Engineering thermoplastics (ETP) are polymeric materials which can be melt-processed into shaped articles for prolonged use in structural applications over a wide temperature range, under mechanical stresses and in moderate to severe chemical and physical environments. In comparison with conventional structural materials such as wood, metals, ceramics and silicon-based glass, engineering thermoplastics offer many advantages: (a) range of color and clarity; (b) flexibility; (c) range from lubricity to adhesion; (d) low-cost fabrication and decoration; (e) high thermal and electrical insulation; (f) high strength to weight ratio; (g) ease of modification of their properties using reinforcing agents, fillers and chemical additives; (h) resistance to inorganic corrosion; (i) impact resistance; (j) abrasion resistance; and, (k) energy absorption of foam.l.2 Typical engineering thermoplastics are aliphatic polyamides, polyesters, polyacetals, aromatic polysulfides, polystyrene, polymethacrylates, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonates, polysulfones, aromatic polyethers, poly-p-xylylene and poly(Cmethy1-pentane-I).
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