Which High-Temperature Plastic is Right for My Application?

The strongest ceramics can withstand upwards of 1,600 F, but they can also shatter upon impact or if they undergo dramatic temperature changes.

Metals can withstand extremely high temperatures—but they’re vulnerable to corrosion.

Need a material that stands up to high temperatures without sacrificing other properties? That’s where high-temperature plastics come in.

Plastics that can exceed 300° F in continuous operating temperature are usually classified as “high-temperature.” While each offers incredible resistance to heat, applications vary widely due to variations in chemical resistance, strength, wear-resistance, electrical properties, etc.

In this blog, we’ll review a few popular high-temperature plastics and the properties that make them exceptional.

5 High-Temperature Plastics You Should Know About

VESPEL

• Serves at temperatures of 550° F in many applications
• Tensile strength of 8,750 psi
• Flexural strength of 16,000 psi
• Endures temperatures of 900 F for limited periods
• Extremely high purity
• High resistance to chemicals
• Low friction and superior wear performance
• Excellent for electrical insulation
• No melting point

Common applications of VESPEL take place in hostile and extreme environments. It’s mostly used in aerospace, semiconductor and transportation technology.

PEEK

• Serves continuously at temperatures of 500° F
• Tensile strength of 16,000 psi
• Flexural strength of 25,000 psi
• Very low moisture absorption
• Superior creep resistance
• Remarkable inertness
• Good wear and abrasion resistance
• Excellent electrical properties
• Biocompatible, with radiation resistance

PEEK has become a popular material for medical devices in recent years, due to its advanced properties that make it uniquely suitable for contact with the human body. Nevertheless, it’s commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, and electronics industries as well.

Torlon

• Serves at temperatures up to 500° F
• Tensile strength of 27,847 psi
• Flexural strength of 35,390 psi
• High resistance to wear, creep and chemicals
• Superior compressive strength & impact resistance
• No melting point

Essentially, Torlon offers Nylon’s room-temperature strength at much higher temperatures. Common applications include mechanical and structural components, aircraft hardware, transition components, and various coatings, composites and additives.

Celazole PBI

• Highest mechanical properties of any plastic above 400° F
• Highest heat deflection temperature of 800° F
• Highest compressive strength of all unfilled plastics
• Tensile strength of 16,000 psi
• Flexural strength of 32,000 psi
• Excellent wear resistance
• High purity and resistance to radiation
• Hydrolytically stable after exposure to high-pressure steam
• Excellent chemical resistance
• Superior electrical properties

This advanced high-temperature plastic is transforming the semiconductor, aerospace and telecommunications industries. The substitution of Celazole PBI for other materials can reduce costly breakdowns while improving efficiency.

Rulon (various reinforced PTFE compounds)

• Serves at temperatures up to 500° F
• Tensile & flexural strength varies
• Exceptional bearing & wear characteristics
• Virtual elimination of slip-stick
• Self-lubrication
• Good dimensional stability
• Excellent corrosion resistance
• Static dissipation and electrical insulation properties available

Rulon materials are finding widespread use in bearing and seal applications at temperature extremes. Rulon also withstands a variety of harsh environments such as cryogenic temperatures, water, extreme dryness, steam and hydrocarbon fuel.

Find Out Which Plastic Is Right For You

Reading Plastic is experienced in machining all of these high-temperature plastics to close tolerances, with a reputation for quality and efficiency.

Start the conversation about the part or component you have in mind today. Request a free quote or call us at (610) 926-3245!