PLASTIC

PROPERTIES

SPORT

ABS (acrylonitrile-butadine-styrene), ABS foams

Impact resistance, impact absorption in helmets and ear protection

Baseball, Softball, Shooting, Track & Field

Carbon fibers/graphite (carbon reinforced with plastic)

Strength, durability, abrasion resistance, lightweight, impact resistance, shatter resistance, stiffness in arrows, boats, bicycle frames, tennis racquets

Archery, Canoeing, Cycling, Kayaking, Rowing, Tennis

EPP (Expanded-polypropylene) foams

Impact absorption for helmet liners

Canoeing, Kayaking, Rowing

EPS (expanded polystyrene), EPU (expanded polyurethane), EPE (expanded polyethylene) foams

Impact absorption for helmets

Cycling, Equestrian, Field Hockey

EVA (ethylene-vinyl-acetate) Foam

Impact absorption in helmets, kneepads, and mouthguards

Baseball, Boxing, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Softball, Track & Field, Weightlifting

Fiberglass (glass reinforced with plastic)

Lightweight, durability, flexibility, impact resistance, abrasion resistance, shatter resistance in arrows, boats, oars, gymnastics bars, discs, and batons

Archery, Canoeing, Kayaking, Field Hockey, Gymnastics, Rowing, Sailing, Track & Field

Kevlar®

Strength, impact resistance, abrasion resistance, stiffness in boats, oars, fencing uniforms, volleyball nets, and tennis racquet strings

Archery, Canoeing, Fencing, Volleyball, Kayaking, Rowing, Sailing, Tennis

Spandex/Dorlastan©/Lycra®

Flexibility, moisture absorption, aerodynamic, comfort for clothing

Cycling, Diving, Swimming, Synchronized Swimming, Water Polo, Wrestling

Neoprene

Slip-resistance, impact absorption in wrist guards and weightlifting shoes

Gymnastics, Weightlifting

Nylon

Durability, lightweight, elasticity, strength, water-resistance in knee pads, bicycle tires, harnesses and reins, fencing uniforms, sailing ropes, tennis racquet strings,

Volleyball, Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing, Sailing, Tennis, Water Polo, Weightlifting

Polycarbonate

Impact resistance, shatter resistance, abrasion resistance, optical clarity, durability in protective goggles and leg guards

Cycling, Diving, Field Hockey, Gymnastics, Shooting, Swimming, Synchronized Swimming, Tennis

Polyester

Durability, elasticity, strength, water resistance in volleyball nets, sailing ropes, and tennis racquet strings

Volleyball, Sailing, Tennis

Polyethylene

Impact absorption, durability, rebound in chest protectors and floor mats

Baseball, Gymnastics, Softball

Polypropylene

Impact absorption in helmets, impact resistance, strength, elasticity, water resistance in helmets, kneepads, and mouth guards

Baseball, Field Hockey, Softball, Sailing

Polyurethane

Durability, strength, rebound, impact absorption, shape retention, weather resistance in arrow fletching, football gloves, vaulting mats, volleyballs, and track surfaces

Archery, Field Hockey, Boxing, Football, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Tennis, Track & Field, Weightlifting

Polyurethane/Polymer gelcoats

Durability, weather resistance in paddles, oars, and coating for canoes, sailboats, diving boards, harnesses, and reins  

Canoeing, Diving, Equestrian, Kayaking, Rowing, Sailing

PVC (poly-vinyl-chloride)

Durability, shape retention, weather resistance, comfort, watertight for goggles straps, vaulting mats, volleyball fencing, wrestling mats, pole-vault landing mats, and underwater sound systems

Boxing, Diving, Field Hockey, Football, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Swimming, Synchronized Swimming, Track & Field, Wrestling

Spectra®, Vectran®

Elasticity, strength, flexibility, water-resistance, durability for ropes and sails

Sailing

Vinyl Nitrate foams

Impact absorption (with little rebound) in wrestling mats

Wrestling