Material guide
PPE, polyphenylene ether
PPE is an engineering plastic with unusually low moisture absorption and good dimensional stability. Stiff and dimensionally stable, with good electrical insulation properties. A safe choice where the part has to stay put whatever the humidity.
What it is
PPE, polyphenylene ether, is an engineering plastic that stands out for very low moisture absorption and good dimensional stability. Where nylon draws in moisture and moves, PPE stays put, and that makes the material dependable in environments with changing humidity. It is stiff, dimensionally stable and a good electrical insulator. PPE is often carried in reinforced grades, where glass fiber raises the stiffness and the heat deflection temperature further. This is one of the more specialized materials we carry, so get in touch early if you are planning a run.
Properties
The dimensions hold even in a damp environment
Good dimensional stability over time
Stiff and dimensionally stable, stays put under load
Good electrical insulation properties
Glass fiber raises stiffness and heat deflection temperature
Common applications
PPE is used for parts that have to hold their dimensions regardless of humidity, and where you want good electrical properties. Typical parts are insulators, housings and load-carrying parts in electrical and electronics environments, plus precision parts in damp environments. The glass fiber reinforced grades are chosen when stiffness and heat deflection temperature need to go up a notch.
Limitations
PPE is not a high temperature plastic in the class of PEEK or the fluoropolymers. Chemical resistance against some solvents is limited, so check the medium against a data sheet before you decide. The material is not an obvious choice for parts with extreme abrasion either; POM or a PE grade suits that better. Bonding to the smooth surface is awkward, so plan for mechanical fastening.
Our PPE qualities handle 85 °C in continuous use and 110 °C for short periods.
Grades and variants
We carry PPE in its base version and in a glass fiber reinforced grade. The grades differ in stiffness and heat deflection temperature.
Base grades
- PPE in its base version, for parts where dimensional stability and insulation are enough as the main requirements.
Additives and reinforcements
- PPE GF30, the glass fiber reinforced grade. GF30 contains 30% added glass fiber reinforcement for higher stiffness and heat deflection temperature. Chosen when the part has to carry more load or handle more heat.
Other filler levels may be available to order in on request.
Machining
PPE is sawn, milled, drilled and turned without trouble and holds its dimensions afterwards. The surface does not take adhesive particularly well, so mechanical fastening is the safe choice.
Formats we can supply
We carry PPE as sheet and round rod in a wide span of dimensions. You can see formats and dimensions in the range. Want a piece cut to size? Enter the measurements in VisualCutter and you see the price straight away.