From films for solar collectors to rotational bearings in wind turbines, high-performance plastics deliver the lightweight strength, chemical resistance, and long-term durability that alternative energy systems demand — helping drive a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Applications
- Films for solar collectors
- Solar array pivot bearings
- Thrust washers
- Electrical insulators
- Housings/shrouds
- Rotational bearings, bushings
- Equipment braces
- Storage tanks
- Pipe, valves, fittings
- Standoff heat insulators
- Tubing
Advantages May Include
- Lightweight for more efficient operations
- Ease of fabrication
- Easy to install/replace
- Recyclable
- Corrosion and chemical resistant
- Abrasion resistant
- Impact and fatigue resistant
- Stiffness
- Excellent bearing and wear performance
- Low moisture absorption
- Weatherability
- Low creep
- Low warpage
- Solid color, eliminating painting
Materials
- Acetal (POM)
- Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)
- ABS/Polycarbonate
- Long Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics (LFRT)
- Nylon (PA)
- Polyamideimide (PAI)
- Polybutylene (PBT)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
- Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polyurethane (PUR)
Sustainability Advantages of Performance Plastics
123
Polymers and composite materials used in wind turbines save approximately 123 units of greenhouse gases for every single unit emitted to make them.
Source: americanchemistry.com
15%
Demand for solar energy is expected to grow at an average rate of 15% over the next five years, driven by performance plastics enabling more efficient, durable solar systems.
Source: dupont.com
25+
Module Accelerated Sequential Testing (MAST) has shown that solar panels can last 25+ years, with performance plastic components playing a key role in longevity.
Source: dupont.com
80%
If we use plastics for energy recovery, we can reduce the volume of waste going to landfills by 80%, making plastic end-of-life a significant sustainability opportunity.
Source: plasticseurope.org
Case Study — 6.8-Megawatt Solar Park, France (50 Acres)
9,800+
Megawatt hours of electricity produced per year
7,000
Homes powered annually by this single solar park
2,000
Tons of CO₂ emissions offset per year
Source: dupont.com — DEC-Hanau Energies Case Study
iapd
the performance plastics association
Sustainability
Champions
Champions