One of the weaknesses of plastics is their low resistance to temperature and pressure. This weakness has led to their limited use in some industries. However, research in this field has resulted in innovations that address this flaw. Indeed, these days, nothing is surprising in science. In this article, we will discuss innovations and temperature-resistant plastics. Stay with us until the end.

What are temperature and pressure-resistant plastics?

The use of this type of plastics increases the lifespan of components, reduces weight compared to metals, and improves efficiency while lowering costs in various industries. But first, let's understand what types of plastics are considered resistant and how to identify them. It is highly likely that these types of plastics are not among the disposable tablecloths and garbage bags that we use every day.

Characteristics of resistant plastics

One of the features of these types of plastics is high thermal resistance. Interestingly, these plastics can withstand temperatures above 200 to 400 degrees Celsius. In addition, they are resistant to high pressures, including those caused by mechanical or hydrostatic forces. As a result, they also have good mechanical resistance.

On the other hand, they usually have good resistance to corrosive chemicals and solvents, and they are definitely electrical insulators, which is a common characteristic in plastics. Many of these plastics have strong electrical insulating properties, making them suitable for the electronics industry.

What raw materials are temperature and pressure-resistant plastics made from?

Polyamide (Nylon), polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polycarbonate, and Teflon are materials used to produce resistant plastics and advanced industrial materials. We will discuss the applications of each:

Polyamide: Resistant to temperature and pressure, suitable for mechanical parts.

Polyetherimide: Used for industrial applications at very high temperatures.

Polyetheretherketone: One of the most resistant polymers for harsh environments.

Polycarbonate: Suitable for applications requiring thermal and impact resistance.

Teflon: Highly resistant to heat and chemicals, primarily used for these applications.

Applications of resistant plastics in industries

In the automotive industry, they are used to manufacture engine parts and exhaust systems. In the aerospace industry, they are used to produce aircraft and spacecraft components. In medical equipment, they are useful for making tools that need to be sterilized at high temperatures. Finally, in oil and gas facilities, components that operate under extreme pressure and temperature deep underground are made using these types of plastics.

Advantages and disadvantages of temperature and pressure-resistant plastics

We have elaborated on the advantages of these types of plastics above. In addition to the mentioned benefits, they have high durability against wear and corrosion, so it can be said that long lifespan is one of the outstanding advantages of these plastics. On the other hand, due to their lightweight nature, they reduce the overall weight of equipment, which helps increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption. As a result, they are a suitable alternative to heavy metals, especially in industries like aerospace and automotive where mass is an important factor.

Disadvantages

The cost of raw materials and the production process of these plastics is higher than that of conventional plastics. Consequently, they are not economically viable for general applications. Additionally, their production requires specific equipment and advanced technology, and the molding process is time-consuming.

From an environmental perspective, many temperature and pressure-resistant plastics are not recyclable and may have a negative impact on the environment. Some of these plastics may experience performance degradation when exposed to UV radiation or continuous heat. Therefore, there is much room for improvement.

New technologies in the production of temperature-resistant plastics

By manipulating the structure of polymer chains and strengthening chemical bonds, plastics with very high thermal resistance (up to over 400 degrees Celsius) are produced. Additives such as glass or carbon fibers, ceramic nanoparticles, and nanocomposites are used to enhance the performance of these types of plastics. Additionally, new additives like phosphorus and alumina are used to create plastics that are more resistant to flame and high heat.

They are produced using 3D printers that use raw materials such as PEEK and PEI, as they provide the capability to produce complex parts with high precision in the aerospace and medical industries. Furthermore, modern molding and processing methods are used for their production, including advanced injection molding, plasma polymerization, and multilayer extrusion.

How to choose the right plastic for specific high temperature and pressure applications

To make an appropriate selection, you need to know what you want, so consider the following:

Your required mechanical properties

How much resistance should the plastic have against tension and failure? Should it maintain its shape under continuous loads? How does it perform against mechanical shocks and impacts?

Chemical resistance

Will the plastic be exposed to corrosive chemicals, solvents, or oils? Note that materials like polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or Teflon (PTFE) usually have high chemical resistance.

Thermal compatibility assessment

Determine what temperature the plastic must withstand (for example, temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius).

Choose a plastic that has minimal dimensional changes due to temperature. Ensure that the material demonstrates stable performance within the specified temperature range.

Specific functional properties

There may be specific requirements in your work that you need to consider. For example, if there is a risk of flame or direct heat, flame-resistant plastics like PEI or PPS are suitable. In the electronics industry, plastics with high resistance to electrical current are needed. If there is contact with moving parts, wear-resistant plastics like polyamide (Nylon) are a good option.

Cost evaluation

It is better to consider a balance between the cost of the plastic and the expected performance. Advanced materials like PEEK are more expensive, but they are truly essential in some applications. Also, check whether the desired plastic is compatible with the production method (injection molding, extrusion, 3D printing), as each of these methods has completely different costs.

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