Young's modulus
Last update on Apr 1, 2026
Alternative names of Young's modulus: Modulus of elasticity, Elastic modulus, E-modulus
Young's modulus is crucial in plastics because it measures a material's stiffness. It determines how much a plastic deforms under load before permanent deformation. This property influences plastic manufacturers to make informed decisions about their applications. From rigid structures to flexible packaging, how do you want your final product? The answer is: by knowing a plastics elastic modulus value.
Young's modulus also affects processing techniques. Different modulus values require specific molding parameters, cooling rates, and handling procedures. It serves as a quality control benchmark to ensure consistent performance across batches and the product's lifecycle.
This guide will help you understand the basics of Young's modulus in plastics. You will also learn how to calculate modulus values. At the end, we have listed the modulus range of various product families and their sub-types. Ease your selection journey on our exclusive platform now!
What is young's modulus?
Young's modulus is the ratio of stress to the strain applied to the material. The force is applied along the longitudinal axis of the specimen tested. It is the measure of the stiffness of an elastic material.
Modulus of elasticity formula
The formula of Young's modulus is:
where,
- E is the Young's modulus
- σ is the stress and
- ε is the strain
Modulus of elasticity units
SI unit of Young's modulus is Pascal (Pa). It is also equal to newton per square meter (N/m2).
The practical units used in plastics are:
- Megapascals (MPa or N/mm2)
- Gigapascals (GPa or kN/mm2)
In the United States customary units, it is often expressed as pounds (force) per square inch (psi).
The physics behind elastic modulus
When a stretching force (tensile force) is applied to an object, it extends. Its behavior can be obtained using stress-strain curve in the elastic deformation region. This is known as Hooke's Law. The extension that a force produces depends upon the:
- material
- dimensions of the object (e.g., length, thickness, etc.)
What is stress?
Stress is defined as the force per unit area of plastic. The units of stress are Pa.
where,
- σ is the stress
- F is the force
- A is the cross-sectional area of the sample
What is strain?
Strain is defined as extension per unit length. And, since it is a ratio of lengths, the strain has no units.
where,
- ε is the strain
- L0 is the original length of a bar being stretched
- L is its length after it has been stretched
- ΔL is the extension of the bar, the difference between these two lengths
Below we show you how to find Young's modulus values on our platform. Check out the steps required to get access to samples in less time.
Importance of elastic modulus
Factors affecting young's modulus
Modulus and atomic binding
The modulus is closely related to the binding energies of the atoms. Binding forces and modulus of elasticity are higher for high melting point materials. Young's modulus depends on the orientation of a single crystal material.Temperature
The higher temperature in the material increases atomic vibration. This in turn decreases the necessary energy to separate the atoms from one another. This generally decreases the stress needed to produce a given strain.
Relation between tensile properties and temperature (Source: Engineering Archives)1
Strength
Parameters can serve to either weaken or strengthen a material include:
- Presence of impurity atoms
- Alloying atoms
- Non-metallic inclusions
- Secondary phase particles
- Dislocations (shifts or mismatches in the lattice structure): Anything that impedes the motion of dislocations through the lattice tends to increase the modulus. This will thus increase the yield strength. Anything that facilitates dislocation movement or localized stress will decrease strength. An increase in temperature eases dislocation movement. Cracks and inclusions rise localized stress. For example, promoting early onset of failure.
- Defects (cracks, grain boundaries, etc.)
Where can young's modulus be used?
Elastic modulus is an important mechanical property for:
- Material selection for various purposes. This depends upon how the polymer reacts under different types of forces. For example, high-stiffness materials should have a higher Young's modulus.
- Product design for specific industries. Used in several engineering as well as medical applications.
- Performance analysis determines the batch quality and consistency in the manufacture. This in turn reduces material costs.
How to calculate modulus of elasticity?
Test methods
In general, 'tensile test methods' measure the modulus of elasticity of materials. The common methods used are:
- ASTM D638 - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
- ISO 527-1:2012 - Determination of tensile properties. General principles
These methods determine the tensile properties of plastics and plastic composites. This is done under defined conditions that can range from:
- pretreatment,
- temperature,
- humidity, and
- machine speed
The test specimens are in the form of a standard dumbbell shaped.
For ASTM D638, the test speed is determined by the material specification. For ISO 527, the test speed is typically 5 or 50 mm/min for measuring strength and elongation, and 1 mm/min for measuring modulus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Apart from Young's modulus, the tensile test results can also calculate:
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Instruments
An extensometer determines the elongation and tensile modulus. It is a device that measures the changes in the length of an object. It evaluates the stress-strain curve values.
The two main types of extensometers are contact and non-contact.
Contact extensometers
They are further divided into two types:
- Clip-on extensometer: They can measure displacements from very small to relatively large. That is from less than 1 mm to over 100 mm. Used for applications requiring high-precision strain measurement (most ASTM-based tests). Major advantages include:
- Low cost
- Easy to use
- Automated testing clip-ons: They replace digital "sensor arm" extensometers. They can be applied to the specimen automatically by a motorized system. They produce much more repeatable results than traditional clip-on devices. They measure very high extensions (up to 1000 mm) without losing any accuracy. Major advantages include:
- Better linearity,
- reduced signal noise, and
- synchronization with the corresponding force data.
- Clip-on extensometer: They can measure displacements from very small to relatively large. That is from less than 1 mm to over 100 mm. Used for applications requiring high-precision strain measurement (most ASTM-based tests). Major advantages include:
Non-contact extensometers
These devices are beginning to bring advantages for certain applications. Especially, in industries where it is impractical to use contact extensometers.
Elastic modulus values of plastics
The modulus of elasticity of plastics is much smaller than that for metals, ceramics, and glasses. For example:
- The modulus of elasticity of nylon is 2.7 GPa (0.4 x 106 psi).
- The modulus of glass fibers is 72 GPa (10.5 x 106 psi)
- The Young's modulus of composites such as glass fiber-reinforced composites (GFRC) or carbon fiber-reinforced composites (CFRC) lies between the values for the matrix polymer and the fiber phase (carbon or glass fibers) and depends upon their relative volume fractions.
Find out the young's modulus range of different product families and sub-families in our master catalog from the list below. Request samples and get technical datasheets with a simple click.
| Polymer Name | Min Value (GPa) | Max Value (GPa) |
| ABS - Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | 1.79 | 3.20 |
| ABS Flame Retardant | 2.00 | 3.00 |
| ABS High Heat | 1.50 | 3.00 |
| ABS High Impact | 1.00 | 2.50 |
| ABS/PC Blend - Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene/Polycarbonate Blend | 2.00 | 2.20 |
| ABS/PC Blend 20% Glass Fiber | 6.00 | 6.00 |
| ABS/PC Flame Retardant | 2.60 | 3.00 |
| Amorphous TPI Blend, Ultra-high heat, Chemical Resistant (High Flow) | 3.50 | 3.50 |
| Amorphous TPI, High Heat, High Flow, Lead-Free Solderable, 30% GF | 10.53 | 10.53 |
| Amorphous TPI, High Heat, High Flow, Transparent, Lead-Free Solderable (High Flow) | 3.10 | 3.10 |
| Amorphous TPI, High Heat, High Flow, Transparent, Lead-Free Solderable (Standard Flow) | 3.16 | 3.16 |
| Amorphous TPI, Highest Heat, Chemical Resistant, 260°C UL RTI | 3.90 | 3.90 |
| Amorphous TPI, Moderate Heat, Transparent | 3.11 | 3.11 |
| Amorphous TPI, Moderate Heat, Transparent (Food Contact Approved) | 3.11 | 3.10 |
| Amorphous TPI, Moderate Heat, Transparent (Mold Release grade) | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Amorphous TPI, Moderate Heat, Transparent (Powder form) | 3.11 | 3.11 |
| ASA - Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate | 2.00 | 2.60 |
| ASA/PC Blend - Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate/Polycarbonate Blend | 2.00 | 2.60 |
| ASA/PC Flame Retardant | 2.50 | 2.50 |
| ASA/PVC Blend - Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate/Polyvinyl Chloride Blend | 2.00 | 2.20 |
| CA - Cellulose Acetate | 0.60 | 2.80 |
| CAB - Cellulose Acetate Butyrate | 0.40 | 1.70 |
| Cellulose Diacetate-Pearlescent Films | 2.00 | 2.50 |
| Cellulose Diacetate-Gloss Film | 2.00 | 2.50 |
| Cellulose Diacetate-Integuard Films | 2.50 | 2.90 |
| Cellulose Diacetate-Matt Film | 2.00 | 2.90 |
| Cellulose Diacetate-Window Patch Film (Food Grade) | 2.00 | 2.50 |
| Cellulose Diacetate-Clareflect metallized film | 2.10 | 2.60 |
| Cellulose Diacetate-Colored Films | 2.00 | 2.50 |
| Cellulose Diacetate-Flame retardant Film | 2.00 | 2.50 |
| Cellulose Diacetate-High Slip Film | 2.30 | 2.80 |
| Cellulose Diacetate-Semitone Films | 2.00 | 2.50 |
| CP - Cellulose Proprionate | 0.45 | 1.40 |
| COC - Cyclic Olefin Copolymer | 2.60 | 3.20 |
| CPVC - Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride | 2.50 | 3.20 |
| ECTFE | 1.70 | 1.70 |
| ETFE - Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene | 0.80 | 0.80 |
| EVA - Ethylene Vinyl Acetate | 0.01 | 0.20 |
| EVOH - Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol | 1.90 | 3.50 |
| FEP - Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene | 0.30 | 0.70 |
| HDPE - High Density Polyethylene | 0.50 | 1.10 |
| HIPS - High Impact Polystyrene | 1.50 | 3.00 |
| HIPS Flame Retardant V0 | 2.00 | 2.50 |
| Ionomer (Ethylene-Methyl Acrylate Copolymer) | 0.80 | 0.40 |
| LCP - Liquid Crystal Polymer | 10.00 | 19.00 |
| LCP Carbon Fiber-reinforced | 31.00 | 37.00 |
| LCP Glass Fiber-reinforced | 13.00 | 24.00 |
| LCP Mineral-filled | 12.00 | 22.00 |
| LDPE - Low Density Polyethylene | 0.13 | 0.30 |
| LLDPE - Linear Low Density Polyethylene | 0.266 | 0.525 |
| MABS - Transparent Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | 1.90 | 2.00 |
| PA 11 - (Polyamide 11) 30% Glass fiber reinforced | 3.80 | 5.20 |
| PA 46 - Polyamide 46 | 1.00 | 3.30 |
| PA 46, 30% Glass Fiber | 7.80 | 8.20 |
| PA 6 - Polyamide 6 | 0.80 | 2.00 |
| PA 6-10 - Polyamide 6-10 | 1.00 | 2.00 |
| PA 66 - Polyamide 6-6 | 1.00 | 3.50 |
| PA 66, 30% Glass Fiber | 5.00 | 8.00 |
| PA 66, 30% Mineral filled | 1.40 | 5.50 |
| PA 66, Impact Modified, 15-30% Glass Fiber | 2.00 | 11.00 |
| PA 66, Impact Modified | 0.80 | 1.20 |
| Polyamide semi-aromatic | 2.07 | 2.23 |
| PAI - Polyamide-Imide | 4.00 | 5.00 |
| PAI, 30% Glass Fiber | 11.00 | 15.00 |
| PAI, Low Friction | 5.00 | 7.00 |
| PAN - Polyacrylonitrile | 3.10 | 3.80 |
| PAR - Polyarylate | 2.00 | 2.30 |
| PARA (Polyarylamide), 30-60% glass fiber | 11.50 | 24.00 |
| PBT - Polybutylene Terephthalate | 2.00 | 3.00 |
| PBT, 30% Glass Fiber | 9.00 | 11.50 |
| PC (Polycarbonate) 20-40% Glass Fiber | 6.00 | 10.00 |
| PC (Polycarbonate) 20-40% Glass Fiber Flame Retardant | 7.00 | 8.00 |
| PC - Polycarbonate, high heat | 2.20 | 2.50 |
| PC/PBT Blend - Polycarbonate/Polybutylene Terephthalate Blend | 1.80 | 2.30 |
| PC/PBT blend, Glass Filled | 4.50 | 5.10 |
| PCL - Polycaprolactone | 0.38 | 0.43 |
| PCTFE - Polymonochlorotrifluoroethylene | 1.20 | 1.50 |
| PE - Polyethylene 30% Glass Fiber | 4.90 | 6.30 |
| PE/TPS Blend - Polyethylene/Thermoplastic Starch | 0.19 | 0.30 |
| PEEK - Polyetheretherketone | 3.50 | 3.90 |
| PEEK 30% Carbon Fiber-reinforced | 13.00 | 22.30 |
| PEEK 30% Glass Fiber-reinforced | 9.00 | 11.40 |
| PEI - Polyetherimide | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| PEI, 30% Glass Fiber-reinforced | 9.00 | 9.00 |
| PEI, Mineral Filled | 5.00 | 7.00 |
| PEKK (Polyetherketoneketone), Low Crystallinity Grade | 3.40 | 3.50 |
| PESU - Polyethersulfone | 2.30 | 2.80 |
| PESU 10-30% glass fiber | 3.50 | 8.50 |
| PET - Polyethylene Terephthalate | 2.80 | 3.50 |
| PET, 30% Glass Fiber-reinforced | 9.00 | 12.00 |
| PET, 30/35% Glass Fiber-reinforced, Impact Modified | 7.00 | 9.00 |
| PETG - Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol | 1.90 | 2.00 |
| PFA - Perfluoroalkoxy | 0.70 | 0.80 |
| PGA - Polyglycolides | 6.50 | 6.90 |
| PHB - Polyhydroxybutyrate | 3.10 | 3.30 |
| PI - Polyimide | 1.30 | 4.00 |
| PLA - Polylactide | 3.40 | 3.60 |
| PLA, High Heat Films | 3.30 | 3.50 |
| PLA, Injection molding | 3.50 | 3.60 |
| PMMA - Polymethylmethacrylate/Acrylic | 2.50 | 3.50 |
| PMMA (Acrylic) High Heat | 2.50 | 4.30 |
| PMMA (Acrylic) Impact Modified | 1.50 | 3.50 |
| PMP - Polymethylpentene | 0.50 | 1.60 |
| PMP 30% Glass Fiber-reinforced | 5.00 | 6.00 |
| PMP Mineral Filled | 1.70 | 2.00 |
| POM - Polyoxymethylene (Acetal) | 2.80 | 3.70 |
| POM (Acetal) Impact Modified | 1.40 | 2.30 |
| POM (Acetal) Low Friction | 1.80 | 3.00 |
| POM (Acetal) Mineral Filled | 4.00 | 5.50 |
| PP - Polypropylene 10-20% Glass Fiber | 2.80 | 4.00 |
| PP, 10-40% Mineral Filled | 1.00 | 3.50 |
| PP, 10-40% Talc Filled | 1.50 | 3.50 |
| PP, 30-40% Glass Fiber-reinforced | 4.00 | 10.00 |
| PP (Polypropylene) Copolymer | 1.00 | 1.20 |
| PP (Polypropylene) Homopolymer | 1.10 | 1.60 |
| PP Homopolymer, Long Glass Fiber, 30% Filler by Weight | 7.00 | 7.00 |
| PP Homopolymer, Long Glass Fiber, 40% Filler by Weight | 9.00 | 9.00 |
| PP Homopolymer, Long Glass Fiber, 50% Filler by Weight | 12.00 | 13.50 |
| PP, Impact Modified | 0.40 | 1.00 |
| PPA - Polyphthalamide | 3.70 | 3.70 |
| PPA, 33% Glass Fiber-reinforced – High Flow | 13.00 | 13.20 |
| PPA, 45% Glass Fiber-reinforced | 17.10 | 17.30 |
| PPE - Polyphenylene Ether | 2.10 | 2.80 |
| PPE, 30% Glass Fiber-reinforced | 7.00 | 9.00 |
| PPE, Flame Retardant | 2.40 | 2.50 |
| PPE, Impact Modified | 2.10 | 2.80 |
| PPE, Mineral Filled | 2.90 | 3.50 |
| PPS - Polyphenylene Sulfide | 3.30 | 4.00 |
| PPS, 20-30% Glass Fiber-reinforced | 6.00 | 11.00 |
| PPS, 40% Glass Fiber-reinforced | 8.00 | 14.00 |
| PPS, Conductive | 13.00 | 19.00 |
| PPS, Glass fiber & Mineral-filled | 10.00 | 17.00 |
| PPSU - Polyphenylene Sulfone | 2.34 | 2.34 |
| PS (Polystyrene) 30% glass fiber | 10.00 | 10.00 |
| PS (Polystyrene) Crystal | 2.50 | 3.50 |
| PS, High Heat | 3.00 | 3.50 |
| PSU - Polysulfone | 2.50 | 2.70 |
| PSU, 30% Glass fiber-reinforced | 7.60 | 10.00 |
| PSU Mineral Filled | 3.80 | 4.50 |
| PTFE - Polytetrafluoroethylene | 0.40 | 0.80 |
| PTFE, 25% Glass Fiber-reinforced | 1.40 | 1.70 |
| PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), 20% Glass Fiber-reinforced | 4.50 | 7.00 |
| PVC, Plasticized | 0.001 | 1.800 |
| PVC, Plasticized Filled | 0.001 | 1.00 |
| PVC Rigid | 2.40 | 4.00 |
| PVDC - Polyvinylidene Chloride | 0.35 | 0.50 |
| PVDF - Polyvinylidene Fluoride | 1.50 | 2.00 |
| SAN - Styrene Acrylonitrile | 2.80 | 4.00 |
| SAN, 20% Glass Fiber-reinforced | 8.00 | 11.00 |
| SMA - Styrene Maleic Anhydride | 2.40 | 3.00 |
| SMA, 20% Glass Fiber-reinforced | 5.00 | 6.00 |
| SMA, Flame Retardant V0 | 1.80 | 2.00 |
| SMMA - Styrene Methyl Methacrylate | 2.10 | 3.40 |
| SRP - Self-reinforced Polyphenylene | 5.90 | 8.30 |
| TPI-PEEK Blend, Ultra-high heat, Chemical Resistant, High Flow, 240C UL RTI | 4.20 | 4.20 |
| TPS, Injection General Purpose | 0.80 | 3.00 |
| TPS, Injection Water Resistant | 0.63 | 0.72 |
| UHMWPE - Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene | 0.30 | 0.60 |
| XLPE - Crosslinked Polyethylene | 0.35 | 3.50 |
- Effect of Temperature on Tensile Properties. EngArc.
- ADMET Testing Systems. (2012). Micro Tensile Strength Test of Plastic per ASTM D638. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58hw2QxxDro.