Maya Ellison
Plastic is one of the most versatile materials, with a wide range of applications in the commercial and industrial sectors. One of the most common ways to use plastic is as flexible sheets, which are convenient for transportation and storage. The flexibility of plastic sheets is determined by their hardness, which is measured by a value obtained through a device called a durometer. The hardness of these sheets is usually expressed in Shore A and Shore D values. Sheets with a hardness of Shore A 35 and below are very flexible. Some of the most flexible plastics include specialty acrylic, polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene, Kydex thermoplastic, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hardness | Shore A 35 and below |
| Elongation | Temporary |
| Selection Criteria | Chemical resistance, UV-resistance, service temperature |
| Types | Polycarbonate, HDPE, LDPE, KYDEX®, ABS, Specialty Acrylic, PVC |
| Polycarbonate Properties | Similar to acrylic, transmits light, durable |
| HDPE Properties | Rigid, excellent chemical resistance, UV-stable, expensive |
| LDPE Properties | Very flexible, conforms to geometry, commonly used |
| LLDPE Properties | High tensile strength, superior puncture resistance, good conformability |
| Acrylic Properties | Transparent, resistant to elements, strong, durable |
| PVC Properties | Versatile, inexpensive, strong, chemically stable, good insulator |
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What You'll Learn
Specialty acrylic sheets
One notable feature of specialty acrylic sheets is their durability. They possess excellent impact resistance and can withstand bending and conforming without compromising their strength. This attribute allows for greater design versatility. Additionally, specialty acrylic sheets offer enhanced chemical resistance and low moisture absorption rates, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
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Polycarbonate
In addition to its mechanical properties, polycarbonate can tolerate high temperatures without melting or deforming, making it suitable for use in electrical and electronic components, domestic appliances, and lighting fixtures. Glass-filled polycarbonate, reinforced with glass fibres, is used in industrial applications where metals are commonly used, providing improved strength and stiffness while lowering thermal expansion.
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High-density polyethylene
One of the key advantages of HDPE is its flexibility in production. The Ziegler-Natta method, for example, uses catalysts such as titanium tetrachloride to react with gaseous ethylene, resulting in more flexible polyethylene. On the other hand, the Phillips slurry process utilises silica-based catalysts with a hydrocarbon and polyethylene slurry, leading to HDPE with less branching and more precise molecular weights. The choice of process determines the microstructure and properties of the resulting HDPE.
HDPE is commonly recycled and has a resin identification code of "2". Its high calorific value makes it suitable for energy recovery through clean incineration. Additionally, HDPE is resistant to many solvents and is challenging to glue; welding is typically used to join HDPE components. It is also weatherproof and has good low-temperature toughness, with the ability to withstand temperatures as low as -60°C and short periods at 120°C.
In terms of applications, HDPE is used in chemical drums, jerricans, carboys, toys, picnic ware, household and kitchenware, cable insulation, carrier bags, and food wrapping material. It is also used in the construction of pipes for drinking water and wastewater due to its corrosion resistance. Furthermore, large sheets of HDPE are welded together to form chemical-resistant barriers in sanitary landfills, preventing the pollution of soil and groundwater.
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Kydex thermoplastic
One of the key advantages of Kydex thermoplastic is its durability. It is highly resistant to impact, abrasion, and scratches, making it a longer-lasting alternative to traditional materials like fiberglass, painted metal, or high-pressure laminates. The colour is integral to the thickness of the sheet, which helps to hide scratches and wear, keeping surfaces looking new for longer.
The versatility of Kydex thermoplastic extends beyond its physical properties. It is also chemically resistant and easy to clean, making it ideal for use in medical devices and equipment housings. Its durability and impact strength also make it a cost-effective choice for retailers, as it can withstand high traffic and shipping without chipping or breaking.
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Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
The properties of ABS can be fine-tuned by adjusting the ratio of its monomer units. Acrylonitrile, a synthetic monomer derived from propylene and ammonia, imparts excellent chemical resistance, ageing resistance, hardness, gloss, and rigidity. Butadiene, a petroleum hydrocarbon, provides ductility at low temperatures, flexibility, and good melt strength. Styrene, produced through the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene, offers good processability, gloss, and hardness.
By varying the ratios of these three components, manufacturers can produce ABS with specific characteristics for different applications. For instance, formulations with high acrylonitrile content exhibit superior chemical resistance, heat resistance, and long-term thermal stability. On the other hand, formulations with high styrene content possess excellent gloss, mouldability, strength, and rigidity. ABS with a high proportion of butadiene demonstrates improved impact resistance, toughness, and general property retention.
ABS is widely used in various industries due to its versatility and favourable mechanical properties. It is commonly employed in automotive parts, toys, electronic housings, and household appliances. Additionally, ABS is suitable for 3D printing and injection moulding, making it a popular choice for designers and manufacturers alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Some flexible plastics include specialty acrylic, polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Kydex thermoplastic, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
Specialty acrylic sheets offer superior flexibility, lightweight construction, and optical clarity, making them ideal for display cases and signage. Polycarbonate is known for its durability, impact resistance, and light transmission properties, often used as a glass alternative. HDPE provides excellent chemical resistance and UV stability, commonly used for chemical and food storage liners. LDPE is widely used for commercial product packaging due to its ability to conform to various geometries. KYDEX® offers thermoformability, and ABS exhibits impact resistance and electrical insulation properties.
You can source flexible plastics from specialized suppliers like Piedmont Plastics, who offer a range of materials, including polycarbonate, HDPE, LDPE, KYDEX®, ABS, and specialty acrylic. They cater to diverse industries and can provide guidance on selecting the most suitable material for specific applications.
