Plastics
Plastics, with their versatile nature, form robust structures and are easily moldable, making them ideal for many applications across diverse industries.What are Plastics?
Plastics are engineered materials molded or shaped to create diverse products. They are flexible, durable, and lightweight, making them widely used across diverse industries. Derived from sources such as petroleum, natural gas, or renewable materials like plants, plastics are constantly evolving, with emerging technologies focusing on bio-based alternatives for sustainability. Plastics offer designers and engineers a plethora of options to tailor products to specific application needs.
Plastics Material Science at Boyd
Boyd’s extensive plastic material science expertise, cultivated over three decades, forms the cornerstone of our commitment to driving application innovation in plastics. We guide advancements with our knowledge across a wide array of plastic materials, encompassing thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers, crystalline or semi-crystalline variants, amorphous plastics, and the increasing use of biodegradable and bioplastics.
With proficiency in compounding, molding, and extrusion techniques, Boyd enables our customers to optimize their plastic products. Boyd’s plastic material science innovation helps reduce product weight, enhance resilience and durability, and elevate the overall consumer experience. We deliver tailored solutions that meet and exceed industry demands.
Our plastic innovations, crucial in boosting product performance and functionality, span from transportation components to medical devices and aerospace and defense applications. We closely collaborate with customers to understand their assembly processes and end-user requirements, ensuring that our plastic solutions are technically excellent but also optimized for efficient integration and user satisfaction.
Plastic Material Diversity: Tailoring Solutions Across Industries
Within the plastic category, various types of materials serve distinct purposes across industries.
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics demonstrate versatility through their ability to be melted and reshaped multiple times, making them ideal for applications requiring flexibility and ease of processing. Industries widely utilize common examples such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in packaging, construction, and automotive sectors.
Thermosetting Plastics
Thermosetting plastics undergo irreversible chemical changes upon heating, resulting in high durability and heat resistance. Industries extensively employ prime examples such as epoxy resins and phenolic resins in aerospace, electronics, and automotive sectors, where strength and stability are paramount.Bioplastics
Bioplastics, derived from renewable biomass sources, offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. They can be biodegradable, or non-biodegradable but still derived from renewable sources. Industries incorporate these materials in packaging, consumer goods, agriculture, and textiles, contributing to efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize environmental impact.
Fabrics
| Material | Definition | Why to Use | Products & Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) | This versatile thermoplastic polymer consists of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene monomers. | Known for its durability, impact resistance, and versatility. It withstands harsh conditions maintaining structural integrity. | Widely used in industries such as automotive, electronics, and consumer goods for applications including automotive parts, electronic housings, and toys. |
| Acetal, Polyoxymethylene (POM) | This high-performance thermoplastic polymer is composed of repeating units derived from formaldehyde and exists in two main forms: homopolymer and copolymer. | Valued for its excellent mechanical properties and dimensional stability, making it an ideal choice for applications requiring precise and durable components. | Finds application in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods for products including gears, bearings, and mechanical components. |
| Acrylic | A transparent thermoplastic with glass-like properties that is composed of methyl methacrylate monomer units. | Chosen for its clarity, weather resistance, and versatility in various applications. | Employed across industries like signage, architecture, and retail for products including display stands, windows, and decorative elements. |
| Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) | A thermoplastic material composed of ethylene and vinyl acetate monomers. | Favored for its flexibility, cushioning properties, and resistance to UV radiation. | Used in industries such as footwear, packaging, and sports equipment for products including shoes, foam inserts, and flexible packaging |
| High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | A thermoplastic polymer composed of ethylene monomers. | Known for its exceptional strength, chemical resistance, and durability. | Utilized in industries such as packaging, construction, and agriculture for products including bottles, pipes, and agricultural film. |
| Nylon | A synthetic thermoplastic polymer comprising long chains of polyamides. Nylon is formed through the condensation reaction of diamines and dicarboxylic acids or through the polymerization of lactams. | Chosen for its high strength, abrasion resistance, and flexibility. | Widely used in industries like automotive, textiles, and consumer goods for products including gears, clothing, and electrical components |
| Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) | A thermoplastic polyester composed of repeating units derived from terephthalic acid and 1,4-butanediol. | Valued for its excellent electrical insulating properties, mechanical strength, and dimensional stability. | Widely utilized in industries such as automotive, electrical, and consumer goods for products including switches, and housings. |
| Polybutylene Terephthalate,Polyethylene Terephthalate (PBT/PET) | A blend of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), combining the desirable properties of both polymers. | Recognized for excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and recyclability. | Employed in industries such as automotive, electrical, and consumer goods for products including connectors and switches. |
| Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS) | A thermoplastic blend that combines the properties of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). | Combines the impact resistance of ABS with the heat resistance and clarity of polycarbonate. | Utilized in industries like automotive, electronics, and appliances for products including dashboards, enclosures, and casings. |
| Polycarbonate/Polybutylene Terephthalate (PC/PBT) | A thermoplastic blend that combines the properties of polycarbonate (PC) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). | Offers a balance of high impact strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance. | Finds applications in industries such as automotive, electrical, and consumer goods for products including electrical connectors, automotive parts, and housings. |
| Polycarbonate/Polyethylene Terephthalate (PC/PET) | A thermoplastic blend combining the impact resistance, optical clarity, and high-temperature stability of PC with the chemical resistance, dimensional stability, and transparency of PET. | Offers a combination of high impact strength, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability. | Suitable for applications such as electronics housings, automotive components, and medical devices. |
| Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) | A high-performance thermoplastic polymer derived from bisphenol A and difluorobenzophenone monomers. | Valued for its exceptional mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and high temperature stability. | Ideal for demanding applications such as aerospace components, medical implants, and automotive parts. |
| Polyetherimide (PEI) | High-performance thermoplastic polymer formed from repeating units of bisphenol A and 4,4'-methylenedianiline monomers. | Offers a unique combination of high temperature resistance, mechanical strength, and flame retardancy | Employed in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics for products including aircraft interiors, automotive components, and electrical connectors. |
| Polyethersulfone (PES) | An amorphous, high-performance thermoplastic with relatively high-water absorption but can be mitigated with appropriate solvents and polymer blends. | Provides excellent heat resistance, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength | Widely used in industries such as medical, automotive, and electronics for products including medical devices, filtration membranes, and electrical components. |
| Polysulfone (PSU) | A family of high-performance thermoplastic polymers. | Offers a unique combination of high temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability, | Utilized in industries such as medical, aerospace, and automotive for products including medical devices, aircraft components, and automotive parts. |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | Transparent and durable thermoplastic derived from bisphenol A and phosgene. | Valued for its exceptional impact resistance, optical clarity, and high temperature resistance. | Used in industries such as automotive, construction, and electronics for products including safety goggles, greenhouse panels, and LED light covers. |
| Polyethylene | A thermoplastic polymer comprised of repeating units derived from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. | Favored for its durability, flexibility, and chemical resistance. | Employed across industries such as packaging, construction, and agriculture for products including bottles, pipes, and agricultural films. |
| Polypropylene | A thermoplastic polymer consisting of repeating propylene monomer units. | Valued for its high strength-to-weight ratio, chemical resistance, and recyclability. | Widely used in industries such as packaging, automotive, and textiles for products including containers, automotive parts, and woven bags. |
| Polystyrene | A thermoplastic polymer made up of repeating styrene monomer units, available in two primary forms: crystal-clear, rigid polystyrene (PS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS). | Chosen for its lightweight nature, excellent insulation properties, and cost-effectiveness. | Used in industries such as packaging, electronics, and construction for products including foam packaging, electronic casings, and insulation boards. |
| Polyphenylene Ether (PPE) | High-performance thermoplastic polymer composed of repeating monomer units from phenol and 2,6-dimethylphenol. | Valued for its excellent heat resistance, dimensional stability, and electrical insulation properties. | Employed in industries such as automotive, electrical, and telecommunications for products including automotive parts, electrical connectors, and electronic housings. |
| Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) | High-performance thermoplastic polymer composed of repeating monomer units derived from para-dichlorobenzene and sodium sulfide. | Valued for its exceptional chemical resistance, high temperature stability, and mechanical strength. | Employed in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics for products including automotive components, electrical connectors, and electronic parts. |
| Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Widely used thermoplastic polymer composed of repeating vinyl chloride monomer units. | Valued for its durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. | Employed in industries such as construction, healthcare, and automotive for products including pipes, medical tubing, and automotive interiors. |
| Radel | High-performance thermoplastic material composed of repeating units derived from bisphenol S and 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfones. | Recognized for its outstanding chemical resistance, high heat deflection temperature, and sterilizability. | Widely used in industries such as medical, aerospace, and industrial for products including medical devices, aircraft interiors, and industrial components. |
| Styrene | A thermoplastic polymer made up of repeating styrene monomer units. | Known for its rigidity, clarity, and thermal insulation properties. | Utilized in industries such as packaging, construction, and automotive for products including plastic cups, insulation materials, and automotive components. |
| Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon) | High-performance thermoplastic polymer made up of repeating tetrafluoroethylene monomer units. | Valued for its exceptional chemical resistance, low friction coefficient, and high heat resistance. | Widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and food processing for products including seals, gaskets, and non-stick cookware. |
| Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) | Represents a class of versatile polymers composed of various materials, usually a blend of polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and a rubber-like component. | Combines the characteristics of rubber with the processing ease of thermoplastics, offering flexibility, resilience, and resistance to environmental factors. | Utilized in industries such as automotive, footwear, and consumer goods for products including seals, grips, and flexible components. |
| Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO), Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) | These are types of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). | Offers a balance of rubber and plastic characteristics, making them suitable for various applications where flexibility, resilience, and processability are essential. | Used in various industries including automotive, construction, and consumer goods for products like automotive parts, roofing membranes, footwear, and seals. |
| Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) | A versatile polymer featuring alternating soft and hard segments derived from polyols and diisocyanates. | Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is valued for its high abrasion resistance, flexibility, and chemical resistance. | Employed in industries such as footwear, sports equipment, and electronics for products including shoe soles, phone cases, and inflatable structures. |
Overcoming our Customers’ Challenges
Boyd has been at the forefront of plastic innovation for over three decades, pioneering advancements in material selection, processing, and application. With phenomenal expertise, we specialize in designing, handling, and processing plastic materials to meet the unique requirements of each application. Our cutting-edge technologies are tailored to address and overcome customer challenges, delivering innovative solutions while upholding the highest standards of quality and performance.Optimal Plastics for Your Application
Boyd grasps the scientific principles driving the application of these innovative plastic formulations for your tailored applications. We guide you through selecting the ideal plastic formulation, customized to your performance needs and intended environments. Employing industrial design for manufacturing methodologies, we guarantee that your components meet your design specifications and deliver them in a custom-configured format optimized for seamless integration into your application, whether automated or manually assembled.
Have questions? We’re ready to help!