Hello and welcome to a new blog post. In this post we are comparing glass-fiber filled PET vs. PBT, especially heat distortion properties (HDT). We dive into why PET's higher stiffness, heat resistance, and lower water uptake can be a game-changer for E&E and metal replacement applications. It can help you to elevate your material selection process - let us get started!
PET compounds vs PBT compounds
When it comes to high-performance engineering plastics, glass-fiber reinforced compounds of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) are often top contenders. While both offer enhanced strength and rigidity, their distinct properties can make one a clear winner over the other for specific demands.
One of PET's significant advantages lies in its higher stiffness, which directly translates to reduced creep under sustained loads. This superior mechanical integrity ensures long-term performance where dimensional stability is critical. Furthermore, PET compounds boast a notably higher heat distortion temperature (HDT). Specifically, when measured with HDT/B, PET can exhibit a delta of up to 20°C higher than PBT, making it more resilient in high-heat environments (Figure 1).
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| Figure 1: Comparison of HDT/A and HDT/B of PET-GF30 and PBT-GF30 |
Another crucial differentiator is PET's lower water uptake. This property directly contributes to better dimensional stability, as the material is less prone to swelling or warping in humid conditions. In the realm of electrical and electronic (E&E) applications, glass-fiber filled PET truly shines due to its good dielectric properties and the potential for achieving high UL RTI (Relative Thermal Index) values. These characteristics ensure reliable insulation and performance at elevated temperatures.
These combined attributes—superior stiffness, higher heat resistance, better dimensional stability, and excellent electrical properties—make glass-fiber filled PET compounds particularly compelling for demanding applications in the E&E industry. They are also an excellent choice for metal replacement, offering a lighter, often more cost-effective, and corrosion-resistant alternative without compromising on critical performance metrics. When designing your next component, understanding these nuances can lead to superior product design and longevity.
Literature:
[1] https://www.findoutaboutplastics.com/2025/05/4-tips-for-effective-polymer-material.html
[2] https://www.celanese.com/products/rynite-pet
[3] https://www.findoutaboutplastics.com/2025/05/pet-grade-selection-for-diverse.html
[4] https://www.polymermaterialselection.com/selection-examples-blog
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