Typical values of some common thermoplastics can be found in the table below.
| Thermoplastic |
Specific Gravity |
Tensile Yield Strength
(103 psi) |
Tensile Modulus
(103 psi) |
Coefficients of
Linear Expansion
(106 in/in oF) |
Thermal Conductivity
(Btu in /h ft2 oF) |
Specific Heat
(Btu/lb oF) |
Maximum Temperature Limit
(oF/oC) |
| ABS |
1.08 |
7.0 |
340 |
60 |
1.35 |
0.34 |
180/80 |
| PVC |
1.4 |
8.0 |
410 |
30 |
1.1 |
0.25 |
150/65 |
| CPVC |
1.54 |
8.0 |
420 |
35 |
1.0 |
0.20 |
210/100 |
| PE |
0.95 |
3.2 |
120 |
90 |
3.2 |
0.55 |
160/70 |
| PEX |
0.94 |
2.8 |
. |
90 |
3.2 |
0.55 |
210/100 |
| PB |
0.92 |
4.2 |
55 |
72 |
1.5 |
0.45 |
210/100 |
| PVDF |
1.76 |
7.0 |
220 |
70 |
1.5 |
0.29 |
300/150 |
- 1 psi (lb/in2) = 6,894.8 Pa (N/m2) - Note! You can use the pressure unit converter on this page to switch to Pa (N/m2) units.
- 1 (Btu/lb oF) = 4,186.8 (J/kg K) = 1 (kcal/kg oC)
Tensile Strength Yield Strength
Tensile strength yield strength is the maximum engineering stress in psi (or Pa) at which a permanent non-elastic deformation of the thermoplastic material begins.
Yield Point
Yield point is the first point where the specimen yields, where the specimen's cross-sectional area begins to contract significantly, or where the strain can increase without increase in the stress.
Ultimate Tensile Strength
Ultimate tensile strength is the maximum stress the thermoplastic material can withstand before failing, whichever occurs at the higher stress level.
Tensile Modulus
Tensile modulus or Young's Modulus is the ratio of stress to strain within the elastic region of the stress-strain curve before the yield point.
Thermoplastic Characteristics
BS - Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- strong and rigid
- resistant to a variety of bases and acids
- some solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons may damage the material
- maximum usable temperature 160oF (71oC)
- common as DEV - Drainage, Waste and Vent - pipes
PB - Polybutylene
- flexible pipe
- used for pressurized water systems
- usable for hot and cold water
- only compression and banded type joints used
PE - Polyethylene
- flexible pipe
- used for pressurized water systems - sprinkler..
- not usable for hot water
PEX - Polyethylene Cross Linked
- flexible pipe
- used for pressurized water systems - sprinkler..
PP - Polypropylene
- lightweight
- temperature up to 180oF (82oC)
- highly resistant to acids, bases and many solvents
- usable in laboratory plumbing
PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride
- strong and rigid
- resistant to a variety of acids and bases
- may be damaged by some solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons
- maximum usable temperature 140oF (60oC)
- usable for water, gas and drainage systems
- not useable in hot water systems
CPVC - Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride
- similar to PVC - but designed for water up to 180oF (82oC)
PVDF - Polyvinylidene Fluoride
- strong and very tough material
- resistant to abrasion, acids, bases, solvents and much more
- usable to 280oF (138oC)
- usable in laboratory plumbing
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