Plastics Thermal Expansion Coefficients - SRP|PVC|PTFE|PSF|PP|PMMA|PI|PET|PEI|PEEK|PC|PEAK|PAI|HDPE|ABS|LDPE|Nylon

This chart compares the "Coefficient of linear thermal expansion" shown as a factor m/m.k in the table. All materials expand with changes in Temperature. Thermoplastics expand considerably more than metals (e.g. Carbon Steel 10.8 (10)-6 compared to UHMWPE 200 (10)-6 i.e. approximately 18 times more).

Linear thermal expansion means the product will expand in all directions and this needs to be allowed for in design calculations. The calculation is: (given factor) x 10-6 x length x change in temperature °C.

Thermal Expansion Coefficients - Common Plastics
Plastics Type	Coefficient of Thermal Expansion M/(MxK)
PE Polyethylene	180-200
PP Polypropylene	200
PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene	135
PVDF Polyviylidenefluoride	130
PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene	112 - 125
Acetal	110
Nylon	50-90
PVC Polyvinylchloride	70
PC Polycarbonate	65
PETP Polyester	60-65
PSU Polysulphone	60
PPSU Polyphenylenesulphone	55
PEEK Polyetheretherketone	25-50
PPS Polyphenylene Sulphide	50
PEI Polyetherimide	45
PAI Polyamide-imide	25-30
PBI Polybenzimidazole	25

Releated References:

	Plastics Selection and Comparison
	General Propertie and Characteristics of Plastics
	Plastics Thermal Expansion Coefficients
	Common Plastics and Uses Application
	Special Purpose Plastics and Uses Application
	Material Properties of Some Thermoplastics
	ABS Pipes - Pressure Ratings
	Thermoplastics - Physical Properties