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PP – Polypropylene
The ‘workhorse’ of the plastics industry, polypropylene is one of the high-volume “commodity” thermoplastics. It has low density, is fairly rigid, has a high heat distortion temperature of up to 95 degrees C (making it suitable for “hot-fill” packaging applications), and excellent chemical resistance and electrical properties.
COPP – Co-polymer Polypropylene
This is a specially modified highly transparent polypropylene random copolymer with medium melt flow, intended for injection moulding and injection stretch blow moulding. In addition to these properties, COPP is the best material for active hinges.
PE – Polyethylene
A thermoplastic material composed of polymers of ethylene. Polyethylene is the most widely produced polymer available in various densities.
HDPE – High Density Polyethylene
Its comparatively high density gives HDPE high stiffness, good temperature resistance and very good water vapour barrier properties.
LDPE – Low Density Polyethylene
Commonly used for reducer plugs in packaging or can be blended with HDPE to adjust overall density.
LLDPE – Linear Low Density Polyethylene
Typically used for tubes, LLDPE is a material that is slightly stiffer and more stable than LDPE. It is also less prone to warpage and distortion on thin section mouldings.
PET – Polyethylene Terephthalate
PET plastics are clear in appearance and are available in a range of colours. Although lightweight, PET is tough and a good defence to gases and liquids. It is also highly resistant to dilute acids, oils and alcohols.
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PETG – Glycol-modified Polyethylene Terephthalate
This is a durable material with an excellent gloss, clarity and sparkle that makes for very clear bottles. PETG can be processed via conventional extrusion blow-moulding methods, generally on machines designed to process PVC. It is popularly used for shampoos, soaps, and detergents. The chemical resistance of PETG is fair, but compatibility testing is recommended, especially with products that contain alcohol.
PCTG – Poly-Cyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate Glycol
This co-polyester material is similar to PETG and can be processed in the same manner. It has better chemical resistance and is generally easier to process than PETG. It can also create larger capacity and heavier weight containers through extrusion blowmoulding processes than with PETG.
PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride
A thermoplastic material composed of polymers of vinyl chloride, PVC is a colourless solid with outstanding resistance to water, alcohols, and concentrated acids and alkalis. It is used in unplasticised form for the production of containers such as liquid hand soaps, shampoos and bubble baths.
BDS – Butadiene-Styrene Block Copolymer
Has the clarity of SAN, but with the addition of an impact modifier. This allows moulding to flex without fractures.
SAN – Styrene-Acrylonitrile Resins
The SAN copolymer generally contains 70 to 80% styrene and 20 to 30% acrylonitrile. This combination provides higher strength, rigidity, and chemical resistance than polystyrene, but it is not quite as clear as crystal polystyrene and its appearance tends to yellow more quickly.
PS – Polystyrene
Protects against moisture and maintains its strength and shape even after long periods of time. Offers high clarity and rigidity.
PCR – Post Consumer Regrind
With the increased awareness of protecting the environment and consumer awareness for the need to recycle, M&H is able to offer post consumer recycled material, which is re-used, broken down plastic bottles and containers. PCR can be offered between 25 -100% and in PET, HDPE and PP, and can be used for injection, blowmoulding and extrusion processing requirements. Where PCR cannot be used for technical reasons PIR (Post Industrial Regrind) is available
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Key
HDPE = High Density Polyethylene LDPE = Low Density Polyethylene PP = Polypropylene PVC = Polyvinyl chloride PS = Polystyrene SBC = Styrene Butadiene Co-polymer PET = Polyethylene Terephthalate PETG = Glycol Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate
PCTG = Poly (Cyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate) Glycol SAN = Styrene Acrylonitrile
E = Excellent VG = Very Good G = Good F = Fair P = Poor U = Unsatisfactory M = Moderate
H = High C = Clear SO = Semi Opaque O = Opaque
Please note: There are many grades of each material and these are to be used as a guide only.
We strongly recommend you carry out your own tests to approve material compatibility.
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