1. Plastics Flashcards
What raw material is plastic made from?
oil
Where did oil come from?
- 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
What are two issues surrounding plastics?
- It is not sustainable, most products made from plastic end up in a landfill
- it is not biodegradable
What are the two major types of plastics?
- thermoplastics
- thermosetting plastics
What is a thermoplastic?
A plastic that can be melted and reshaped over and over again
Can thermoplastics be recycled?
Yes
What are thermosetting plastics?
- Plastics that cannot be reshaped
- they retain their form ever in extreme heat
can thermosetting plastics be recycled?
They are difficult to recycle
What are the 2 main examples of thermosetting plastics?
- urea formaldehyde
- polyester resin glue
What is urea formaldehyde used for?
electrical casings: plugs, electrical sockets
What are the properties of urea formaldehyde?
- toxic fumes given off if heated
- stiff/hard/brittle
- scratch resistant
- stain resistant
- high tensile strength
What is polyester resin glue?
gorilla glue
What are the properties of polyester resin glue?
- very good resistance to water
- hard
- brittle
- good heat and chemical resistance
What are the 2 main examples of thermoplastics?
- Acrylic
- polythene
What are the properties of acrylic?
- lightweight
- durable
- can be recycled
- polished finishes well
- comes in a range of colours