Polymethylpentene

From Plastics Wiki, free encyclopedia

Polymethylpentene (PMP) is a thermoplastic polymer.

Advantages

Very low density (0.83g/cm3). Transparent. Reasonably high continuous use temperature (approx. 75°C (170°F)). May be autoclaved for sterilisation. Good high frequency electrical properties.

Disadvantages

Higher cost than other polyolefins. Somewhat brittle (though better impact resistance than Acrylic, Polystyrene or SAN). Higher mould shrinkage than Polystyrene or SAN. Poor UV resistance. Higher gas permeability than other polyolefins.

Applications

Medical components - syringes, dishes, measuring flasks. Microwave cookware, coffee filters. Chemical laboratory apparatus, e.g. dishes, test tubes, sight glasses, tubing.