| Polymer
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Advantages
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Applications
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Commercial brands
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| Acrylic (PMMA)
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Optically clear, lightweight, high resistance to UV light and weathering can be obtained in many sizes and shapes, forming does not affect clarity; shatter resistant
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Display cases, light fixtures, transparent shelves for lightweight materials, indoor and outdoor signage
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Optix, Plexiglas, Acrylite
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| Polycarbonate (PC)
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High strength and stiffness (more than 200 times stronger than glass); lighter than glass; easy to machine, impact resistant, may be exposed to high heat
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Bullet proof windows and doors, windshields and protective barriers, eyewear, visors in sporting gear, cell phones, signage; furniture; UV grades available
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Lexan; Tuffak (formerly Makrolon); Palsun; Trizod
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| Polyethylene Terephphthalate (PET)
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General purpose; inexpensive; high strength; resistant to chemicals
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Water bottles, Fibers, films
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Vivak, Dartex
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| Amorphous Copolyester (PETG)
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Wide range of properties with excellent clarity; high strength; resistant to chemicals and heat.
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Often used as a substitute for PC or PMMA
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| Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
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Water-clear clarity; high impact strength ; excellent chemical resistance; fire resistant
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Safety glazing (sneeze guards for COVID); windows; packaging, bags, connectors, valves; UV grades available
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| Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR)
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Low viscosity elastomer with excellent optical clarity and durability; lightweight; easy to process, heat and UV resistant
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Lighting, electronics
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| Cyclic Olefin Copolymers (COC)
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Transparent thermoplastic with good mechanical and moisture barrier properties; high stiffness and strength; may be streilized
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Packaging, optical discs, lenses, medical applications
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| Polyethylene (PE)
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LDPE has good transparency and toughness; very durable
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Bags, films, plastic parts; tubes
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| Ionomer Resin
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Outstanding clarity and toughness; very lightweight
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Luxury decorative items that are transparent and scratch resistant; packaging; medical devices, bottles
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| Transparent Polypropylene (PP)
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Contains additives called clarifiers; have design flexibility, inexpensive and are recyclable
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Storage boxes, packaging
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| Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP)
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Excellent optical properties (transmits UV, Visible, and IR radiation); most chemically inert; outstanding weathering properties
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| Styrene Methyl Methacrylate (SMMA)
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High clarity with glossy surface; excellent thermal stability; scratch resistant; strong and stiff
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Household products, glassware, medical devices
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| Styrene Acrylonitrile Resins (SAN)
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Transparent and durable, high resistance to chemicals, breakage and scratches
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Appliances, furniture, automotive parts
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| Polystyrene (General Purpose - GPPS)
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Inexpensive with good clarity; high stiffness and good dimensional stability; excellent heat resistance; good electrical insulation
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Toys, CD cases, shower enclosure panels, boxes, refrigerator shelves; plastic cups; disposable products; easily cracks
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| MABS (Methyl methacrylate ABS)
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High light transmittance with low haze; introduced as an alternative to PC
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appliances, sporting goods, medical devices
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