature, it is often used in the manufacture of pipes. Furthermore, it has excellent mechanical strength.
Although it is not possible to process 100% of PVC, it is one of the plastics more applied in industries, whether in the manufacture of toys, packaging, and shoes, or civil construction.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
PET is another thermoplastic polymer very present in the industry, due to its shininess, easy molding, and resistance, which allows greater security and protection to food. Also among the advantages, we can highlight the modern and attractive design that this resin provides.
Polyethylene terephthalate packaging has efficient closing systems, which give the consumer the ability to choose how and when to consume food.
Ethyl-vinyl acetate (EVA)
To complete our list of thermoplastic resins, we bring EVA, a flexible and rubberized resin, with adhesive characteristics, and waterproof elements. It is obtained through an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, used in various applications, such as lamination, gifts, expanded boards, etc.
Ethyl-vinyl acetate can be transparent, flexible, and elastic, having high resistance to low temperatures. In addition to the above applications, this material can be used in papers, asphalt compositions, and cardboards.
Check out Polyexcel compounds!
As a reference in the market of polymeric compounds for wires and cables in the energy and telecommunication sector, Polyexcel is always researching safe and efficient formulas. To learn more about our polymers, send us a message through the Contact Us button located at the top left of our website.
