In the plastic raw materials market, correct material classification not only concerns performance indicators but also affects supply costs and the success or failure of projects.
From general-purpose polyolefins to special engineering plastics, the compatibility of different polymerization structures, modification systems and processes determines the performance and stability of the products in terminal applications.
As a company with 24 years of experience in international trade, Juyuan offers our clients not only raw materials but also selection ideas based on a classification system and practical procurement plans.
The following content will systematically sort out the professional classification logic of plastic raw materials, helping enterprises optimize their supply structure, control risks and enhance their competitiveness.
I. Classification by performance and application: From general-purpose to high-performance, covering all fields
1. General Purpose Plastics
It has the largest output, low cost and good processability, and is a basic material for the manufacturing industry.
Representative Materials and Applications:
-PE (Polyethylene) : Packaging film, pipes, containers
-PP (polypropylene) : Home appliance shells, automotive interiors, medical supplies
-PS (Polystyrene) : Stationery, tableware, transparent boxes
・PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) : pipes, cables, flooring, door and window profiles
-เอบีเอส: Home appliances, toys, automotive interior parts (with excellent electroplating performance)
💡 Market Characteristics:
General-purpose plastics have stable costs and abundant supplies, making them core materials in the packaging, daily chemical, and construction industries.
2. Engineering Plastics
It features higher mechanical strength, heat resistance and dimensional stability, and is widely used in structural and functional components.
Representative Materials and Applications:
-PC (Polycarbonate) : Optical components, safety helmets
-PA (Nylon) : Gears, bearings, automotive parts
-POM (polyoxymethylene) : Sliding parts, precision structural components
-พีบีที/สัตว์เลี้ยง (polyester type) : Electronic connectors, automotive lighting parts
・PMMA (Acrylic) : Lampshades, transparent covers
💡 Market Trends:
The lightweighting of automobiles, the upgrading of home appliances and the precision of electronics have continuously driven the growth in demand for engineering plastics.
3. High-Performance Engineering Plastics
Serving the fields of aerospace, energy, medical care and high-precision equipment.
Representative Materials and Applications:
-PEEK: Engine components, aviation structural parts, medical implants
-PPS: Pump casing, electrical components, automotive engine system
・LCP: High-frequency Microelectronic connector
・PI: Flexible circuit boards, heat-resistant films
-PES/PSU: Medical housing, filter element assembly
💡 Industry Characteristics:
With high temperature resistance, high strength and high reliability as its core features, it has a high market concentration and its added value far exceeds that of ordinary plastics.
Ii. Classification by the chemical structure of polymers
Category | Characteristics | Representative Materials |
Carbon-Chain Polymers | Carbon backbone, excellent chemical resistance | PE, พีพี, PS, PMMA |
Heteroatomic Polymers | Contain O/N atoms, balanced mechanical and thermal properties | พีเอ, ปอม, พีซี, พีบีที |
Aromatic Polymers | Benzene-ring backbone, high rigidity & heat resistance | PEEK, PPS, LCP, PI, PES |
Iii. Classification by source
・Petroleum-based plastics (Petrochemical) : mainstream materials such as PE, PP, PS, PVC, PC, etc.
・Bio-based plastics: PLA, PBS, PHA, Bio-PET, Bio-PE; Emphasize environmental protection and sustainable supply chains.
🌿 Trend interpretation:
The annual growth rate of global bio-based plastics is approximately 15%, and R-PET and Bio-PE are becoming the new green favorites of brand enterprises.
Iv. Classification by thermal characteristics
พิมพ์ | Thermal Property | Typical Materials | แอปพลิเคชั่น |
Thermoplastics | Soften upon reheating and can be remolded | PE, PP, PC, PA, POM | Injection, extrusion, blow molding |
Thermosets | Cure once, cannot be remelted | PF, EP, UPR | Electrical parts, molded components |
V. Classification by modification system and Functionality
Modification Type | Technology | Functional Benefit |
Reinforced | Glass fiber / carbon fiber | Higher strength and stiffness |
Flame Retardant | Halogenated / halogen-free systems | UL94 V-0 flame rating |
Impact Modified | Elastomer blending | Improved impact toughness |
Conductive / Thermal | CNT, graphite, metal fillers | EMI shielding, heat dissipation |
Wear Resistant | PTFE, MoS₂ additives | Lower friction coefficient |
💡 Juyuan advantage:
Support customers in customizing modification solutions such as glass fiber reinforcement, flame retardancy, thermal conductivity, and low warpage according to their performance requirements.
Vi. Classification by processing method
วิธีการประมวลผล | Recommended Materials | การใช้งานทั่วไป |
การฉีดขึ้นรูป | PC, เอบีเอส, POM, PA | Precision and electronic parts |
Extrusion Molding | PE, PP, PVC | Pipes, profiles, cables |
การเป่าขึ้นรูป | เอชดีพีอี, PET, PP | Bottles, containers, fuel tanks |
การเป่าฟิล์ม | แอลดีพีอี, แอล แอล ดี พี อี | Films, packaging bags |
Compression Molding | PF, EP | Electrical and composite parts |
Vii. Industry Application Fields
・Automotive industry: PA, พีบีที, POM, PEEK
・Electronic and electrical: PC, PBT, PPS, LCP
・Medical devices: PEEK, PPSU, PES, PP
・Packaging materials: PE, PP, PET, PLA
・Building materials: PVC, HDPE, ABS
📈 Market watch:
The demand for engineering-grade materials in high value-added industries such as automotive electronics and medical care continues to rise.
Viii. Future Trends (Technology × Trade Perspective)
Trend | Technical Focus | Typical Materials |
Lightweighting | High strength-to-weight composites | PP-GF, PA-LCF, TPEE |
Circular Economy | Recycled & bio-based feedstocks | R-PET, Bio-PE, PLA |
Smart Polymers | Conductive, self-healing, phase-change | TPU, PEEK-CNT |
Traceable Supply Chains | ISCC / GRS-certified materials | ISCC+, GRS polymers |
🌍 Global Trends:
Brands and manufacturers are shifting towards new material systems that are sustainable, high-performance and intelligent.
Ix. Professional Supply Advantages of Juyuan
Juyuan has been dedicated to the international trade of plastic raw materials for 24 years, providing long-term supplies of engineering grade and special grade plastics such as PEEK, PC, PA, POM, PPS, and PBT.
We offer:
💡 Multiple brands in stock (Victrex, Solvay, Evonik, SABIC, etc.)
🧪 Customized modification solutions (reinforcement, flame retardancy, thermal conductivity, low warpage)
🔧 Technical selection and processing consultation
🌏 Global traceable supply chain support (ISCC, GRS certified)
Juyuan helps customers achieve the best balance between performance, cost and sustainability.