In the field of injection molding, plastics that can maintain stable performance for long periods in environments above 150°C are generally defined as high-temperature materials.
High-Temperature Plastics Categories
- Top-tier Heat-resistant Materials
Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)
Long-term service temperature: ≤ 250–260°C
Melting point: ≈ 343°C
One of the highest-performance specialty engineering plastics, offering exceptional strength, wear resistance, and self-lubricating properties. It is an ideal metal replacement material. Widely used in aerospace, medical implants, and automotive engine components.
Polyimide (PI)
Long-term service temperature: ≤ 250–300°C
Thermal decomposition temperature: > 500°C
Recognized as the polymer with the best high-temperature performance. It remains stable under extreme conditions. Due to its extremely high melting point, it is very difficult to injection mold and is mainly used in cutting-edge fields such as aerospace and nuclear energy.
Polyamide-Imide (PAI)
Long-term service temperature: ≤ 260–275°C
Melting point: ≈ 305°C
Maintains extremely high strength and rigidity at elevated temperatures, with excellent wear resistance. Ideal for precision mechanical parts such as bearings, seals, and gears operating under high load and high-temperature conditions.
Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)
Long-term service temperature: ≤ 240–300°C
Melting point: ≈ 280–300°C
Excellent flowability and dimensional stability due to its unique molecular structure. Commonly used in miniaturized, thin-wall precision electronic components, such as RF connectors.
Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)
Long-term service temperature: ≤ 200–240°C
Melting point: ≈ 285°C
Outstanding chemical resistance and flame retardancy, combined with high rigidity and excellent dimensional stability. One of the most widely used specialty engineering plastics in the automotive and electrical & electronics industries.
Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA)
Long-term service temperature: ≤ 260°C
Melting point: ≈ 305°C
A fluoropolymer with extremely strong chemical resistance, capable of withstanding almost all chemicals. Suitable for ultra-pure chemical delivery systems and semiconductor manufacturing equipment in extreme environments.
- High-Performance Engineering Plastics
Polyetherimide (PEI)
Long-term service temperature: ≤ 170–180°C (Heat deflection temperature up to 200°C)
Combines excellent heat resistance, dimensional stability, and mechanical strength. It is inherently flame retardant with low smoke generation. Transparent grades are available. Commonly used in medical applications, electronic housings, and devices requiring high-temperature sterilization.
Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU)
Long-term service temperature: ≤ 180–207°C
Excellent impact resistance and hydrolysis resistance. Can withstand repeated steam sterilization. Frequently used in medical surgical instrument trays and baby bottles where safety and durability are critical.
Polysulfone (PSU)
Long-term service temperature: ≤ 170–180°C
Good transparency and resistance to steam and hot water hydrolysis. A common material for medical equipment and food-contact containers.
High-Temperature Nylon (PPA / PA4,6)
Long-term service temperature: ≤ 160–220°C
Melting point: ≈ 295–325°C
High-temperature nylon achieved through molecular modification. Features low water absorption and excellent oil resistance. Suitable for automotive engine components that come into contact with lubricants and fuels at high temperatures.
Polyether Ketone Ketone (PEKK)
Long-term service temperature: > 260°C
Belongs to the same polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family as PEEK. Similar performance profile and can be used as a cost-effective or performance-specific alternative to PEEK in certain applications.