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Macromolecule with repeating units linked by amide bonds. Synthetic polyamides are commonly used in textiles, automotive applications, carpets and sportswear due to their high durability and strength. Fibres are very tear-proof and abrasion-resistant and absorb little moisture (thus good transport of moisture away from the body) and are stretchy, crease-free, but also prone to pilling. Polyamide has the highest resistance of all textile raw materials (also when wet) and is very stretchy.

Group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Polycarbonates used in engineering are strong, tough materials, and some grades are optically transparent.

Category of polymers that contain the ester functional group in their main chain. Fabrics woven or knitted from polyester thread or yarn are used extensively in apparel and home furnishings. Industrial polyes-ter fibers, yarns and ropes are used in car tire reinforcements, fabrics for conveyor belts, safety belts, coated fabrics and plastic reinforcements with high-energy absorption. Polyester has excellent return conduct thanks to the rippling property and is very light. Polyester also retains its shape and is colourfast, as well as resistant to sweat and UV-rays (lightfast). Polyester has a high melting point and transfers can therefore be printed on this material).

Most common plastic, which is usually a mixture of similar polymers of ethylene. Polyethylene is of low strength, hardness and rigidity, but has a high ductility and impact strength as well as low friction. It shows strong creep under persistent force, which can be reduced by addition of short fibers. Its primary use is in packaging (plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes, containers including bottles, etc.).

Thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications including packaging and labeling, textiles (e.g., ropes, thermal underwear and carpets), stationery, plastic parts and reusable containers of various types, laboratory equipment, loudspeakers, automotive components and polymer banknotes. An addition polymer made from the monomer propylene, it is rugged and unusually resistant to many chemical solvents, bases and acids. Polypropylene is the world's second-most widely produced synthetic plastic, after polyethylene.

Synthetic aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene. Polystyrene can be solid or foamed. General-purpose polystyrene is clear, hard, and rather brittle. Polystyrene is one of the most widely used plastics.  Uses include protective packaging (such as packing peanuts and CD and DVD cases), containers (such as "clamshells"), lids, bottles, trays, tumblers, and disposable cutlery.

Polymer composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. While most polyurethanes are thermosetting polymers that do not melt when heated, thermoplastic polyurethanes are also available.

Woven fabrics, using a special reinforcing technique that makes them resistant to tearing and ripping. During weaving, (thick) reinforcement threads are interwoven at regular intervals in a crosshatch pattern. Advantages of ripstop are the favourable strength-to-weight ratio and that small tears can not easily spread.

Steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5% chromium content by mass. Stainless steel is notable for its corrosion resistance. Stainless steel does not readily corrode, rust or stain with water as ordinary steel does. However, it is not fully stain-proof in low-oxygen, high-salinity, or poor air-circulation environments.

Synthetic material made by Invista and used as an insulator. The performance fibers are engineered with a differentiated fiber shape, able to produce battings with sought-after lightweight warmth.

Registered trademark for an aramid that is useful for a variety of applications that require high strength or chemical resistance. It is closely related to Kevlar (see Kevlar).

Registered trademark for a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. It is famous for its hydrophobic and abrasive protection properties.