Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO): Strength Meets Heat Resistance

When applications call for a material that can stand up to prolonged heat exposure with minimal creep, Polyphenylene Oxide can provide exceptional value. Learn more about this versatile polymer below.

High strength, dimensional stability and inherent flame resistance

Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO) is an amorphous thermoplastic that is sought out for its desirable mechanical properties, including heat resistance and dimensional stability. As a true engineering thermoplastic, PPO offers a great option for challenging applications that require chronic exposure to heat, moisture, electrical current, and more.

Originally formulated in 1959 and brought to market by General Electric in 1960 as Noryl™ (now by Sabic), PPO is cost-effective for a high-temperature polymer and can be found today in applications ranging from washing machines to under-the-hood automotive parts.

Interested in sourcing PPO components for your project? Request a quote here.

PPO Characteristics

An opaque thermoplastic, PPO is available in different grades depending on an application’s requirements and can be mixed with a variety of additives such as stabilizers, flame retardants, impact modifiers, and fillers. Common blends with PPO include polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene and polyamide.

PPO can be engineered to provide characteristics including:

• Flame resistance, with a high heat distortion temperature (glass transition temperature of over 210° C)
• Good dimensional stability, including minimal creep over time (even in the face of constant heat)
• Low moisture absorption
• Excellent rigidity and strength
• High dielectric strength with great electrical properties
• Low specific gravity
• Broad chemical resistance to acids, bases, and organic solvents.

Unless stabilized with the right additives, PPO materials may experience oxidation and damage from UV exposure over time. 

Need help selecting the appropriate resin and value-added services for your PPO component? Molding Dynamics can help. Learn more about our plastic molding capabilities here.

PPO Industries and Applications

Any engineering challenge requiring heat resistance and dimensional stability is likely to have promising applications for PPO components. Because of its chemical resistance, it’s the perfect resin for plumbing. Representative industries that make extensive use of this thermoplastic include:

• Automotive
• Consumer Goods
• Electronics
• Construction
• Heavy Industrial
• Medical and Pharmaceutical

Across all of these industries, PPO is commonly relied on in applications that call for prolonged exposure to heat, moisture, and other challenging environmental conditions. Examples include:

• Pump components
• Electronics and appliances
• Wet or underwater components
• Housings, covers, and sockets for electrical infrastructure
• Common household items that depend on high heat resistance (ie. dishwashers)
• Automotive parts
• Casings and protective coverings for scientific instruments

Is PPO the right fit for your injection molded component? Learn more about our full selection of materials here.