Ethan Clarke
Plastics are widely believed to be sensitive materials that melt under heat, but this is not always the case. There are several plastics that can withstand temperatures of 200 degrees Celsius or higher. These plastics are known as heat-resistant or high-temperature plastics, and they have become integral to various industries due to their exceptional thermal resistance. PTFE (Teflon), polypropylene, ULTEM® (polyetherimide), PSU, and PPS are some examples of plastics that can resist temperatures of 200 degrees Celsius or more. Each of these plastics has unique properties and applications, making them valuable in fields such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and packaging industries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| PTFE (Teflon) | Can withstand temperatures up to 500°F (260°C) without losing its mechanical properties. |
| Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) | Can be exposed to temperatures up to 424°F (218°C) without dissolving and can be heated to 536°F (280°C) without melting. |
| Polypropylene | Can withstand repeated exposure to significant temperatures, with a melting point ranging from 265-340°F. |
| ULTEM (polyetherimide) | Melting point of 219°C and a maximum continuous service temperature of 170°C. |
| PSU | Maintains impact resistance between -212°F (100°C) and 203°F (150°C). |
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What You'll Learn
- PTFE, also known as Teflon, can resist up to 260°C
- Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) has a maximum service temperature of 218°C
- Polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer, has a melting point range of 265-340°F
- ULTEM, a polyetherimide (PEI), has a maximum service temperature of 170°C
- PSU, a thermoplastic, has a service temperature range of 100-150°C
PTFE, also known as Teflon, can resist up to 260°C
PTFE, also known as Teflon, is a soft, heat-resistant, low-friction plastic with exceptional chemical resistance. It has a wide operating temperature range, from -200°C to 260°C. PTFE has a melting point of around 327°C, which is one of the highest melting points of any thermoplastic.
PTFE is a thermoplastic polymer, a white solid at room temperature, with a density of about 2200 kg/m3. It maintains its strength, toughness and self-lubrication at low temperatures and has good flexibility at temperatures above -79.15°C. PTFE has a unique combination of properties, including high flexural strength, adequate weathering resistance, and good electrical insulating power in both hot and wet environments.
PTFE is chemically inert, meaning it does not react to most chemicals. This makes it ideal for use in the chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries, where equipment handles corrosive chemicals daily. PTFE's low friction coefficient gives it its well-known non-stick property, making it perfect for non-stick cookware. PTFE is hydrophobic, so it never gets wet, and its excellent wear and weathering resistance allow it to maintain high performance over time in harsh working environments.
PTFE has numerous applications due to its chemically inert and low-friction properties. It is commonly used as a non-stick coating for pans and other cookware, as well as in containers and pipes for corrosive chemicals. PTFE is also used to protect pipes from corrosive materials, coat heat exchangers, and provide insulation for electrical components.
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Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) has a maximum service temperature of 218°C
Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is a semi-crystalline, high-temperature engineering thermoplastic. It is a rigid and opaque polymer with a high melting point of 280°C. PPS is known for its excellent dimensional stability, low density, corrosion and hydrolysis resistance, and inherent electrical insulation. It is commonly used in applications that require high temperatures, such as automotive parts, electrical components, and industrial machinery.
PPS has a maximum service temperature of 218°C (424°F). This means that PPS can continuously operate at temperatures up to 218°C without degrading or losing its structural integrity. This makes PPS an ideal choice for applications where high temperatures are present, such as in the automotive, electrical, and HVAC sectors.
The high-temperature resistance of PPS allows it to replace metal alloys, thermosets, and other thermoplastics in various applications. PPS is lightweight yet strong, with high tensile strength, making it suitable for complex parts with tight tolerances. Its toughness increases at high temperatures, and it exhibits excellent mechanical properties, including high resistance to heat and flames.
PPS is also known for its broad chemical resistance, making it suitable for use in hostile chemical environments. It does not dissolve in any solvent at temperatures below approximately 200°C (392°F). This, combined with its high-temperature resistance, contributes to its versatility and makes it a preferred alternative to metals and other plastics in demanding applications.
The maximum service temperature of 218°C for PPS provides a balance between performance and cost. PPS offers advanced performance at a moderate price point, making it a good choice for applications that require high-temperature resistance without incurring high material costs.
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Polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer, has a melting point range of 265-340°F
Polypropylene, also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer with a relatively high melting point. It is produced through the chain-growth polymerization of the monomer propylene. Its properties are similar to polyethylene, but it is slightly harder and more heat-resistant.
Polypropylene has a melting point range of 265-340°F (130-171°C). This range is influenced by the crystallinity and atactic material of the polypropylene. For example, syndiotactic PP with a crystallinity of 30% has a melting point of 266°F (130°C), while commercial isotactic PP has a melting point range of 320-331°F (160-166°C). The melting point of polypropylene can also be affected by additives, with some raising the melting point and others lowering it.
The relatively high melting point of polypropylene makes it suitable for applications requiring durability and resistance to heat. It maintains its strength and rigidity at elevated temperatures, which makes it ideal for industrial uses. Polypropylene is used in various industries, including packaging, machinery parts, and textiles. It is the second most widely produced commodity plastic due to its versatility and heat resistance.
Polypropylene's heat resistance is due to its polymer structure, specifically the long polymer chains held together by strong intermolecular forces. These forces require significant energy to break apart, resulting in a higher melting point. This property is advantageous for processes like injection molding and extrusion, where the material needs to be melted and shaped.
Polypropylene is an excellent choice for high-temperature situations and is a popular alternative to other types of plastic due to its heat-resistant credentials. It can withstand repeated exposure to significant temperatures, making it a durable and reliable material for various applications.
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ULTEM, a polyetherimide (PEI), has a maximum service temperature of 170°C
While metal is typically more heat-resistant than plastic, there are many instances where high-performance plastics are the better choice for engineers. ULTEM, a polyetherimide (PEI), is one such plastic. With a maximum service temperature of 170°C, it is a strong, commercially available thermoplastic with chemical- and flame-resistant properties. ULTEM has been used in manufacturing for over 35 years and is a popular choice for circuit boards, food sterilization equipment, and aircraft parts.
As an amorphous thermoplastic, ULTEM softens when heated and can be reshaped after curing. It has a high melting point of 219°C, well above the 200°C threshold. ULTEM also stands out for its dielectric strength, which is the highest of any high-performance thermoplastic. This makes it ideal for electrical applications.
The structural integrity of thermoplastics like ULTEM is influenced by factors such as their glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting point. ULTEM maintains its strength and rigidity at continuous operating temperatures of 340°F (roughly 170°C).
Other plastics that can withstand temperatures near or above 200°C include polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), which has a maximum service temperature of 218°C, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, which has a melting point of 327°C and an operating range of -200°C to +260°C.
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PSU, a thermoplastic, has a service temperature range of 100-150°C
When it comes to plastics that can withstand temperatures of about 200 degrees Celsius, one of the options to consider is PSU (polysulfone), a type of thermoplastic. PSU has a service temperature range of 100°C to 150°C, and it stands out for its ability to maintain its impact resistance within this range. This means that it can endure temperatures as low as -100°C and as high as 150°C without compromising its strength and stiffness.
PSU is a rigid, high-strength, and transparent thermoplastic, sharing similar traits with polycarbonate plastic. It is often used as an alternative to polycarbonate or acrylic in applications that require high-temperature tolerance. One of its key advantages is its high-temperature resistance, making it suitable for specialty applications such as electrical equipment, vehicle construction, and medical technology. For instance, PSU is used in electrical equipment due to its ability to withstand autoclaves, a crucial feature for maintaining sterility in medical settings.
The exceptional heat resistance of PSU is attributed to its molecular structure. By incorporating rigid aromatic rings into the resin, the molecular chain becomes more restricted and fortified. This modification enhances the chemical and heat resistance of PSU, making it comparable to or even surpassing the performance of thermosets in certain contexts.
PSU also exhibits excellent resistance to chemicals and oxidation. It is highly resistant to mineral acids, alkali, and electrolytes across a wide pH range of 2 to 13. Additionally, PSU is not affected by exposure to hot water and steam, which makes it ideal for autoclavable instruments, trays, and microwave dishes. However, it is important to note that repeated autoclaving can weaken PSU, and it may not withstand high-stress conditions.
While PSU offers superior heat resistance, there are other plastics that can also withstand temperatures of about 200 degrees Celsius or higher. For example, Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) has a maximum service temperature of 218°C and can be heated to 280°C without melting. ULTEM® (polyetherimide), another thermoplastic, has a maximum continuous service temperature of 170°C. PTFE (Teflon) has an even broader operating range, remaining stable between -200°C and +260°C.
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Frequently asked questions
Polypropylene, a type of thermoplastic polymer, can withstand repeated exposure to significant temperatures and is used for medical applications and in the packaging industry. It has a melting point range of 265-340 °F (129-171 °C).
Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is a high-performance thermoplastic with a maximum service temperature of 218 °C. PPS can be heated to 280 °C without melting.
Yes, PTFE (Teflon) can withstand temperatures of up to 260 °C. ULTEM (polyetherimide) has a maximum continuous service temperature of 170 °C but a melting point of 219 °C. PSU (polysulfone) has a service temperature range of 100-150 °C but a melting point of over 500 °C.
