Get to Know the Saudi Arabia Engineering Plastic Market

Engineering plastic has specialized features in comparison to ordinary plastics. Several features can include mechanical and thermal resistance, that makes it suitable for particular purposes. This plastic is increasingly gaining interest due to its multiple functions, including in Saudi Arabia.

As the country is increasingly shifting its focus from the oil and gas industry, plastic manufacturing can see substantial growth. According to a research firm, GMI Research, Saudi Arabia engineering plastic market size would see a robust development because of the nation's industries' growing need for engineering plastics.

In the manufacturing process, plastic additives can play an important role in achieving the best material performance following molding and during application.

What are The Types?

There are several types of engineering plastic that are widely used in Saudi Arabia.

1.      PET

This is one of the most common plastic types which the applications include the containers of food and beverages, textiles, the bottle of pills, among others.

2.      Nylon 6

This plastic is tough and stiff, and also has insulation against electricity and thermal transmission. Its characteristics can be augmented with the addition of glass fiber and various compounds. We can find the application of this plastic in forming washers, valve seats, among others.

3.      ABS

ABS is well-known for its strength and both thermal and chemical stability. It provides glossy finish, which the application includes many products such as toys, helmets, and other consumer products.

4.      Polyimides

PI involves combining aromatic diamines with aromatic dianhydrides, which this combination can provide outstanding thermal resilience and remarkable chemical resistance. With these features, this plastic can survive in extreme temperatures reaching 370-degree Celsius. The application of this plastic includes fuel cells, structural adhesives, and other applications.

5.      Polycarbonates

Besides being resistant to chemicals and fire, this plastic can be recycled and popular for its clear optical transparency. The application of the plastic type includes CDs, face shields, streetlamps, and others.

The Features

Engineering plastic in Saudi Arabia have several features that show its characteristics.

1.      Resistant to abrasion

Most engineering plastics are resistant to abrasion, in which they can endure damage from scratches or rubbing. This plastic has a better ability to be resistant to abrasion in comparison to ordinary plastics as it has improved hardness characteristics. Because of its ability, this plastic is suitable for gears and other prone applications.

2.      Resistant to chemical

Not only abrasion, but engineering plastic is also resistant to chemicals as it can survive various chemical compounds and other elements. Therefore, this plastic is suitable in the environment that are prone to chemical exposure, such as medical applications, bathroom products, and other consumer products.

3.      Ignition risk

This plastic has a distinct propensity for catching fire, even though it has various levels of flammability which depend on the type. PEEK or PPS, for example, are resistant to fire and can be used for applications that are prone to fire like chemical industry. Meanwhile, other types of plastic such as ABS are more flammable.

4.      Food-grade suitability

There are some types of engineering plastic that are safe to use for food, such as PET and ABS. These types of plastic are free from additives and toxic components because of the chemical structure of the plastic. On the other hand, polycarbonate is not recommended for food applications.

5.      Temperature resistance

Some engineering plastic has the ability to avoid changes because of extremely different temperatures. Depending on the plastic type, there are various degrees of which engineering plastic can resist to. PEEK, for example, can survive in environments with high temperatures, reaching 250-degree Celsius. The application of this type of plastics includes industrial and machinery applications which are prone to heat.