What's the Right Plastic for the Job?

If such a material existed, for what would you use it?

In other words, what are you trying to make?

Given the paltry amount of information provided, polycarbonate. It has problems with solvents, though.

Is it a cover for a solar array, new windshield for an airplane, or a slide for a park?

What is your goal????????????????????????? A mirror, perhaps?

In the words of the song - "There are more questions than answers".

polypropylene

Thanks for the reply.

Harold

Hi Harold,

Sorry I didn't elaborate as I was at work. At 2-3 mm thickness, I think that polypropylene (PP) will have rigidity and yet some flexibility as well. It can be colored to just about anything you can think of; the pigment being added to the masterbatch. However, as you said, it must have some UV resistance. PP is poor in this respect.

The only other polymer I can think of that would fill the bill is polyester (PET):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyester

There are many types of PET; most of the ones I've seen are very rigid (esp. at 2 - 3 mm thickness), but chances are good that there is a product out there that will meet your flexibility requirements.

You might also look at acrylic polymers:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylate_polymer

Mike

I wanted to say high density polyethilene. Polypropilene would probably do the job.

I do think Polypropylene can only suit. As it is not dissolved by most of the solvents. In case of permeability, though i am not sure, may be a grade used for Microwave containers should do well with the offset on flexibility.

Polypropylene could come closer.

We use a micro-talc filled polypropylene with added silicone rubber that works well in a similar situation. May need added UV stabilizers. It is food compatible. It can catch fire though. PP has all the properties that you have asked for. However, it is not a high temperature or high mechanical strength material. It has good abrasion resistance and hydro phobic.

I guess I'm the only one that's very concerned about your solvents comment, but solvents and PP/HDPE aren't always best friends - and not all PP is created equal - PP homopolymer, PP copolymer, ... different materials, different resistance. Also, HDPE is a class of materials with various properties. Depending upon which solvents you're talking about and how they'll be used, you may have to consider a fluoropolymer (PTFE, ECTFE, PVDF, ...).

Sorry - you probably didn't think your question was vague, but when you're talking about putting plastics together with solvents, it was too vague to know the right answer.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. I can't imagine how anyone could give advice when they have no clue what the OP really is trying to do.

This statement,"but when you're talking about putting plastics together with solvents, it was too vague to know the right answer." shows how misguided the thread has become.

I give up.

Hi lynlynch,

I kind know what you feel like with some of the 'one liners' giving advice but asking no questions. They are obviously just guessing.

Until the OP gets back to me I can't really do more than search for exactly what he asked for. But that does not allow any reference to weight carrying and flexibility and fitting the stuff.

Take care and happy holiday

Got it! Miraclethylene.

Hi beriberi,

Now thats the stuff!

Not seen it for ages but I can recommend it to anyone.

Good luck

My suggestion would be PVDF. Take a look at the data sheets on the Arkema web site.

Thanks, Babybear. That is a most complete and useful reply.

Harold

Hi Guest/Harold,

I am glad if you found what you were requesting.

Good luck

Your comments, some very detailed, have been helpful in putting me on good tracks quickly. That's exactly why I asked the experts!

Harold