Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP): September 2009

A.1.1

There are several different types of polymers with many properties ranging from chemical to organic structure.

Material Type / Grade


	Material Type / Grade
	Your choices are...
	Monomer / Intermediate		Resin component, monomer, intermediate, oligomer, pre-polymer or other building blocks and raw materials for plastic or elastomer polymer production.
	Binder / Base Polymer		Base polymers or binders, binding agents and film formers are starting components mixed with other fillers and additives by compounders to produce plastic resins, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, coatings, paints or other polymer based products. Binders are also adhesives used to hold together particulates such as polyvinyl alcohol, waxes, phenolics or other compounds. They are used in fabricating powder metal compacts, ceramic binders, fuel pellets, brake pads, particle board, and pharmaceuticals pills or preparations.
	Composite Material		Material filled with a strengthening phase, reinforcement fibers, toughening phase or other specialty fillers that provide unique properties.
	Thermoplastic Material		Thermoplastics can be repeatedly softened by heat and then hardened, or set by cooling, which allows parts to be injection molded or thermoformed and scrap to be reprocessed.
	Thermoset / Crosslinked Material		Thermoset plastics and thermoset resins are crosslinked polymeric resins cured using heat or heat and pressure. Cured thermoset resins generally have higher resistance to heat compared to thermoplastics, but melting cannot reprocess them.
	Semi-finished / Shaped Stock (Bar, Sheet, etc.)		Semi-finished or shaped stock forms of plastics or elastomers include bar, sheet, film, profiles, or other shapes suited for part fabrication by machining, forming, welding, mechanical assembly or other processes.
	Fabricated Shape / Part (Molded, Cast)		Polymers or elastomers fabricated into finished shapes or parts using molding, casting, extrusion, pultrusion, machining, thermal forming, plastic welding, blow molding, rapid prototyping techniques, grinding and/or other specialized processes. The exact dimensions and tolerances of the finished molded or cast parts are typically made-to-print based on the OEMs requirements and the supplier's in-house capabilities.
	Resin / Compound Raw Material (Pellets, Liquid)		Polymer material is a resin or compounded raw or unfinished material such as pellets, liquids, bulk molding compounds, or other forms.
	Electrical / Electronic Material		Polymers, elastomers or resins specialized for electronics applications such as thermal interface materials, electrical insulation, potting or encapsulating compounds, conductive adhesives and dielectric sealants.
	Optical Grade / Material		Polymers or elastomers designed for optical or photonics applications such as transparent polycarbonate or acrylic lens materials.
	Self-lubricated / Bearing Grade		Compounded polymers or elastomers use solid lubricant fillers such as graphite, molybdenum disulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or boron nitride.
	Specialty / Other		Other unlisted, specialized and proprietary polymers, resins, monomers or intermediates. These materials are based on a unique chemical or polymer systems, novel curing technologies or have properties tailored for specific applications.
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Cure Type / Technology


	Cure Type / Technology
	Your choices are...
	Air Setting / Film Drying		Air setting or film drying materials form a bond or "harden" by evaporating water or an organic solvent. Inorganic binders or cements are sometimes air setting; refractory type may develop strong bonds after firing. Pastes and gum adhesives are often film drying.
	Anaerobic		Anaerobic adhesives cure in the absence of air or oxygen.
	Thermoplastic / Hot Melt		Thermoplastics can be repeatedly softened by heat and then hardened, or set by cooling, which allows parts to be injection molded or thermoformed and scrap to be reprocessed. Thermoplastic or hot melt adhesives can be repeatedly softened by heat and then hardened, or set by cooling, which allows parts to be removed or repositioned during assembly. Hot melt adhesives are typically solvent-free thermoplastics that melt or drop in viscosity above 180°F, and then rapidly set upon cooling. They are used in a variety of manufacturing processes, including bookbinding, woodworking, construction, product assembly, and box and carton heat sealing. Hot melt adhesive technology stemmed from the previous use of molten wax for bonding. Thermoplastic systems were introduced to satisfy performance needs. Typically, a pure hot melt system will not have the heat resistance of two-part, catalyst or thermoset adhesives. Hybrid hot melt systems are available that have exhibit a degree of reactive curing. Polyethylenes, polyamides and ethylene-vinyl acetates are common types of hot melt adhesives. Heat activated adhesives become sticky or tacky when warmed, and are used in contact or PSA type applications.
	Thermosetting (Crosslinking/ Vulcanizing)		Thermoset plastics and thermoset resins are crosslinked polymeric resins cured using heat or heat and pressure. Cured thermoset resins generally have higher resistance to heat when compared to thermoplastics, but they cannot be melted down and reprocessed. Thermoset adhesives are crosslinked polymeric resins cured using heat or heat and pressure. Cured thermoset resins do not melt and flow when heated, but they may soften. Phenolic, melamine and urea formaldehyde resins are thermosetting adhesives that offer strong bonds and good resistance to high temperatures. Vulcanization is a thermosetting reaction involving the use of heat and/or pressure in conjunction with a vulcanizing agent, resulting in greatly increased strength, stability and elasticity in rubber-like materials. RTV silicone rubbers are room temperature vulcanizing materials. The vulcanizing agent is a crosslinking compound or catalyst. Sulfur is the traditional vulcanizing agent used with natural rubber. Silicones use moisture, acetic acid and other compounds as curing agents.
	Room Temp. Cure / Vulcanizing		Polymer resin or compounds that either cure or vulcanize at room temperature. Vulcanization is a thermosetting reaction involving the use of heat and/or pressure in conjunction with a vulcanizing agent, resulting in greatly increased strength, stability and elasticity in rubber-like materials. The vulcanizing agent is a crosslinking compound or catalyst. Silicones use moisture, acetic acid and other compounds as curing or vulcanizing agents.
	Contact / Pressure Sensitive (PSA)		Pressure sensitive adhesives adhere to most surfaces with very slight pressure and they retain their tackiness. They are available in solvent and latex or water based forms. Pressure sensitive adhesives are often based on non-crosslinked rubber adhesives, acrylics or polyurethanes. They form viscoelastic bonds that are aggressively and permanently tacky, and adhere without the need of more than finger or hand pressure.
	UV / Radiation Cured (also EB, Light)		UV or radiation cured adhesives use ultraviolet light, visible light or electron bean irradiation to initiate curing, which allows a permanent bond without heating or excessive heat generation. One disadvantage of UV curing adhesives is the requirement that one substrate is UV transparent. Some UV resin systems employ a secondary curing mechanism to complete curing of adhesive regions shielded from the UV light. EB curable adhesives use electron beam radiation to cure or initiate curing. The electron beam can penetrate through material that is opaque to UV light.
	Reactive / Moisture Cured		Reactive resins are single component adhesives that are applied in the same way as hot melt adhesives. The resins react with moisture to crosslink and polymerize resulting in a cured material. Polyurethane reactives (PUR) are examples of this type of technology. Certain silicones and cyanoacrylates also use a reaction with moisture or water to cure the adhesive or sealant.
	Single Component System		Single component adhesives or sealant systems consist of one resin that hardens by reaction with surface moisture, a surface applied activator-primer, or through the application of heat.
	Two Component System		Two or multi-component adhesive or sealant systems consist of two or more resins or a resin and a hardener, crosslinker, activator or catalyst that when combined react and cure into a polymerized compound or bond. Two component systems are mixed and then applied.
	Specialty / Other		Other unlisted, specialty, proprietary technology or cure type.
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Material System


	Chemical / Polymer System Type
	Your choices are...
	ABS		Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) is a hard, rigid, thermoplastic polymer. It provides good chemical and creep resistance along with dimensional stability. ABS is used in many industries and in a wide array of applications. It is generally inexpensive, but prone to crack under stress. Common trade names include Cycolac® (GE Plastics), Lustran® (Bayer) and Novodur® (Bayer).
	Acetal / Polyoxymethylene (POM)		Polyacetal or polyoxymethylene (POM) provides a higher strength material compared to polyethylene-type polymers; however, polyacetal materials are susceptible to oxidation at elevated temperatures. DuPont’s Delrin® is a common polyacetal engineering resin that is also used to mold plastic parts.
	Acrylic / Polyacrylate		Acrylic polymers are formed by polymerizing acrylic acids through a reaction with a suitable catalyst. Acrylics are known for excellent environmental resistance and fast-setting times compared to other resin systems.
	Bismaleimide (BMI)		Material based on thermoset bismaleimide (BMI) resin. Aromatic polyimides are among the most thermally stable organic materials known. BMI thermoset resins have high temperature resistance. Bismaleimide (BMI) resins have processing characteristics similar to epoxy resins and are used as laminating resins, prepregs, adhesives and other composite applications.
	Cellulosic / Cellulose		Polymers are based on a cellulosic or cellulose chemical system. Cellulosic thermoplastics are often used to form plastic films for packaging applications.
	Cyanoacrylate		Cyanoacrylates are one-part acrylate adhesives that cure instantly on-contact with mated surfaces through a reaction with surface moisture. Cyanoacrylates are often called super-glues. They have high strength and excellent adhesion to a wide variety of substrates, especially plastics. Potential disadvantages include poor shock or impact resistance (brittleness) and poor gap-filling abilities. Cyanoacrylates that are modified with rubber or elastomers have overcome some of these problems.
	Epoxy (EP)		Epoxy resins exhibit high strength and low shrinkage during curing. Epoxies are known for their toughness and resistance to chemical and environmental damage. Most epoxies are two-part resins cured at room temperature. Some thermally-cured or thermoset one-part epoxies are also available. Depending on the formulation, epoxy resins are used as casting resins, potting agents, resin binders or laminating resins in fiberglass or composite construction. They are also used as encapsulants, electrical conductors in microelectronic packaging, and adhesives in structural bonding applications.
	Ethylene Copolymer (EEA, EVA, EBAC)		Ethylene copolymers include (poly)ethylene acrylate acid (EAA), (poly)ethylene methyl acrylate (EMAC), (poly)ethylene ethyl acrylate (EEA), (poly)ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), (poly)ethylene butyl acrylate (EBAC), (poly)ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA or EVAC), (poly)ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVAL or EVOH), and (poly)ethylene propylene terpolymer (EPM).
	Fluoropolymer (PTFE / PVDF)		Polymers are based on fluoropolymer chemical systems such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Fluoropolymers are used in applications requiring superior chemical resistance. PTFE is used in applications requiring superior chemical resistance or low friction.
	Ionomer		Thermoplastics are based on the ionomer polymer system.
	Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)		Liquid crystal polymers (LCP) are thermoplastics with high strength and temperature resistance. Liquid crystal polymers are used in electrical, electronic, and medical applications where the high cost of the material is not an issue.
	PEEK / Ketone		Ketones encompass polyaryletherketone or polyetheretherketone (PEEK). PEEK is an engineered thermoplastic that can resist high temperatures. It has excellent chemical resistance, fatigue resistance, and thermal stability. PEEK is inert to all common solvents and resists a wide range of organic and inorganic liquids. PEEK has a maximum continuous working temperature of 480°F, and retains its mechanical properties up to 570°F in steam or high-pressure applications.
	Phenolics / Formaldehyde Resins (Melamine, Furan, etc.)		Phenolic and formaldehyde resins are thermosetting molding compounds and adhesives that offer strong bonds and good resistance to high temperatures. Phenolic or phenol formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, furan, and melamine resins fit into this category. Phenolic resin adhesives made from chemicals of the phenol group and formaldehyde are generally are the most durable. Phenolic resins are available in liquid, powder, and film form. Special phenolic resins are available that harden at moderate temperatures when mixed with suitable accelerators. Phenol-formaldehyde, resorcinol-formaldehyde, resol, and novalac resins are types of phenolic resins. Urea resin adhesives are made from urea, formaldehyde, and catalysts or hardeners. Urea formaldehyde resins can harden rapidly at moderate temperatures, but generally do not have the properties of phenolic resins. Melamine resins are made through a reaction of dicyandiamide with formaldehyde. Most of the resins in this group have excellent dielectric properties. Furan formaldehyde (FF) resins are made by the polymerization or poly-condensation of furfural, furfural alcohol, or other compounds containing a furan ring, or by the reaction of these furan compounds with other compounds (not over 50%). Fire-retardant furans are used in hand lay-up, spray-up, and filament winding operations. Furans are commonly used in foundry binders, grinding wheels, refractories, and other high temperature applications. Furan resins and chemicals are also used in fiberglass composites, hybrid resins combined with epoxy or phenolics, and in corrosion-resistant cements.
	Polyamide		Polyamide is a commonly used system for molding high-strength engineered components. Polyamides are also used to produce strong hot-melt adhesives. Polyamides provide higher strength than polyethylene or other commodity-type polymers. Nylon is a well-known example of a polyamide engineering resin that is also used to mold plastic parts.
	Polyamide-imide (PAI)		Polyamide-imides are amorphous thermoplastic materials with excellent mechanical properties, especially at elevated temperatures. Trimellitic anhydrides react with aromatic diamines to produce polyamide-imides. Polyamide-imides are applied in demanding engineering applications. Solvay Advanced Polymer's Torlon® is a well-known example of a polyamide-imide engineering resin that is also used to mold, extrude or machine plastic parts, or shape stock.
	Polybutadiene		Polybutadiene is a commonly used polymer system with dielectric potting compounds and coatings. It can be combined with other rubber polymers to form flexible sealants. Polybutadiene remains flexible even at low temperatures.
	Polycarbonate (PC)		Polycarbonate is an amorphous material with excellent impact strength, clarity, and optical properties. Polycarbonate has excellent mechanical properties, and can be molded to tight tolerances. Polycarbonates can be attacked by solvents and petrochemicals. Brand names include Caliber® (Dow) and Lexan® (GE) as well as Makrofol® and Makrolon® (Bayer).
	Polyethylene (PE, HDPE, UHMW PE)		Polymers or resins are based on the polyethylene chemical system. Low density polyethylene polymers are used to form a variety of common or commodity-plastic components. High density (HDPE) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW PE) have good friction and mechanical properties. They are used in medical devices, wear parts, and engineered components.
	PET / PBT (Thermoplastic Polyester)		The polyethylene terphthalate (PET) and polybutylene terphthalate (PBT) polymer systems are based on a thermoplastic polyester or terphthalate system.
	Polyester / Vinyl Ester		Thermosetting resins or plastics are based on the polyester (alkyd) or vinyl ester system. These materials should not be confused with thermoplastic polyesters or PET resins.
	Polyether Block Amide (PEBA)		Polyether block amide (PEBA) resins are a type of polyamide with thermoplastic elastomer characteristics. PEBA can be molded to form flexible components such as hydraulic hose, pneumatic tube, boots, and other parts.
	Polyetherimide		Polymers or thermoplastic compounds are based on the polyetherimide chemical system.
	Polyolefin		Polyolefin is broad term encompassing several specific linear polymer types.
	Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO)		Polymers or thermoplastics are based on the polyphenylene oxide (PPO) chemical system.
	Polypropylene (PP)		Polypropylene (PP) is commonly used in hot-melt adhesive systems. PP is a polymer based on polypropylene chemical bonds.
	Polysulphide		Polymer resins or compounds are based on polysulfide or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) chemical systems.
	Polysulphone		Sulphones include polysulphones, polyarylsulphones, and polyethersulphones.
	Polyphthalamide / Aramid (PPA)		Thermoplastics are based on a polyphthalamide or aromatic polyamide system with a highly crystalline or linear nature. Aramid fibers are based on a polyphthalamide system. DuPont’s Kevlar® fibers are an example of aramid fibers.
	Polyurethane (PU, PUR)		Polyurethane (PUR) resins provide excellent flexibility, impact resistance, and durability. Polyurethanes are formed through the reaction of an isocyanate component with polyols or other active hydroxyl group compounds. Polyurethanes require a catalyst, heat, or air evaporation to initiate and complete curing.
	Silicone		Plastic compounds, elastomer resins, or polymers are based on the silicone chemical system. Silicones are produced through the hydrolysis and polymerization of silanes and siloxanes.
	Styrene / Polystyrene		Polymers are based on a styrene or polystyrene chemical system.
	Styrene Copolymer (SIS / SBS)		Products are based upon a styrene copolymer system such as styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), acrylic styrene acrylonitrile (ASA), acrylonitrile ethylene styrene (AES), styrene maleic anhydride (SMA), styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), or styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) has good resistance to petroleum hydrocarbons and fuels. SBR is used widely with oils, hydraulic fluids, and alcohol. Many compound variations are available for specific applications. The suggested operating temperature for SBR is -30° to 275° F. Styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymers are commonly applied in pressure-sensitive adhesive applications.
	Vinyl (PVC / PVA / PVDC)		Polymers are based on the vinyl chemical system. Examples include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDF), polyvinyl vinyl acetate (PVA), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH).
	Specialty / Other		Other specialty, proprietary or unlisted resin, chemical system or compound or polymer type.
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	Filler Material:
	Your choices are...
	Unfilled		Raw materials or unfilled resins do not contain any additional modifiers such as fillers, colorants, dispersants, plasticizers, wetting agents, levelers, or defoamers. These products are used as starting components or raw materials for the production of finished plastic resins, elastomers, adhesives, sealant, coatings, or other polymer-based products.
	Filled / Reinforced		Filled or reinforced compounds consist of resins with additional modifiers such as fillers, pigments, or chopped fiber reinforcements. Filled compounds are typically ready to use.
	Aramid Fiber		Polyimide (polyphthalamide) is a fiber-based reinforcement, such as DuPont’s Kevlar® fiber material. Aromatic polyimides are among the most thermally stable organic materials known.
	Carbon / Graphite		Compounded polymers or elastomers that use carbon or graphite powder, or fiber filler. Depending on the structure, carbon can strengthen or provide some improvement in electrical and thermal conductivity.
	Fabric / Pre-preg		Polymer or elastomer products using woven cloth or non-woven mat reinforcements to provide improved strength and/or stiffness.
	Fibers - Chopped (SMC / BMC)		Polymer or elastomer products using chopped fiber reinforcement to provide improved strength and/or stiffness. Sheet molding compounds (SMC) are provided in the form of sheets, usually with a carrier or release liner. Bulk molding compound (BMC) is provided in larger, bulk shapes.
	Fibers - Continuous / Wound		Polymer or elastomer products using continuous fiber reinforcement to provide improved strength and/or stiffness.
	Glass / Fiber Glass (FRP)		Compounded polymer or elastomer products using glass powder, fibers, or cloth to provide improved strength and/or stiffness.
	Metal / MIM		Compounds using metal powder or fiber filler.
	Mineral / Inorganic		Compounded polymers or elastomers that are filled with a mineral, ceramic, silicate or other inorganic powder or fiber.
	Other		Other unlisted, specialized, or proprietary filler type.
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Shapes / Semi-finished Stock


	Form / Shape
	Your choices are...
	Film / Sheet		Material is supplied or available in the form of sheet or film. Sheet has thickness between 0.006" and 0.250" and is 24 inches (609.6 mm) or over in width. Sheet is typically formed to precise thicknesses and/or width requirements.
	Flat / Bar Stock (Square, Rectangular)		Material is supplied or available in the form of bar with a rectangular (flat) or square cross-section.
	Plate		Material is supplied or available in the form of plate. Plate has a thickness of at least 0.250" or 1/4 inches or more.
	Profile / Structural Shape (Angle, Channel, I-Beam, Tee)		Material is supplied or available in the form of an extrusion profile or structural shape such as angle, channel, I-beam, tee, rectangular tube, or other cross-sectional shapes.
	Rod / Round Stock		Material is supplied or available in the form of bar or rod stock with a round cross-section.
	Hex Stock		Material is supplied or available in a hex stock form with a hexagonal shaped cross-section.
	Shim / Shim Stock		Thin stock is manufactured to precise thicknesses for shimming, chocking, or spacing applications.
	Sphere / Ball (Bearing Ball)		Material is available in the form of a sphere or precision ground ball. Precision balls are used in fabricating bearing balls, ball valve balls, check valve balls, and measuring balls.
	Specialty / Other		Other specialty, proprietary or unlisted material forms.
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	Cast / Cast Stock?		Products are in the form of a cast stock or shape such as cast nylon or polyamide rod or plate.
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	Extruded / Extrusion?		Products are extruded (pushed) or pultruded (pulled) through a die to produce a profile with a constant cross-section.
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	Hollow / Tubular Stock?		Material is supplied or available in the form of tube, pipe, or hollow stock with an open internal bore.
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	Molded / Molded Stock?		Products are in the form of a molded stock or shape such as compression-molded composite rod or plate.
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	Overall Thickness		Overall thickness (for stock shape) of a stock form, tube wall, or another fabricated component. Stock forms include bar, rod, plate, or tube.
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	Overall Width / O.D.		Width or outer diameter of stock form material such as bar, plate, tube. Also, the average particulate diameter of raw materials such as powders, granules or pellets.
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	Overall Length		Length of a stock form material such as bar, rod, plate, or tube.
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	ID		Inner diameter or internal dimension of a tube or other hollow stock shape.
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Resins & Compounds



	Your choices are...
	Pellets		Resin is in the form of pellets, powder, granules, or other feed stock forms such as bulk or sheet molding compound.
	Liquid		Adhesive, sealant, or resin in the form of a low to moderate viscosity liquid.
	Gel		Polymer, elastomer, adhesive, sealant, or resin in the form of a high to moderate viscosity "solid" gel or liquid gel. Gel adhesives are more run-resistant during application. Elastomer gel materials are used in cushioning, and bumper or shock absorption applications.
	Grease / Paste		Greases and pastes have a high enough viscosity to seal joints, openings, or fittings without migration or leakage from the gap. Vacuum sealants have low vapor pressures to prevent outgassing into the system. Greases do not cure or polymerize under normal end use conditions. Pastes may cure or set depending on the composition.
	Powder		Adhesive is supplied in the form of a finely divided particulate. Novolac phenolic resins are often provided in a powder form.
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	Compound Type:
	Your choices are...
	Adhesive		Adhesives are organic or inorganic chemical compounds for joining components. They require clean surfaces compatible with the adhesive.
	Casting Resin		Casting resins are plastic or elastomer compounds used to cast parts, molds or form a structure in place. Casting resins usually consist of a two-part (A+B) system that is placed into open molds or forms, where A is the resin and B is the catalyst or hardener. The fabricator mixes the components to initiate the curing process.
	Caulk / Grout		Caulks, grouts and joint compounds have a sufficiently low viscosity to allow pumping of the material into joints or cracks, to seal or repair. Caulk typically consists of a flexible material, while grouts are typically based on thin-set inorganic mortars. Polymer or resin binder based grouts are available.
	Film Grade Resin / Compound		Plastic, elastomer or plastic material grade designed for the production of film or thin sheet.
	Encapsulant / Potting Compound		Encapsulants and potting compounds are resins used to encapsulate circuit boards or semiconductor devices, fill a container of electronic devices or infiltrate electrical coils to provide environmental protection and electrical insulation. Ceramic cement based potting compounds are available for high temperature applications.
	Extrusion Grade Resin / Compound		Plastic or elastomer grades suited for fabricating parts by extrusion or pultrusion.
	Filler / Reinforcement		Powder or particulate material is designed or suitable for filler or reinforcement applications.
	Leveling / Filling Compound		Leveling compounds, gap fillers, chocking materials and mastics are highly viscous materials applied by trowel to give thick glue lines usually with gap sealing properties. Chocks, chocking and floor leveling compounds are during the installation of heavy equipment or machine bases. Chocking or leveling compounds allow machines to be installed level or plumb and can be used in place of metal or plastic shims or shimstock. Mastics fill in gaps or irregularities in a surface before tile or other materials are applied. They are also used to bond tiles to sub-flooring. Repair compounds or gap fillers are used to fill in gaps or repair cavities or holes in a part, casting or structure. Typically, these compounds may also be used as adhesives or sealants or have sealing or bonding characteristics.
	Molding Compound / Molding Grade		Plastics or elastomers suited for the fabrication of parts via injection molding, compression molding, blow molding or film extrusion, reaction injection molding (RIM), resin transfer molding (RTM) or molded stock shapes.
	Sealant / Sealing Material		Sealants are liquid compounds used to fill gaps between seams, threads or on surfaces, to contain fluids, prevent leaks, and prevent infiltration of unwanted material. Higher viscosity sealants are used when larger gaps need to be filled.
	Thread Locker / Retainer		Threadlocking or threadlocker adhesives bind threads that are subject to transverse and axial loads against vibrational loosening. They reduce production costs and improve reliability by eliminating lock washers and other expensive locking devices. They preserve on-torque and distribute the load over the entire engagement length of the fastener, effectively eliminating premature material fatigue and fastener failure.
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Features & Industry


	Features
	Your choices are...
	Anti-static / ESD Control		Material designed with relatively high electrically conductivity or low electrical resistivity for electronic, anti-static or electrostatic discharge (ESD) applications.
	Electrically Conductive Compound		Resins or compounds with a high degree of electrical conductivity (low resistivity) for applications such as anti-static or ESD control, EMI / RFI shielding, thick film metallization and device and board electrical interconnection.
	Electrical Insulation / Dielectric Material		Dielectric compounds and electrical insulation materials are used to form a barrier or isolator between electrical or electronic components. The voltage potential between the conductor and conductive components will influence material selection based on the dielectric strength in order to reduce shorting. Dielectric constant and loss tangent are important parameters in minimizing crosstalk between insulated circuit paths.
	EMI / RFI Shielding Material		Polymers or elastomers designed to provide shielding from electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI). Typically, these compounds have a high degree of electrical conductivity.
	Flame Retardant (e.g. UL 94 Rated)		The material is flame retardant in accordance with industry standards, such as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL), Flame Class 94, or other ISO standards. These materials reduce the spread of flame or resist ignition when exposed to high temperatures. They also insulate the substrate and delay damage to the substrate.
	Flexible / Dampening		Products are designed to provide flexibility or dampening of sound, vibration, or shock in suitable applications. Flexible adhesives or sealants form a layer that can bend or flex without cracking or delaminating.
	100% Natural / Recycled Material		The product provided by the supplier is comprised solely of natural ("green") or recycled raw materials.
	Solvent Based (Volatile Organic)		Solvent-based adhesive resins use a volatile organic solvent (VOC) to thin or alter viscosity. Typically, solvent-based adhesive resins result in greater environmental or regulatory control problems. Solvents can also present a fire hazard or risk explosion, depending on the plant or job site.
	Thermal Compound / Interface (Thermally Conductive)		Material designed to form a thermally conductive layer on the substrate, between components or within a finished electronic product. Thermally conductive resins, thermoplastics, encapsulants, potting compounds, tapes, pads, adhesives and greases are often used between a heat-generating electrical device and a heat sink to improve heat dissipation.
	Thermal Insulation / Heat Insulating		Thermally insulating resins, plastics, compounds and encapsulants provide a thermal barrier between components and a hot or cold source.
	UL Approved		The material is approved to or recognized under one or more requirements of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL).
	Water Based / Latex Dispersion		Water-based or water-borne adhesive resins are water soluble or water emulsion-based resin systems that typically do not contain any VOC solvents. Water-based adhesive resins usually present fewer environmental or regulatory control problems.
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	Industry:
	Your choices are...
	Aerospace		Products are designed for aerospace applications. For example, they can be used to bond composite structures to other composite or metallic frame components.
	Automotive		Products are designed for automotive applications. For example, they can be used to bond panels and seal windows.
	Electronics		Products are designed for electronics applications. For example, they can be used in potting or encapsulating compounds, conductive adhesives, and dielectric sealants.
	Electrical Power / HV		Products are resins, compounds, and plastic composites suitable for electrical power or high voltage applications such as generator or motor assemblies, coil or transformer manufacturing, and switch or circuit breaker insulation.
	Optoelectronics / Photonics		Products are designed for optoelectronics or photonics applications, such as cements for bonding simple lenses into compound structures.
	Semiconductors / IC Packaging		Products are designed or suitable for semiconductor or semiconductor packaging applications.
	Laminating / Composites		Products are designed for constructing laminating strip structures or SCRIMP matrix resins for composite construction. SCRIMP is an acronym for Seemann composites resin infusion molding process.
	Marine		Products are designed for marine applications. They can be immersed in water and withstand exposure to marine atmospheres.
	Medical / Food (Sanitary / FDA)		Products are suitable for medical or food-contact applications. They typically comply with requirements from regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Science Foundation (NSF), 3A-Dairy, Canada AG, or USP Class VI.
	Military / Government (MIL-SPEC / GG)		Products adhere to U.S. military specifications (MIL-SPEC).
	OEM / Industrial		Products are designed for use by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for the assembly, sealing, or fabrication of products.
	Repair (MRO) / Construction		Products are designed for use by construction contractors and in maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) applications. Adhesives or sealants can be designed for general-purpose construction or architectural applications. Construction materials include wood, wood products, glass, cement products (mortar, concrete, masonry), plaster board, metal trim, flooring tile, sub-floor or underlayment, plaster board, sheet metal roofing or flash, metal ties, insulation materials (fiberglass, foam), and bitumen-based roofing materials.
	Tooling / Mold Material		Products are designed for tooling or mold fabrication such as polyurethane shapes or castable silicones.
	Other		Other unlisted industry.
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Thermal Properties


	Use Temperature		Use temperature is the range of temperatures to which products can be exposed without the degradation of structural or other required end-use properties.
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	Deflection Temperature (@ 264 psi, 1.8 MPa)		Deflection temperature is the range that the material can be exposed to without the degradation of structural or other required end-use properties at 264 psi or 1.8 MPa. .
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	Thermal Conductivity		Thermal conductivity is the linear heat transfer per unit area through a material for a given applied temperature gradient. Heat flux (h) = [thermal conductivity (k) ] x [temperature gradient ( T)]
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	Coeff. of Thermal Expansion (CTE)		Coefficient of linear expansion (CFE) is the amount of linear expansion or shrinkage that occurs in a material with a change in temperature.
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Mechanical Properties


	Tensile Strength (Break)		Tensile strength at break is the maximum amount of stress required to fail or break the material under tension loading test conditions. Tensile tests are typically performed according to test procedure standards such as ASTM D-638 or ISO 527-1, ASTM D-1708, ASTM D-2289 (plastics at high strain rates), and ASTM D-882 (thin plastic sheets) as well as other OEM proprietary standards.
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	Tensile Modulus		Young's modulus or the modulus of elasticity is a material constant that indicates the variation is strain produced under an applied tensile load. Materials with a higher modulus of elasticity have higher stiffness or rigidity.
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	Elongation		Elongation is the percent amount of deformation occurring during a tensile test or other mechanical test.
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Electrical & Optical Properties


	Electrical Resistivity		Resistivity is the longitudinal electrical resistance (ohm-cm) of a uniform rod of unit length and unit cross-sectional area. Resistivity is the inverse of conductivity.
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.

	Dielectric Strength		Dielectric strength is the maximum voltage field that the material can withstand before electrical breakdown occurs.
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	Dielectric Constant (Relative Permittivity)		The dielectric constant is the relative permittivity of a material compared to a vacuum or free space. k = _r= / _o= where is the absolute permittivity of the material and _ois the absolute permittivity of a vacuum 8.85 x 10^-12 F/m.
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	Index of Refraction		The index of refraction is a measure of the speed of light in a material.
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	Transmission		This is the amount of light transmitted through a material.
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Processing & Physical Properties


	Viscosity		Viscosity is a measurement of a fluid's resistance to flow. Water is lower in viscosity than motor oil or honey. Oil is lower in viscosity than tar or molasses. Depending on the application method, viscosity determines how well a resin fills the cavities or voids in a mold.
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	Melt Flow Index (MFI)		Melt flow index (MFI) is the output flow rate in grams that occurs in 10 minutes period through a standard die of 2.0955 mm diameter and 8.000 mm in length, while a fixed pressure is applied to a 190°C melt via a piston. Blow molding and extrusion processes tend to use resins with lower MFI values. Injection molding typically utilizes higher MFI polymers.
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	Water Absorption		The amount of water absorbed by the material.
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