Heat deflection resistance

The heat resistance of a material is of crucial importance, especially when it is exposed to high temperatures for short periods. If the temperature rises above a certain limit, this causes the intermolecular bonding forces of the polymer chains to decrease. This allows the molecular chains to slide past one another more easily, which ultimately causes the thermoplastic to begin to flow.

There are, however, cases in which certain polymer structures can exhibit remarkable resistance to high temperatures. The integration of aromatic and other mesomeric structures into the polymer framework can enable the material to withstand temperatures of over 300 °C for short periods without flowing. These structures provide additional stability and enable the plastic to retain its shape even under extreme conditions.