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Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)
Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is a semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic.
What is Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)?
Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is a semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic. It has high heat resistance, stiffness and hardness, excellent slip and friction properties and good resistance to chemicals. PBT has high dimensional stability and mechanical strength for complex thin walls. It can be colored.
Polybutylene Terephthalate is one of the high-performance engineering resins we extrude for medical tubing that needs strength, heat resistance or stiffness. Compare it with the other resins on our engineering resins page, or call us to talk through your application.
PBT questions, answered
What is the melting point of PBT?
Typical melting points for PBT grades on our datasheet are 437°F (225°C). Its glass transition temperature is 140°F (60°C).
What is the density of PBT?
PBT has a specific gravity of 0.0473 lb./in.3 (1.31 g/cc), which corresponds to a density of about 1.31 g/cm³.
How hard is PBT?
On our datasheet, PBT grades measure Shore D 78.
How can PBT tubing be sterilized?
Depending on grade, PBT is compatible with ethylene oxide (EtO), gamma and E-beam radiation and steam autoclaving. Confirm the method for your specific grade with the resin supplier.
Does MicroSpec extrude PBT tubing?
Yes. We extrude PBT into custom medical tubing, including multi-lumen, bump and co-extruded designs. Send us your print or call 603.924.4300 for a quote.
Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) properties
| Property | Measure low | Measure high |
|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity | 0.0473 lb./in.3 (1.31 g/cc) | |
| Melting point | 437°F (225°C) | |
| Glass transition temperature | 140°F (60°C) | |
| Tensile strength at break | Not available | |
| Elongation at break | 200% | |
| Hardness durometer (Shore A) | Not applicable | |
| Hardness durometer (Shore D) | 78 | |
| Water absorption @ 24 hours | 0.09% | |
This material datasheet is presented for reference only. Characteristics and performance may vary for a specific application and environment. Confirm material selection and suitability against your own requirements and the resin supplier's documentation.
Sterilization
- Ethylene oxide (EtO) Gamma and E-beam radiation Steam autoclaving
Other engineering resins & peek tubing we extrude.
PEEK (Polyetheretherketone)
Semi-crystalline high-performance thermoplastic
Polycarbonate (PC)
Amorphous engineering thermoplastic
Polyetherimide (PEI)
Amorphous high-performance polymer
Polysulfone (PSU)
Amorphous engineering polymer
Extruding Polybutylene Terephthalate for your device?
Send us your specs, drawing or just describe the problem. A member of our team will follow up personally to walk through tolerances, materials and schedule.
Start a project
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Have full drawings and tolerances? Use our detailed request form.