15Plastics105Db
Selection guide

Best plastics for electrical insulators

Electronic enclosures and connectors need dielectric strength, low water uptake, UL 94 V-0 and thermal stability at soldering. PBT, PA66-GF, PPS, PEI and LCP form the shortlist for connectors; ABS-FR, PC-FR and PC/ABS-FR dominate consumer housings.

What to look for

  • Dielectric strength ≥ 15 kV/mm
  • UL 94 V-0 grade documented at your wall thickness
  • Low water absorption (dimensional & dielectric stability)
  • Compatible with SMT reflow if it hosts electronics

Top materials for best plastics for electrical insulators

  1. #1Automotive Hose Grade Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) - Automotive Hose Grade
    Dielectric Strength: 25 - 35 kV/mm

    An EPDM formulation optimized for automotive hose applications, offering excellent heat, ozone, and coolant resistance.

  2. #2Bio-PA610 RigidBio-based Polyamide 610, Rigid Grade EE
    Dielectric Strength: 26 kV/mm

    A higher stiffness grade of bio-PA610 for applications requiring good mechanical integrity and low moisture uptake.

  3. #3Weather-Resistant Ethylene Propylene Diene MonomerEthylene Propylene Diene Monomer (Weather-Resistant)
    Dielectric Strength: 20 - 30 kV/mm

    An elastomer with outstanding resistance to weathering, ozone, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures.

  4. #4Gas Impermeable Isobutylene Isoprene RubberIsobutylene Isoprene Rubber (Butyl Rubber)
    Dielectric Strength: 20 - 30 kV/mm

    A synthetic rubber with exceptionally low gas permeability and good resistance to heat and ozone.

  5. #5Chlorinated Isobutyl Isoprene RubberChlorinated Isobutyl Isoprene Rubber
    Dielectric Strength: 20 - 30 kV/mm

    A halogenated form of butyl rubber offering improved compatibility with other elastomers and better dynamic properties.

  6. #6Cost-Effective Flexible Thermoplastic PolyolefinThermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
    Dielectric Strength: 20 - 30 kV/mm

    A blend of polypropylene and EPDM or other elastomers, offering good flexibility and weatherability at a low cost.

  7. #7High-Performance Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (Santoprene)Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV) - Santoprene family
    Dielectric Strength: 20 - 30 kV/mm

    A highly engineered TPV offering excellent compression set, chemical resistance, and a broad temperature range.

  8. #8Soft Touch Flexible Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-StyreneStyrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene (SEBS) block copolymer
    Dielectric Strength: 20 - 30 kV/mm

    A saturated block copolymer with excellent UV stability, flexibility, and a soft, rubber-like feel.

  9. #9Adhesive and Plasticizer Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene TPEStyrene-Isoprene-Styrene (SIS) block copolymer
    Dielectric Strength: 20 - 30 kV/mm

    An unsaturated block copolymer offering good tack and flexibility, primarily used in adhesive formulations.

  10. #10Hot Melt Adhesive Grade Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene TPEStyrene-Isoprene-Styrene (SIS) Block Copolymer - Hot Melt Adhesive Grade
    Dielectric Strength: 20 - 30 kV/mm

    A SIS grade formulated for excellent tack and cohesive strength in hot-melt adhesive applications.

  11. #11Automotive Sealing Grade Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV)Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV) - Automotive Sealing Grade
    Dielectric Strength: 22 - 28 kV/mm

    A TPV engineered for optimal compression set and resistance to automotive fluids and weathering, ideal for seals and gaskets.

  12. #12PDLA Stereocomplex Grade CPoly(D-lactic acid), Stereocomplex Grade C
    Dielectric Strength: 25 kV/mm

    A stereocomplex grade of PDLA, offering enhanced thermal and mechanical properties through interaction with PLLA.

  13. #13Bio-PE High DensityBio-based Polyethylene, High Density
    Dielectric Strength: 25 kV/mm

    A high-density polyethylene produced from renewable sugarcane, chemically identical to conventional HDPE.

  14. #14Bio-PA11 AutomotiveBio-based Polyamide 11, Automotive Grade P
    Dielectric Strength: 25 kV/mm

    High-performance bio-based polyamide derived from castor oil, offering excellent chemical resistance and flexibility.

  15. #15Bio-PA610 FlexibleBio-based Polyamide 610, Flexible Grade Q
    Dielectric Strength: 25 kV/mm

    A bio-based polyamide with low moisture absorption and good flexibility, derived from renewable resources.

  16. #16PLLA StereocomplexPoly(L-lactic acid), Stereocomplex Grade GG
    Dielectric Strength: 25 kV/mm

    PLLA component for creating stereocomplex PLA, offering superior thermal and mechanical properties when blended with PDLA.

  17. #17Bio-PE Low DensityBio-based Polyethylene, Low Density
    Dielectric Strength: 25 kV/mm

    A low-density polyethylene made from sugarcane, offering the flexibility and toughness of conventional LDPE.

  18. #18Bio-PA11 FlexibleBio-based Polyamide 11, Flexible Grade CC
    Dielectric Strength: 24 kV/mm

    A softer, more flexible grade of bio-based PA11 for applications requiring high resilience and impact absorption.

  19. #19High-Temperature Sealant Silicone RubberHigh-Temperature Sealant Grade Vinyl Methyl Silicone Rubber (VMQ)
    Dielectric Strength: 18 - 28 kV/mm

    A silicone rubber formulation optimized for high-temperature sealing applications, providing excellent thermal stability and flexibility.

  20. #20High-Temperature Flexible Vinyl Methyl SiliconeVinyl Methyl Silicone Rubber (VMQ)
    Dielectric Strength: 15 - 30 kV/mm

    A silicone rubber known for its excellent thermal stability, flexibility at low temperatures, and electrical insulation properties.

Values are indicative and vary by grade and manufacturer. Always confirm against the official datasheet before specification.