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Engineering ToolBox > Thermoplastics - Physical Properties
Typical values of some common thermoplastics can be found in the table below.
| Thermoplastic | Specific Gravity | Tensile Yield Strength (103 psi) | Tensile Modulus (103 psi) | Coefficients of Linear Expansion (106 in/in oF) | Thermal Conductivity (Btu in /h ft2 oF) | Specific Heat (Btu/lb oF) | Maximum Temperature Limit (oF/oC) |
| ABS | 1.08 | 7.0 | 340 | 60 | 1.35 | 0.34 | 180/80 |
| PVC | 1.4 | 8.0 | 410 | 30 | 1.1 | 0.25 | 150/65 |
| CPVS | 1.54 | 8.0 | 420 | 35 | 1.0 | 0.20 | 210/100 |
| PE | 0.95 | 3.2 | 120 | 90 | 3.2 | 0.55 | 160/70 |
| PEX | 0.94 | 2.8 | . | 90 | 3.2 | 0.55 | 210/100 |
| PB | 0.92 | 4.2 | 55 | 72 | 1.5 | 0.45 | 210/100 |
| PVDF | 1.76 | 7.0 | 220 | 70 | 1.5 | 0.29 | 300/150 |
Tensile yield strength is the maximum engineering stress in psi (or Pa) at which a permanent non-elastic deformation of the thermoplastic material begins.
Yield point is the first point where the specimen yields, where the specimen's cross-sectional area begins to contract significantly, or where the strain can increase without increase in the stress.
Ultimate tensile strength is the maximum stress the thermoplastic material can withstand before failing, whichever occurs at the higher stress level.
Tensile modulus or Young's Modulus is the ratio of stress to strain within the elastic region of the stress-strain curve before the yield point.