802 materials
Poly(3-methylstyrene) is a thermoplastic aromatic polymer derived from 3-methylstyrene monomers, representing a substituted polystyrene variant with a methyl group at the meta position on the phenyl ring. This material is primarily encountered in research and specialty applications rather than high-volume industrial production, where the methyl substitution can modulate mechanical properties and thermal behavior compared to conventional polystyrene. Engineering interest in this polymer centers on fine-tuning performance for applications requiring tailored stiffness or processing characteristics, though it competes with more established styrenic copolymers and engineering plastics in most commercial sectors.
Poly[4-(1-adamantyl)styrene] is a specialty polystyrene derivative in which bulky adamantyl groups are attached to the aromatic rings of the polymer backbone, creating a rigid, sterically hindered macromolecular structure. This is a research-grade polymer primarily investigated for applications requiring high thermal stability and dimensional rigidity; it is not a commodity material in widespread industrial use. The adamantyl substitution significantly enhances the polymer's resistance to thermal degradation and chemical attack compared to conventional polystyrene, making it relevant to aerospace, electronics, and advanced composite research where lightweight polymers must perform at elevated temperatures or in harsh chemical environments.
Poly(4-acetoxystyrene) is a functionalized polystyrene derivative in which acetoxy groups are pendant to the main aromatic backbone, creating a polymer with enhanced polar character and potential for further chemical modification. This material is primarily encountered in research and developmental contexts rather than high-volume industrial production, where it serves as a precursor or intermediate for synthesizing advanced polymers with tailored properties, or as a model system for studying structure-property relationships in aromatic polymer systems. Its notable feature is the reactive acetoxy functionality, which allows post-polymerization chemistry to introduce additional functionality or cross-linking, making it relevant for applications requiring polymer engineering beyond simple thermoplastic processing.
Poly(4-bromostyrene) is a halogenated aromatic polymer synthesized by bromination or direct polymerization of 4-bromostyrene monomers, belonging to the polystyrene family with pendant bromine substituents. This material is primarily used in research and specialty applications where the reactive bromine groups enable post-polymerization chemistry, such as cross-linking, functionalization, and creation of advanced composites or self-assembling structures. Compared to unfunctionalized polystyrene, the bromine substitution provides a versatile handle for polymer modification and is notable in emerging applications requiring controlled surface properties, flame resistance enhancement, or as a precursor for synthesizing more complex polymer architectures.
Poly(4-chlorostyrene) is a halogenated aromatic polymer derived from the substitution of a chlorine atom on the styrene monomer backbone, creating a thermoplastic with enhanced rigidity and chemical resistance compared to unmodified polystyrene. The material is used primarily in applications requiring improved solvent resistance, flame retardancy, and dimensional stability, such as electrical components, chemical-resistant coatings, and specialized industrial housings. Its chlorine substitution increases stiffness and thermal stability relative to standard polystyrene, making it valuable in demanding environments where chemical exposure or elevated temperatures are concerns, though its use is less widespread than commodity polymers due to cost and processing considerations.
Poly(4-ethoxystyrene) is a functionalized polystyrene derivative in which ethoxy (-OC₂H₅) groups are pendant substituents on the aromatic ring, belonging to the class of aromatic vinyl polymers. This material is primarily of research and specialty interest rather than high-volume industrial production, valued for its potential to serve as a precursor or functional polymer in synthesis, coating formulations, and polymer blending applications where the ethoxy side groups can enable chemical modification, improved solvent compatibility, or enhanced interfacial properties. Engineers and chemists select this material when conventional polystyrene lacks sufficient polarity, reactivity, or compatibility with other components—particularly in photoresist systems, advanced composite matrices, or as a building block for cross-linkable or self-assembling polymer networks.
Poly(4-fluorostyrene) is a fluorine-substituted polystyrene in which fluorine atoms are attached to the aromatic ring, combining the processability of conventional polystyrene with enhanced chemical and thermal stability from fluorine substitution. This material appears primarily in research and specialized engineering contexts rather than high-volume commodity applications, valued for applications requiring improved solvent resistance, thermal stability, or specific surface properties that fluorine modification provides. Engineers would select this material over unsubstituted polystyrene when chemical resistance to aggressive solvents, enhanced polymer backbone stability, or reduced flammability becomes a design requirement, though processing and cost considerations typically limit its use to performance-critical applications.
Poly(4-methoxystyrene) is a synthetic aromatic polymer derived from 4-methoxystyrene monomers, belonging to the polystyrene family of engineering plastics. This material is primarily encountered in research and specialized applications rather than high-volume industrial production, where its methoxy substituent provides modified thermal and chemical properties compared to conventional polystyrene. It serves niche roles in advanced polymer research, resist materials for microelectronics, and potentially in adhesive or coating formulations where enhanced chemical compatibility or thermal stability is beneficial.
Poly(4-tert-butylstyrene) is a substituted polystyrene where a bulky tert-butyl group is attached to the benzene ring of the styrene monomer, creating a thermoplastic polymer with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties compared to unmodified polystyrene. This material is primarily investigated in research and specialty applications where improved thermal stability and resistance to environmental degradation are needed, such as in high-performance coatings, adhesives, and advanced polymer blends. The bulky alkyl substituent reduces chain mobility and increases rigidity, making it attractive for applications requiring a higher thermal resistance window than conventional polystyrene while maintaining processability.
Poly(4-vinylpyridine) is a synthetic aromatic polymer containing pendant pyridine rings along its backbone, making it a nitrogen-rich thermoplastic with potential for chemical reactivity and metal coordination. Industrial applications are primarily in specialty coatings, adhesives, and chelating resins where the pyridine nitrogen atoms enable metal ion binding and cross-linking; it is also investigated in membrane technology and as a polymer support for catalysts. Engineers select this material when chemical functionality is required beyond typical structural polymers, though it remains less common than commodity plastics and is often chosen for research applications or custom high-performance formulations where its reactive pyridine groups provide distinctive advantages.
Poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) is a conjugated polymer featuring a fluorene backbone with long alkyl side chains, designed for optoelectronic applications where light emission and charge transport are critical. This material is primarily used in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaics, and organic field-effect transistors; its extended conjugation and alkyl substitution pattern make it particularly valuable for solution-processable device fabrication and color tuning in display and lighting technologies. While still largely a research and specialty compound rather than a commodity material, this polymer family is favored in academic and applied research settings for its luminescence efficiency, thermal stability, and compatibility with ink-jet printing and other low-cost manufacturing methods.
Polyacenaphthylene is a thermoplastic aromatic polymer derived from acenaphthene, characterized by a rigid backbone with fused aromatic rings that confer high thermal stability and mechanical integrity. It is primarily used in high-performance applications requiring thermal resistance and dimensional stability, such as aerospace composites, electronic components, and advanced thermal management systems, where its aromatic structure provides advantages over conventional commodity plastics in demanding thermal environments.
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer formed by the polymerization of acrylamide monomers, commonly available as a water-soluble homopolymer or in cross-linked gel forms. It is widely used in water treatment, enhanced oil recovery, soil conditioning, and biomedical applications where its high absorbency, rheological control, and biocompatibility are valued. Engineers select polyacrylamide over alternatives when high elongation, customizable cross-linking density, and solubility in aqueous systems are required; it is also employed in electrophoresis gels and as a drag-reducing additive in pipeline transport.
Poly(acrylamide) is a synthetic polymer formed by the polymerization of acrylamide monomers, producing a water-soluble or cross-linkable plastic material with excellent film-forming and thickening properties. It is widely used in water treatment for flocculation and clarification, oil recovery operations, paper manufacturing, and cosmetic/personal care formulations, where its ability to modify viscosity and bind suspended particles makes it valuable. Engineers select this polymer for applications requiring high water absorption, adjustable molecular weight, and compatibility with cross-linking agents, though its use must account for monomer toxicity in handling and potential regulatory restrictions in food-contact applications.
Poly(acrylic acid) is a water-soluble synthetic polymer characterized by carboxylic acid functional groups along its backbone, making it highly responsive to pH changes and capable of forming ionic interactions. It is widely used in superabsorbent materials, adhesives, coatings, and pharmaceutical formulations, where its ability to absorb and retain liquids and its biocompatibility are valuable. Engineers select this polymer for applications requiring hydrogel properties, controlled drug delivery, or reversible cross-linking, though its performance is heavily dependent on degree of hydration and pH environment.
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is a synthetic acrylic polymer known for its strong fiber-forming capability and chemical resistance. It is widely used in textile applications—particularly acrylic fibers for apparel and home goods—as well as in composite reinforcement, carbon fiber precursors, and industrial membranes. Engineers select PAN for applications demanding good mechanical strength, thermal stability, and resistance to oils, solvents, and weathering, making it a cost-effective alternative to natural fibers and other synthetic polymers in many commodity and advanced applications.
ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is a tough engineering thermoplastic that combines the rigidity of acrylonitrile and styrene with the impact resistance of butadiene rubber. It is widely used in automotive interiors and trim, consumer appliances, electrical housings, and 3D printing due to its excellent balance of stiffness, toughness, and processability. Engineers select ABS when applications require moderate temperature performance, good surface finish, and reliable impact resistance over a wide temperature range, particularly where repeated mechanical stress or minor impacts may occur.
Poly(acrylonitrile-co-styrene-co-acrylate), or ASA, is a three-component engineering thermoplastic that combines the rigidity and chemical resistance of acrylonitrile, the processability of styrene, and the impact toughness and UV stability imparted by the acrylate phase. This terpolymer is widely used in outdoor applications, automotive components, and consumer goods where environmental durability and aesthetic appearance are critical, as the acrylate component provides superior weathering resistance compared to ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) alternatives. Engineers select ASA when long-term UV exposure, temperature cycling, and ozone resistance are required without sacrificing impact strength or dimensional stability.
Poly(allyl glycidyl ether) is a reactive epoxy-functional polymer synthesized by attaching allyl glycidyl ether units in a backbone chain. This material serves primarily as a component in epoxy resin systems and composite matrices, where it acts as a reactive diluent or modifier to improve processing characteristics, mechanical properties, and cross-linking density. It is valued in aerospace, electronics, and adhesive formulations where engineers need to balance viscosity control with robust thermoset performance, and is particularly notable for enabling better mechanical properties compared to standard bisphenol-A epoxies in demanding structural applications.
Polyamide (nylon) is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer characterized by amide linkages in its backbone chain, available in various grades including PA6, PA66, and engineering variants with glass or mineral reinforcement. It is widely used in automotive components (fuel systems, air intake manifolds, bearing cages), mechanical parts requiring wear resistance (gears, bushings, connectors), and consumer applications (textiles, appliances) due to its combination of toughness, chemical resistance, and processability. Engineers select polyamide when balanced mechanical strength, environmental durability, and cost-effectiveness are priorities, though its moisture absorption and moderate thermal limits require design consideration compared to high-performance alternatives like polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).
Polyamide 6 (PA6) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer synthesized from caprolactam, widely recognized for its excellent balance of mechanical strength, toughness, and chemical resistance. It is a workhorse engineering plastic used across automotive, textiles, consumer goods, and industrial equipment sectors—valued for its durability in bearing surfaces, fasteners, and structural components where cost-effectiveness and moderate-temperature performance are priorities over premium materials.
Polyamides (nylons) are semi-crystalline synthetic polymers characterized by recurring amide linkages in their backbone chain, offering an excellent balance of mechanical strength, toughness, and chemical resistance. These materials are widely used in automotive components (fuel tanks, engine covers, bearing housings), textiles and fibers, consumer appliances, and industrial equipment where their combination of stiffness and impact resistance provides advantages over metals in weight-critical applications and over weaker plastics in load-bearing roles. Engineers select polyamides when dimensional stability, abrasion resistance, and performance at elevated temperatures are required alongside ease of manufacturing through injection molding or extrusion.
Polyaniline is a conducting polymer synthesized through oxidative polymerization of aniline monomers, belonging to the family of intrinsically conductive polymers (ICPs). It is valued in electronics, sensing, and energy storage applications for its electrical conductivity, environmental stability, and tunable properties through doping. Engineers select polyaniline over passive polymers when electrical function is required without sacrificing processability, and over metals when lightweight, corrosion resistance, or solution-based manufacturing are priorities.
Poly(arylene ether)s are high-performance engineering thermoplastics characterized by aromatic ether linkages in their backbone, offering a balance of thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical properties. These materials are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries where elevated temperature performance and dimensional stability are required, competing favorably against polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyetherimide (PEI) in applications where cost and processability are key considerations. Their aromatic structure provides inherent flame resistance and low flammability without additives, making them attractive for critical safety-demanding components.
Poly(aryl ether sulfone) is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer characterized by aromatic ether and sulfone linkages in its backbone, conferring excellent thermal stability and rigidity. It is widely used in demanding aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications where materials must withstand elevated temperatures and chemical exposure while maintaining dimensional stability. Engineers select this polymer family over commodity thermoplastics when long-term performance at high temperatures, inherent flame resistance, and superior mechanical retention are critical, though cost and processing complexity are trade-offs.
Polybenzoxazine is a high-performance thermosetting polymer synthesized from benzoxazine monomers, offering excellent thermal stability and dimensional retention at elevated temperatures. It is widely used in aerospace composites, automotive structural components, electronics packaging, and adhesive formulations where superior heat resistance and mechanical integrity are required without the brittleness common to many competing thermosets. Engineers select this material for applications demanding long-term performance in thermally demanding environments, particularly where low thermal conductivity and high rigidity are beneficial for thermal management or dimensional control.
Poly(benzyl acrylate) is a synthetic acrylate homopolymer formed by polymerization of benzyl acrylate monomers, belonging to the family of acrylic polymers. It combines the backbone structure of polyacrylates with aromatic benzyl side groups, offering enhanced rigidity and thermal stability compared to simpler acrylate polymers. This material is primarily encountered in research and specialty applications rather than high-volume industrial production, where it serves as a building block for advanced adhesives, coatings, and functional polymers, or as a model compound for studying how aromatic substituents influence polymer behavior and performance.
Poly(benzyl methacrylate) is an acrylic polymer synthesized from benzyl methacrylate monomers, belonging to the family of methacrylate-based thermoplastics. It combines the backbone structure of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with a bulky benzyl side group, which influences its thermal and mechanical behavior. This material is primarily encountered in research and specialty applications rather than high-volume industrial production, making it valuable for studying how aromatic ester substitution affects polymer properties and performance.
P3 is an aromatic polyimide-class polymer built from biphenyl, methoxy-substituted phenylene, and trifluoromethyl-containing linkages, designed to achieve high thermal stability and rigidity. This material belongs to the family of high-performance engineering polymers and represents research-level development toward advanced composites and structural applications demanding exceptional thermal resistance and dimensional stability. Engineers consider this polymer variant for applications requiring superior glass transition temperature, chemical resistance, and performance in elevated-temperature environments where conventional plastics degrade.
Poly(bismethoxyphosphazene) is a synthetic polymer belonging to the phosphazene family, characterized by a backbone of alternating phosphorus and nitrogen atoms with bismethoxy substituents. This material is primarily of research and developmental interest rather than established industrial production, with potential applications in flame-retardant coatings, biocompatible medical devices, and elastomeric components where thermal stability and chemical resistance are required. The phosphazene backbone offers notable advantages over conventional polymers including inherent flame resistance, broad chemical compatibility, and tunable properties through substituent modification, making it a candidate for specialized engineering applications in demanding thermal or chemical environments.
Poly(Bisphenol A carbonate), commonly known as polycarbonate (PC), is an engineering thermoplastic polymer valued for its combination of optical clarity, impact resistance, and dimensional stability. It is widely used in applications requiring transparent or translucent components that must withstand mechanical stress, environmental exposure, or repeated thermal cycling, including automotive glazing, protective equipment, medical devices, and consumer electronics housings. Engineers select PC when impact strength and optical properties are critical and where alternatives like acrylic lack toughness or where glass introduces brittleness and weight penalties.
Polybutadiene is a synthetic rubber polymer produced through polymerization of the 1,3-butadiene monomer, available in cis and trans isomeric forms that influence its properties and processing characteristics. It is widely used in tire manufacturing (particularly tire treads and sidewalls), conveyor belts, gaskets, and vibration-damping applications where its inherent elasticity and resilience are valued. Engineers select polybutadiene for applications requiring good flexibility, impact resistance, and durability in dynamic loading conditions, often blending it with natural rubber or styrene-butadiene rubber to optimize cost and performance for specific service environments.
Cis-polybutadiene is a synthetic rubber polymer characterized by a high proportion of cis-1,4-linkages in its backbone chain, giving it excellent elasticity and resilience compared to trans-isomers. It is widely used in tire manufacturing (particularly truck and high-performance tires), adhesives, and impact-modified plastics where superior flexibility and low-temperature performance are required. Engineers select cis-polybutadiene over alternatives like natural rubber or butadiene-styrene copolymers when high rebound characteristics, fatigue resistance, and processability in industrial synthesis are critical to performance.
Trans-polybutadiene is a synthetic rubber polymer characterized by the geometric arrangement of its double bonds in the trans (E) configuration along the carbon backbone, resulting in a more linear and crystalline structure compared to cis isomers. It is used primarily in tire manufacturing, adhesives, and elastomeric compounds where dimensional stability, low-temperature flexibility, and resilience are valued; it is notably preferred over cis-polybutadiene in applications requiring higher modulus and better abrasion resistance. The trans configuration makes it particularly suitable for industrial elastomer blends and specialty rubber products where controlled chain geometry enhances material performance.
Poly(butyl acrylate) is a synthetic elastomeric polymer formed by polymerization of butyl acrylate monomers, belonging to the family of acrylic rubbers. It is widely used in adhesives, coatings, and sealants where flexibility and low-temperature performance are required, as well as in pressure-sensitive applications and elastomeric components. The material is valued for its balance of processability and rubbery properties, making it a practical choice for engineers needing a softer, more flexible alternative to rigid acrylic polymers in applications where environmental resistance and adherence are important.
Poly(butyl methacrylate) is an acrylic polymer belonging to the methacrylate family, characterized by a butyl ester side chain that imparts flexibility and low-temperature performance to the backbone. It is commonly used in coatings, adhesives, and elastomeric applications where a combination of durability and flexibility is required, particularly in automotive refinishes, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and flexible sealants. Engineers select this material over rigid acrylics when low-temperature impact resistance and adhesion properties are critical, though it typically trades some hardness and modulus for improved elasticity and processability.
Poly(butyl vinyl ether) is a synthetic polymer belonging to the vinyl ether family, characterized by repeating butyl vinyl ether units along its backbone. It is primarily encountered in specialized adhesive, coating, and binder applications where its unique adhesion properties and low-temperature flexibility are advantageous. The material is notable for its capacity to bond to challenging substrates and its use in pressure-sensitive adhesive formulations, making it valuable in industries requiring robust yet flexible polymer systems where conventional acrylics or polyurethanes may be less suitable.
Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a synthetic aliphatic polyester known for its low melting point, semi-crystalline structure, and excellent processability via conventional thermoplastic techniques. It is widely used in biomedical devices, packaging, and 3D printing applications where biodegradability, flexibility, and ease of fabrication are valued—particularly in orthopedic fixation devices, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, and consumer products where disposal or resorption in the body is desirable. Engineers select PCL over commodity plastics when end-of-life biodegradation is required or when controlled material degradation is part of the design specification.
Polycarbonate printed by fused deposition modeling is an amorphous engineering thermoplastic built from extruded filament, layer by layer. It needs high nozzle and bed temperatures and usually a heated, enclosed chamber, because the material shrinks on cooling and tends to warp, lift at corners and split between layers. Parts are anisotropic, with weaker bonds between layers than along the strands, and they show visible layer lines, small voids between strands and residual stress; overhangs need supports. The filament absorbs moisture and should be dried before printing. Printed PC is used for tough functional prototypes, jigs and fixtures, housings, brackets and durable end-use parts.
Bambu Lab Bambu PC is a polycarbonate filament grade printed by fused deposition modeling. Polycarbonate is extruded hot and shrinks on cooling, so prints build residual stress and tend to warp or split between layers unless made on a heated bed in an enclosed build space. The filament absorbs moisture and is dried before printing. Parts are anisotropic, weakest across layer interfaces, with visible layer lines and some porosity between roads, and they lack the clarity of molded polycarbonate. They are used for tough functional prototypes, enclosures, brackets, jigs and fixtures that need more impact and heat resistance than common filament plastics. Every value on this page is read from Bambu Lab's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Bambu Lab Bambu PC is a polycarbonate filament grade for fused deposition modeling, here in the dry condition. PC needs a high nozzle temperature, a heated bed and ideally an enclosed chamber, because thermal shrinkage makes larger parts prone to warping and layer splitting. Printed parts are weaker across layer interfaces than along the extruded roads, and layer lines leave them translucent rather than clear. The filament absorbs moisture and is normally dried before printing to avoid bubbling and poor layer bonding. It is used for tough functional parts such as enclosures, brackets, jigs and fixtures, including ones exposed to moderate heat. Every value on this page is read from Bambu Lab's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Prusament PC Blend from Prusa Research is a polycarbonate-based filament for fused deposition modeling, formulated as a blend so that it warps less and prints more readily than unmodified polycarbonate. Like other printed polycarbonate, it needs high nozzle and bed temperatures, an enclosed build space for larger parts, and dry filament, since absorbed moisture degrades extrusion and surface quality. Printed parts are anisotropic, with lower strength and toughness across layers than along them, and show visible layer lines on side walls. It is used for tough functional parts such as brackets, housings, jigs and fixtures, and components that must withstand higher temperatures than common printing plastics. Every value on this page is read from Prusa Research's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Raise3D Premium PC is a polycarbonate filament grade printed by fused deposition modeling, in which the amorphous polymer is extruded and built up layer by layer. Parts are anisotropic, weaker across layer interfaces than along the extruded roads, and the layer lines leave them translucent rather than optically clear. The high processing temperature and shrinkage of polycarbonate make it prone to warping and interlayer cracking, so it is printed from dried filament onto a heated bed, preferably in an enclosed chamber. Typical uses are functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures, housings and brackets that need more toughness and heat resistance than common filaments give. Every value on this page is read from Raise3D's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Raise3D Premium PC is a polycarbonate filament grade printed by fused deposition modeling, in the conditioned state, with parts held in a standard atmosphere until their moisture content has equilibrated. Printing it needs a high nozzle temperature, a heated bed and preferably an enclosed chamber to limit warping and layer cracking, and the filament must be dried before use. Parts show layer lines, are translucent rather than clear, and are weaker across layers than along the deposited roads, with supports needed under overhangs. It is used for tough functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures, housings and brackets needing impact resistance and more heat resistance than common filaments. Every value on this page is read from Raise3D's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Stratasys PC is a polycarbonate filament grade printed by fused deposition modeling on industrial material extrusion systems with a heated build chamber. Parts are built from fused extruded roads, so they show layer lines, are weaker across layers than along them, and are opaque or translucent rather than optically clear. The filament must be kept dry, and controlled high temperatures are needed to limit warping and residual stress. Overhangs need support material that is removed after printing. Printed parts are used for functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures and tooling, and for end-use parts that need toughness and heat resistance. Every value on this page is read from Stratasys' own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
UltiMaker PC is UltiMaker's polycarbonate filament grade, printed by fused deposition modeling into tough, heat-resistant parts. It is extruded at high nozzle temperatures onto a heated bed, preferably in an enclosed chamber, because the material warps readily and its layers bond poorly if they cool too fast, and the filament absorbs moisture and must be dried before printing. Printed parts are anisotropic, weaker across layers than along them, and show visible layer lines; they are translucent rather than optically clear. It is used for functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures and enclosures that must withstand impact and elevated temperatures. Every value on this page is read from UltiMaker's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
UltiMaker PC is a polycarbonate filament grade printed by fused deposition modeling, here in the conditioned state, equilibrated with ambient humidity rather than tested dry off the printer. Polycarbonate needs high nozzle and bed temperatures and an enclosed build space, because its shrinkage on cooling causes warping and residual stress, and the filament must be dried before printing. Printed parts are anisotropic and weakest across the layer interfaces, with visible layer lines and none of the optical clarity of molded PC. They are used as tough functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures, housings and parts exposed to moderate heat. Every value on this page is read from UltiMaker's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Polychloroprene is a synthetic rubber polymer produced by free-radical polymerization of chloroprene monomer, known commercially as neoprene. It combines good elasticity with excellent chemical, oil, and weather resistance, making it a versatile engineered elastomer widely used where conventional rubbers would degrade. The material is selected in demanding applications requiring simultaneous resistance to ozone, UV exposure, petroleum products, and temperature fluctuations—properties that give it a significant advantage over natural rubber and some synthetic alternatives in industrial and consumer applications.
Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) is a thermoplastic fluoropolymer that combines chlorine and fluorine atoms in its backbone, offering a unique balance of chemical resistance and mechanical rigidity compared to other fluoropolymers. It is widely used in aerospace, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing industries where exposure to aggressive solvents, fuels, and corrosive environments demands both durability and dimensional stability. PCTFE is particularly valued in applications requiring lower creep and superior chemical resistance to oils and chlorinated solvents compared to PTFE, making it the preferred choice for precision-critical seals, tubing, and valve components in harsh operating conditions.
Poly(cyclohexyl acrylate) is a synthetic acrylic polymer in which cyclohexyl groups are pendant to the polymer backbone, creating a glassy thermoplastic with relatively low thermal transitions. This material appears primarily in research and developmental contexts rather than established industrial production, where it is studied for applications requiring clarity, hardness, and chemical resistance in thermoset or thermoplastic formulations.
Poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate) is an acrylic polymer synthesized from cyclohexyl methacrylate monomer, belonging to the family of methacrylate-based thermoplastics. It is primarily of research and specialized interest rather than a commodity polymer, valued for its rigid backbone structure derived from the bulky cyclohexyl ester group. Applications are typically found in optical coatings, high-performance adhesives, and advanced composite matrices where thermal stability and chemical resistance are required, though it competes with more established acrylics and epoxies in conventional engineering roles.
Poly(cyclohexyl vinyl ether) is a vinyl ether polymer synthesized by polymerizing cyclohexyl vinyl ether monomers, belonging to the family of polyvinyl ethers. This material is primarily of research and specialty chemical interest rather than a widely commercialized engineering polymer, with potential applications in adhesives, coatings, and pharmaceutical excipients where its ether backbone provides flexibility and chemical compatibility.
Poly(dimethylsiloxane), commonly known as silicone, is a synthetic elastomer composed of a backbone of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with methyl groups attached. It is widely used across consumer, medical, industrial, and aerospace sectors due to its exceptional thermal stability, low-temperature flexibility, chemical inertness, and biocompatibility. Engineers select PDMS over conventional polymers when applications demand resistance to extreme temperatures, UV exposure, moisture, or when direct contact with biological systems is required.
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a silicone-based elastomeric polymer composed of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with methyl side groups, valued for its chemical stability, thermal resilience, and flexibility across a wide temperature range. It is widely used in medical devices (implants, tubing, catheters), consumer products (sealants, coatings, cosmetics), microfluidic devices, and industrial gaskets where biocompatibility, low toxicity, and resistance to thermal and chemical degradation are required. Engineers select PDMS when flexibility, durability in demanding environments, and non-reactivity with biological systems are critical; its silicone backbone provides superior longevity compared to conventional organic polymers in sterilization, UV exposure, and temperature cycling applications.
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a silicone-based synthetic polymer characterized by a silicon-oxygen backbone with methyl side groups, making it chemically distinct from carbon-chain polymers. It is widely used in industries requiring materials with low surface energy, high flexibility, and thermal stability—including medical devices (implants, contact lenses), consumer products (sealants, coatings), microfluidics research, and elastomer applications. PDMS is valued for its biocompatibility, gas permeability, and resistance to temperature extremes and UV exposure, making it a preferred choice where conventional plastics would degrade or where surface properties need tight control.
Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide), commonly known as PLGA, is a synthetic biodegradable copolymer synthesized from lactic and glycolic acid monomers in a 1:1 ratio. It is widely used in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries for controlled-release drug delivery systems and tissue engineering scaffolds, where its tunable degradation rate and biocompatibility make it an attractive alternative to permanent synthetic polymers and natural biopolymers. Engineers select PLGA when applications require materials that resorb harmlessly in the body over weeks to months, eliminating the need for surgical removal while providing mechanical support during the healing process.
Poly(dodecyl acrylate) is a synthetic acrylic polymer with a long alkyl side chain, belonging to the family of polyacrylates commonly used in adhesives, coatings, and elastomeric applications. This material exhibits low glass transition temperature, making it flexible and resilient at ambient conditions—a property valued in pressure-sensitive adhesives, elastomers, and soft coating formulations where flexibility and tack are critical. Relative to rigid acrylics or other synthetic rubbers, poly(dodecyl acrylate) offers tailorable softness and is typically used as a base polymer or copolymer component rather than standalone, enabling engineers to formulate custom adhesive and elastomeric blends for demanding bonding and damping applications.
Poly(dodecyl methacrylate) is a long-chain alkyl methacrylate polymer synthesized by polymerization of dodecyl methacrylate monomer, belonging to the family of acrylate and methacrylate polymers. This material is primarily of research and specialty interest rather than high-volume industrial production, used in applications requiring low-temperature flexibility and hydrophobic character, such as adhesives, coatings, and thermoplastic elastomer blends. Its extended alkyl side chains provide unique mechanical behavior compared to shorter-chain methacrylates, making it relevant for applications where controlled softness and surface properties are engineered requirements.
Poly(dodecyl vinyl ether) is a vinyl ether polymer characterized by long alkyl side chains (dodecyl groups), making it a specialty synthetic polymer with hydrophobic character and relatively low glass transition temperature. While primarily of research interest rather than high-volume production, this material class is explored for applications requiring flexibility, hydrophobicity, and chemical inertness—particularly in coatings, adhesives, and polymer blends where tailored side-chain properties can improve performance versus conventional vinyl polymers or polyolefins.
Polydopamine is a synthetic polymer derived from dopamine, a small organic molecule, that forms through oxidative polymerization. It is primarily a research material used in biomedical and materials science applications, where it functions as an adhesive coating or surface modifier rather than a bulk structural material. Its key appeal lies in its biocompatibility, versatility in surface functionalization, and ability to adhere to diverse substrates—making it valuable for coating medical devices, improving tissue integration, and enabling drug delivery systems.