Heat resistant materials are useful in protecting the environment from high temperatures or in preventing a fire. They are also used in a wide range of applications, including industrial machinery, automobiles and buildings.
Metals are the traditional choice for heat-resistant material, but there are many newer alternatives that offer better performance in high-temperature applications. For instance, plastics don’t melt when burned, and they can be made to withstand higher temperature changes than their metal counterparts.
There are a few common types of heat-resistant plastics. Amorphous plastics such as polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) and polyurethanes (PU) are all good options. They have high resistance to heat, and they’re easy to shape and mold.
Semi-crystalline polymers such as polypropylene, nylon, acetal and fluoropolymers are popular in structural and bearing applications. They have good resistance to impact and a narrow temperature melting point, but they’re less tolerant of stress fractures than amorphous ones.
Super alloys are often chosen for high-temperature application, as they have a high tolerance to heat and can retain their mechanical properties at higher temperatures. Choosing the right alloy can be confusing, but it’s important to select one that fits the application’s needs and will perform well in extreme environments.
PBI or Polybenzimidazole, commonly known as Celazole, is a thermoplastic with the highest heat and wear resistance available in all thermoplastics. It has a very high glass transition temperature, excellent load-carrying capabilities in extreme temperatures, and exceptional chemical resistance. It’s a great substitute for other materials that may need to be removed or replaced in extreme temperatures, reducing costly breakdowns while increasing efficiency.