Polymethylpentane (PMP)

Polymethylpentane is prepared by the catalytic polymerization of 4-methyl-1-pentene.14 PMP is a semicrystalline thermoplastic that exhibits transparency (light transmission up to 90%), very low density, chemical resistance, negligible water absorption, and good electrical properties. PMP resins are available as homopolymers and copolymers with higher -olefins. The homopolymer is more rigid and the copolymers have increased ductility. PMP is degraded by sunlight and high-energy radiation. Moreover, strong oxidizing acids attack it. PMP grades are available with increased radiation resistance as well as with reinforcing fillers. Properties appear in Table 4.

Uses. Applications for PMP resins cover a wide spectrum of end uses. These include medical (hypodermic syringes, disposable cuvettes, blood-handling equipment, respiration equipment, laboratory ware), packaging (microwave and hot-air-oven cookware, service trays, coated paper plates), and miscellaneous (transparent ink cartridges for printers, light covers, slightglasses, lenses, liquid level and flow indicators, fluid reservoirs).




Edward N. Peters
General Electric Company
Selkirk, New York

Mechanical Engineers’ Handbook: Materials and Mechanical Design, Volume 1, Third Edition.
Edited by Myer Kutz
Copyright  2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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