Everything You Need to Know About Thermoplastics

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Everything You Need to Know About Thermoplastics

• Austin Seal CO

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• Thermoplastics, as the name suggests, are
  materials which change their form and shape upon
  heating, but return to hard state again when
  cooled. Usually synthetic resins, thermoplastics
  are not like most plastics. They are recyclable
  polymers consisting of small molecules known as
  monomers, which combine to make a chain of
  repeated sequence for creating larger molecules.
• Monomer, the small molecule, determines the
  structure of the final product based on its
  chemical makeup. To create more substantial
  structures, chemists have to know the individual
  combining power of molecules and also the
  chemical reactions.

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Characteristics of Thermoplastics

• Thermoplastics have a light and flexible
  structure when forming tough bonds. A special
  type of thermoplastic TPE (thermoplastic
  elastomer) has the qualities of both plastic and
  rubber. Having a lower melting point than
  materials like steel, these thermoplastics are
  extremely popular for their heat resistant
  nature.
• Thermoplastics must not be confused with
  thermosets like vulcanized rubber or epoxy.
  Thermosets are not as flexible as thermoplastics
  as they cannot return to their original shape
  after being heated.

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Ideal for Valves

• Thermoplastics offer a wide range of benefits
  when used for valves because they do not corrode
  like metal components. Also, because of their
  high tolerance to heat they dont overheat
  quickly. Hence a thermoplastic valve will require
  fewer replacements as compared to metal parts.
• Thermoplastics are ideal for valves used in water
  filtration, processing of chemicals, paper
  processing, and so on. Since thermoplastics
  ensure a longer life for all components, they are
  becoming more and more popular. Moreover,
  thermoplastics are more aesthetically pleasing
  because of having a better sheen colorful
  appearance. This makes them more desirable than
  metallic alternatives.
• It is noteworthy fact that thermoplastics do not
  make the whole of the valve. They only make some
  components such as springs and sensors. So,
  polymers make only the seal and seat part of the
  valve.

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Types of Thermoplastics

• Types are following below,

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PVC

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is the most well-known
  and widely used thermoplastic. Being an
  industrial thermoplastic, it is best suited for
  draining systems or large industrial chemical
  systems. However, it has few limitations in
  regard to very high temperatures beyond 140F,
  and chemicals such as chlorinated or aromatic
  chemicals. uPVC, also known as unplasticized PVC,
  is a variant of PVC which is a harder, and less
  flexible substance.

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Teflon

• Teflon, known by its scientific name
  Polytetrafluoroethane, has a higher resistance to
  temperature compared to PVC. It can tolerate upto
  400F gracefully, due to the stability of its
  molecules, and is also non-flammable.

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RFTE

• Similar to Teflon, RTFE (Reinforced
  tetrafluoethane) has added glass fibre enabling
  it to withstand higher pressures. Because of the
  added material, it shouldnt be used in a process
  involving hydrochloric acid.

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Neoprene

• This material is ideal for using highly
  chlorinated chemicals. Having slightly higher
  temperature range than PVC, up to 160F, it is
  majorly used in valves in food related
  environments. Its shortcoming include that it
  cannot be used if there are oxidizing agents
  involved in the processing.

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Viton

• Viton, a registered trademarked thermoplastic, is
  suitable for high temperatures, chlorinated
  hydrocarbons and petroleum. It should not,
  however, be used for valves connected with
  hydraulic systems.

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EPDM

• EPDM (ethylene-propylene diene monomer) is
  perfect for using chemicals with variable pHs.
  Provided the acids and alkalis are not too strong
  and there is no involvement of oil, EPDM is ideal
  for using in extreme temperatures of up to 225F.

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Perfluoroelastomer

• Perfluoroelastomer is a very expensive
  thermoplastic, which also goes by the names of
  Kalrez and Chemrez. It combines the function of
  Viton with fluoropolymers, which increases its
  chemical resistance.

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Aflas

• Aflas or TFE (tetrafluoroethane) is especially
  used in valves for automobiles. Having a
  temperature limit of 400F, it is used in
  oilfields as well. Aflas offer excellent
  electrical resistance properties.

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Devlon

• Devlon, also known as acetalhomopolymer, can
  resist high impacts. Having a temperature limit
  of 300F, it combines high wear with low
  friction. It also goes by the names of Celecon,
  Kepital and Lupital.

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PEEK

• PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone) is suitable for
  hot water or steam environments. Due to its
  rigidity, it is especially useful for
  environments with high rates of corrosion, and is
  considered as high performance polymer.

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Austin Seal

• Industial Thermoplastics Austin offer a broad
  range of options with different properties for
  use in various situations. These thermoplastics
  are suitable to meet specifications change
  because there is no one perfect polymer that it
  suitable for all situations. Different substances
  have varying characteristics because of the
  manufacturer. Kalrez differs from Chemrez because
  it is made by a different manufacturer.
• At Asutin seals, industrial thermoplastics are
  used to make perfect seals to fit your industrial
  needs. They are designed to deal with situations
  they are used. To know more about Industrial
  Thermoplastics Austin, get in touch with our team
  today.

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