What is an Advanced Engineering Plastic
Product (AEPP)?
These materials are those that provide advantages over engineering
plastics such as Nylons, Acetals (Delrin), Ertalyte & Polyethylenes.
These advantages include things such as
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Higher allowable service temperature
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Better retention of rigidity & creep
resistance over a wider range of temperatures
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Better dimensional stability
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Better chemical resistance
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Better hydrolysis resistance
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Better resistance to high energy
radiation (e.g. gamma- & X-rays)
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Better flammability ratings
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Materials Performance Pyramid |
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The materials performance pyramid ranks the
most common thermoplastics according to their temperature performance.
Amongst these materials, different "families" can
be recognised, all exhibiting value-in-use within numerous
applications.
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Higher allowable service temperature
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Maximum Allowable Service Temperature in Air |
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As can be seen in this graph, AEPP’s
such as Celazole, Torlon, PEEK & PTFE have higher temperature
resistance, Celazole able to withstand 500°C for short
periods (few hours). In addition to this they also retain
their rigidity & creep
resistance over a wider range of temperatures.
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Typical Applications for AEPP’s
include
- Pump components
- Valve seats (high spec valves)
- Bearings
- Rollers
- High temperature insulators
- Parts for electrical equipment
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Flammability Rating
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enlarge. |
The
oxygen index rating is the required percentage of oxygen
required in air for a material to sustain a flame. The percentage
of oxygen in air is approximately 21%, therefore the above
listed materials will not sustain a flame in air. Compare
these to materials in the engineering range of material the
value for Ertalon 6PLA is 25%, Ertacetal C is 15%, Ertalyte
is 25% & Polyethylene is less than 20%. |
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