Ekonol Polyester Resin belongs to the family of liquid crystalline polyesters, known for their exceptional stiffness and thermal stability. James Economy, the head of research at the Carborundum Company, developed this polymer in the 1960s, and it was later acquired by Saint-Gobain in the mid-1990s.

This homopolymer is a linear thermoplastic based on p-oxybenzoyl repeat units. Ekonol is highly crystalline and has no melting point observed, even at temperatures up to 900-1000°F. Flow and creep are negligible below its crystal-crystal transition temperature of 625°F. Ekonol's mechanical properties were measured on compression-sintered samples at 800°F and 10,000 psi. It exhibits excellent solvent resistance, except for concentrated sulfuric acid and strong alkalis. Its water absorption rate is low at 0.4% after 500 hours at 212°F. Ekonol Polyester has self-lubricating properties and excellent friction and wear resistance.

With a compressive strength of 15,000 psi, Ekonol has an excellent load-bearing capability. Its coefficient of thermal expansion of 3.3 x 10-5 in/in/°F is almost linear from room temperature to 575°F. The absence of aliphatic hydrogen contributes to its excellent thermal stability in air. Ekonol undergoes a maximum weight loss of 3.5% when heated in air from room temperature to 750°F and held for one hour. The maximum recommended continuous service temperature is 500-600°F, and the maximum recommended intermittent service temperature is 600-750°F. Ekonol's fabrication is achieved by metallurgical techniques that are not typically used for polymers.

Ekonol T101 and M102A are the two standard products, with particle size and apparent density being the main differences. Custom runs for other average particle sizes can be completed upon request.