Which plastic really has the highest performance? That depends on how you define “plastic” and what kind of performance you’re after.
Some high-temperature polymers deliver impressive strength and stability but can’t be melted or shaped using traditional methods like extrusion or injection molding.
If your definition includes melt-processable plastics—thermoplastics that can be formed and reshaped with heat—then Duratron™ polyamide-imide (PAI) stands at the top.
Duratron™ PAI: Strength Where Others Fail
Duratron™ PAI combines the strength of thermosets with the processing flexibility of thermoplastics. It was built to keep precise tolerances—even under heat, stress and wear.
PAI belongs to the same high-temperature family as polyetherimides (PEI) and polyimides (PI) but offers higher strength and chemical resistance than PEI and is easier to process than PI thaks to its melt processability.
It’s the highest-performing melt-processable plastic available today, combining strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability few others can match.
Did You Know?
Duratron™ PAI is based on the same resin chemistry as Torlon™, introduced by Amoco in the 1970s as an extension of a low molecular polymer. Its initial purpose was to enhance the adhesion of fluoropolymers in cookware such as Silverstone and be used as wire coatings. Today, while Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG) supplies PAI shapes globally under the Duratron™ brand.
Where Duratron™ PAI Delivers
Our customers tell us Duratron™ PAI thrives in high-demand applications where high heat and high strength matter most:
- Aerospace—Handles hot/cold extremes with strength and toughness
- Oil + Gas—Survives and performs well in the energy industry’s toughest conditions
- Semiconductor—Resists damage from etching and maintains exact dimensions during chip testing to ensure consistent, reliable results
- Automotive—Excels in engine wear parts under stress
 |
Let’s talk performance.Want to better understand where Duratron™ PAI fits in your lineup? |
Simplify Your Workflow with MCAM Connect
Easily manage orders, access critical data, and get tailored support — all from one powerful platform.