Physical Properties Thermoplastics

Overview

Engineering reference data for Physical Properties Thermoplastics in material science and properties.

Key Formulas

Stress

$\sigma = \frac{F}{A}$

Force per unit area.

Strain

$\varepsilon = \frac{\Delta L}{L_0}$

Change in length per original length.

Hooke's Law

$\sigma = E \varepsilon$

Stress proportional to strain in elastic region.

Thermal Expansion

$\Delta L = \alpha L_0 \Delta T$

Length change due to temperature.

Variables

Symbol	Description	Unit
$\sigma$	Stress	Pa
$\varepsilon$	Strain	—
$E$	Young's modulus	Pa
$\alpha$	Thermal expansion coefficient	1/°C
$\Delta T$	Temperature change	°C

Physical Properties of Common Thermoplastics

Thermoplastic Properties Table

Elongation at Failure

Unit Conversions

Conversion	Value
1 psi (lb/in²)	6,894.8 Pa (N/m²)
1 Btu/lb·°F	4,186.8 J/(kg·K) = 1 kcal/(kg·°C)
1 in/(in·°F)	1.8 m/(m·°C)
1 GPa	10⁹ Pa
1 MPa	10⁶ Pa

Key Material Properties

Tensile Yield Strength (σ_y)

The maximum engineering stress at which permanent non-elastic deformation begins.

Yield Point

The first point where the specimen yields, where cross-sectional area begins to contract significantly, or where strain can increase without stress increase.

Ultimate Tensile Strength (σ_u)

The maximum stress a material can withstand before failure.

Tensile Modulus (Young's Modulus, E)

The ratio of stress to strain within the elastic region before yield point: $E = \frac{\sigma}{\varepsilon}$

Thermoplastic Characteristics

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

• Strong and rigid
• Resistant to bases and acids
• Vulnerable to some solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons
• Maximum usable temperature: 160°F (71°C)
• Common applications: Drainage, Waste and Vent (DWV) pipes

PE (Polyethylene)

• Flexible pipe for pressurized water systems
• Not suitable for hot water

PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene)

• Flexible pipe for pressurized water systems
• Suitable for hot and cold water
• Uses compression and banded type joints

PB (Polybutylene)

• Flexible pipe for pressurized water systems
• Suitable for hot and cold water

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

• Strong and rigid
• Resistant to acids and bases
• Vulnerable to some solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons
• Maximum usable temperature

Interactive Charts

References

• Original Source