Portfolio Technical polymers

Polycarbonates (PC) are amorphous thermopolymers whose wide range of properties are used for numerous fields of application. The material excels with a high level of transparency and impact resistance combined with excellent dimensional stability under heat and dimensional accuracy. Special modifications ensure fulfilment of high requirements in terms of UV stability and low-temperature impact strength (up to -60°C). The chemical structure of polycarbonate gives the thermoplastic a high gloss surface with a high-quality appearance permitting a wide range of colours. This group of products is further complemented with bio-based materials. Applications in the field of medicine as well as the food industry also use polycarbonate. However, the primary applications are in the field of fibre-optics, automotive sector as well as with CDs and data storage devices.

Polyamides (PA) are among the most important polymers worldwide and are the most widely used technical thermoplastics. The broad range of properties characterising this group of products means they can be modified like no other using numerous fillers and reinforcement materials (e.g.: fibre-optics, glass beads, mineral, fire proofing etc.) in order to meet the high requirements of numerous sectors of industry. Their outstanding strength, durability and the possibility of a flame retardent system free of red phosphorous and halogens, polyamides, particularly polyamide 6 and polyamide 6.6, are used in the automotive industry and electrical engineering. These partially crystalline materials are also characterised by the required chemical stability vis-à-vis organic solvents and mineral lubricants.

PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) is an key thermoplastic in the field of technical polymers and in numerous other modifications – e.g. as a blend with PC, ASA or PET and/or reinforced or with flame proofing. The material excels with its high mechanical properties, chemical resistance and dimensional stability. A pure PBT is ideal for applications requiring a high level of tracking resistance. This group of products meets maximum requirements in terms of flame proofing with low wall thicknesses. As a result, the material is used wherever a high level of flame proofing and thermal resistance is required. This includes housing for electrical engineering, plug connections in connection with automotive manufacturing and motor applications as well as parts for the lighting industry. The broad portfolio of products from PBT means that the material is also used in the medical sector and in the household industry for e.g. various kitchen utensils.

POM (polyoxymethylene also known as polyacetal) is one of the most commonly used partially crystalline polymers. The material boasts above-average strength as well as outstanding dimensional stability. Due to the very high level of crystallinity, POM has the lowest level of wear of all thermoplasts. On one hand, this makes the material a suitable candidate for wheel and gear-related applications and for all applications requiring sliding friction properties without special additives. Applications in the plug and switch sector as well as in the machine-building industry complete the range of applications of POM.