PAR - Polyarylate, a polymer with versatile properties

dr Dietrich Mueller GmbH | 23.11.2019/XNUMX/XNUMX

Our modern life, indeed our modern world, would be unthinkable without plastic. It is fascinating what different properties different plastics have, such as polyarylate (PAR)

Ahlhorn, November 22.11.2019, XNUMX –

The properties of PAR polyarylate

Polyarylate is by definition an amorphous thermoplastic based on tere and isophthalic acid and bisphenol A in the polymer chain. It is also one of the partially aromatic polyesters. Due to their temperature and UV resistance, the plastics are often used in paints or as dispersants in adhesives.

PAR is originally transparent with a slight yellow tinge, but can be colored without any problems. As a UV stabilizer with excellent retention of optical and mechanical properties, combined with high heat resistance, the plastic is the ideal choice for all uses where it is exposed to atmospheric agents.

PAR in comparison

In terms of temperature properties, polyarylates are somewhere between polysulfones (PS) and polycarbonate (PC). The toughness and creep resistance as well as the electrical properties deserve special mention. With medium impact strength, polyacrylic acid esters trump the abrasion resistance of PC. PAR is also characterized by good recovery after deformation.

In various 8000-hour long-term tests, polyarylate, in contrast to PS and PC, retains its almost untarnished gloss even under the influence of UV rays. Unfortunately, it is also slightly more expensive than a PC. However, it must also be said that PAR is prone to stress cracking from hydrocarbon solvents and requires high processing temperatures (approx. 350°C).

The features of polyarylate (PAR) at a glance:

• Good dimensional stability
• Good weather resistance
• High heat resistance
• Amorphous
• Good creep resistance
• Good chemical resistance
• heat stabilized
• Good impact resistance
• good flow

What is polyarylate used for?

PAR is versatile, one of the biggest users is the automotive industry. Here, the plastics are used, for example, as door handles or in headlights and mirror mounts. In the security area, PAR can be used for fire brigade helmets or protective shields, for example.

It goes without saying that it is also used as a UV protective coating for other materials or as a sheathing for cables, ropes and cords. In the electronics field, polyarylates are used for dielectric films in capacitors, as membranes in small loudspeakers and microphones, or in printed circuit boards.

The areas of application of PAR at a glance:

• Automotive industry
• electronic displays
• electrical components
• Solar systems
• semiconductor molding compounds
• Decorative exhibitions
• coverings, sheathing

Available formats from PAR

As usual, polyarylate can be obtained in the three common formats. Compression molded panels are finished in various thicknesses and tailored to their application factors, with the thickness adjustable from 0,07 centimeters to 15 centimeters. The rolls are particularly suitable for the production of stamped parts. With thicknesses of 0,05 millimeters to 0,8 millimeters and a width of up to 70 centimetres, all areas of application should be covered. In addition, polyarylate is available in rod form with diameters between 0,3 centimeters and 38 centimeters.

PAR can be purchased as a film from Kunstoffhaus.de in Ahlhorn. The plastic house is a division of Dr. Dietrich Müller GmbH, which produces and processes PAR foils itself. The PAR films are sold under the brand name "aryphane“ marketed.