1. Plastics Flashcards
1
Q
What raw material is plastic made from?
A
oil
2
Q
Where did oil come from?
A
- Oil was created millions of years ago during the time of the dinosaurs
- It was made by sea creatures that fell to the sea floor
- Over a period of time a layer of mud formed over the bodies of the creatures
- then over a much longer period of time the mud turned to rock which pressure down and turned it into oils
3
Q
What are two issues surrounding plastics?
A
- It is not sustainable, most products made from plastic end up in a landfill
- it is not biodegradable
4
Q
What are the two major types of plastics?
A
- thermoplastics
- thermosetting plastics
5
Q
What is a thermoplastic?
A
A plastic that can be melted and reshaped over and over again
6
Q
Can thermoplastics be recycled?
A
Yes
7
Q
What are thermosetting plastics?
A
- Plastics that cannot be reshaped
- they retain their form ever in extreme heat
8
Q
can thermosetting plastics be recycled?
A
They are difficult to recycle
9
Q
What are the 2 main examples of thermosetting plastics?
A
- urea formaldehyde
- polyester resin glue
10
Q
What is urea formaldehyde used for?
A
electrical casings: plugs, electrical sockets
11
Q
What are the properties of urea formaldehyde?
A
- toxic fumes given off if heated
- stiff/hard/brittle
- scratch resistant
- stain resistant
- high tensile strength
12
Q
What is polyester resin glue?
A
gorilla glue
13
Q
What are the properties of polyester resin glue?
A
- very good resistance to water
- hard
- brittle
- good heat and chemical resistance
14
Q
What are the 2 main examples of thermoplastics?
A
- Acrylic
- polythene
15
Q
What are the properties of acrylic?
A
- lightweight
- durable
- can be recycled
- polished finishes well
- comes in a range of colours
