Abbreviations for commonly used plastic names

Common plastics abbreviation symbols

Polyethylene (PE): PE is a common thermoplastic produced from the polymerization of ethylene. It is a part of the polyolefin group and used in applications such as packaging films, manufacturing of pipes and plastic bottles, construction elements and synthetic fiber production.

Polypropylene (PP): PP is a lightweight, yet strong and versatile plastic that offers an excellent balance between stiffness and flexibility. It has good chemical resistance, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of products from coil wraps and food containers to toys and films.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC is a strong, durable and economical plastic that is commonly used for plastic pipes, packaging films and medical products. It is a flexible material that offers high levels of chemical resistance, making it a great choice for a variety of applications.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is a strong and durable plastic with a density almost twice that of regular polyethylene. It is used in the production of food containers and films, as well as in engineering applications such as geomembranes, corrosion-resistant pipes and coatings.

Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS): ABS is an engineering thermoplastic that has excellent resistance to chemicals and is commonly used in the production of lego pieces, computer keyboards and enclosures for electronics. It is highly scratch and impact-resistant, making it a great choice for many everyday applications.

Polycarbonate (PC): PC is an amorphous thermoplastic with superior impact and chemical resistance. It is used in heavy-duty applications like safety glazing and bulletproof windows, and is also commonly used in consumer electronics, construction elements, and automotive parts.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): EPS is a lightweight, foam plastic with excellent insulation properties. It is used in the production of packaging applications such as food containers and protective packaging, as well as in construction applications like insulation and insulation boards.

Polystyrene (PS): PS is a transparent, rigid plastic that is commonly used for food containers, toys and packaging applications. It is an economical choice for many applications and is highly scratch-resistant, making it a great choice for consumer applications.

Polyamide (PA): PA is a semi-crystalline plastic that provides good balance between strength and flexibility. It is commonly used in automotive applications such as fuel tanks, belts and hoses, as well as for circuit boards, bearings and bushings.

Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT): PBT is a tough and rigid engineering plastic with excellent resistance to heat, chemicals and UV light. It is used in the production of automotive components, housing elements, and industrial appliances.

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA): PMMA is a transparent thermoplastic often used as an alternative to glass. Its superior optical properties make it a great choice for a variety of applications such as lenses, lighting fixtures and even furniture.

Plastic, a versatile and lightweight material, is widely used in everyday life. Common plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), and polycarbonate (PC) are usually identified by abbreviations or codes.

PE is a thermoplastic polymer and the most widely used type of plastic. It is a light and flexible material with good flexibility and insulation properties. Typical applications include packaging bags, bottles, beverage containers, toys, and tubes.

PP is a lightweight, durable, and highly versatile material. It has good heat resistance, low permeability to gas, and excellent chemical resistance properties. Typical applications include food containers and packaging, automative parts, and textiles.

PVC is an economical and widely used plastic. It is widely used in construction, plumbing, electrical and electronic applications. Typical applications include pipes, guttering, window frames, and flooring.

ABS is a common thermoplastic material characterized by its hardness, strength, and its resistance to heat, chemicals, and electricity. Typical applications include coatings for furniture and machinery, protective panels for cars and boats, and light covers for home appliances.

PS is a lightweight material used for a variety of applications. It is low in cost and has excellent insulation and shock-absorbing properties. Typical applications include food container and packaging, stationery, toys, and medical devices.

PC is a high strength and heat resistant material. It is an optically clear material with good optical quality. Typical applications include medical equipment, aircraft components, sport safety equipment, and eyeglass lenses.