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Polymer Structure

Properties and Overview of PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate)

Overview:

Image of PBT or Application PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) is a high-performance thermoplastic polyester widely recognized for its excellent mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and resistance to chemicals and heat. Its versatility and durability make it a popular choice in industries requiring strong, lightweight materials for demanding applications. PBT is often used in plastic engineering, contributing to developing innovative and reliable components across various sectors.


Production:

The production of PBT involves the polymerization of terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate with 1,4-butanediol under heat and pressure, typically through a process called melt polycondensation. The resulting polymer is further processed into pellets, which can be injection molded, extruded, or blow-molded into specific shapes and forms. PBT can be modified with additives such as glass fibers, flame retardants, or impact modifiers to enhance particular characteristics, such as strength, thermal resistance, or flexibility.


Applications:

PBT's applications are extensive due to its outstanding properties. In the automotive industry, it is used for connectors, sensor housings, and exterior trim components, where its resistance to heat, oils, and UV exposure ensures longevity and reliability. Thanks to its dielectric properties and flame resistance, PBT is an insulating material for connectors, switches, and circuit breakers in electrical and electronics applications. The material is also used in consumer goods such as toothbrush handles, small appliance components, and kitchenware due to its toughness and ease of molding. Additionally, PBT is employed in industrial machinery for gears, bearings, and conveyor belts, where its low friction and wear resistance are advantageous.


Summary:

Polybutylene Terephthalate is a versatile engineering thermoplastic that balances strength, durability, and chemical resistance. Its adaptability and ability to meet stringent performance requirements make it indispensable in automotive, electrical, and consumer applications. As industries demand lightweight and high-performance materials, PBT remains a reliable and essential polymer in modern manufacturing and design.



See a comprehensive list of electrical, mechanical, physical and thermal properties for PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) below:



Electrical Properties of PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate)

Electrical Property (Units) Value
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Dielectric Constant at 'Standard Temperature and Pressure' 3
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Electrical Breakdown Voltage at Atmospheric Pressure (kV/mm) ~20 to 30
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Electrical Conductivity (S/m) 1.00E-16 to 1.00E-13
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Electrical Resistivity at Room Temperature (25°C) (Ω·m) 1.00E+13 to 1.00E+16
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Magnetic Property N/A
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Superconducting Transition Temperature (K) N/A
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (°C⁻¹) Unknown

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Mechanical Properties of PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate)

Mechanical Property (Units) Value
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Compressive Strength (MPa) 70 to 120
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Ductile to Brittle Transition Temperature (°C) - 30 to 0
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Fatigue Limit (MPa) 40
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Fracture Toughness (MPa·√m) 2.5
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Hardness Brinell 70
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Hardness Rockwell 100 HRR
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Hardness Vickers 100
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) 155 to 170
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Modulus of Elasticity / Young's Modulus (GPa) 3.5
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Percent Elongation (%) 5
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Poissons Ratio 0.3
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Shear Modulus (GPa) 1.4
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Shear Strength (MPa) 60
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa) 90
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Yield Strength (MPa) 65

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Physical Properties of PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate)

Physical Property (Units) Value
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Boiling Point at Atmospheric Pressure (°C) Decomposes
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Chemical Composition (Element %) (C12H12O4)n
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Cost ($/kg) 2.5 to 4
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Density at 'Standard Temperature and Pressure' (kg/m3) 1310 to 1350
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Glass Transition Temperature at Atmospheric Pressure (°C) 50 to 60
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Melting Point at Atmospheric Pressure (°C) 223
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Polymer Family Thermoplastic
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Refractive Index 1.64
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Specific Gravity 1.31 to 1.35
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Viscosity at Melting Point (mPa·s) Unknown

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Thermal Properties of PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate)

Thermal Property (Units) Value
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (µm/m·K) 60 to 90
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Emissivity Coefficient 0.9
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Specific Heat Capacity (J/kg·K) 1400
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Thermal Conductivity (W/m.K) 0.2
PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) Thermal Conductivity (BTU/h·ft·°F) 0.12

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