1.3 Polymers Flashcards
Acrylic (PMMA) properties
Stiff
Durable
Good electrical insulator
Water resistant
Acrylic (PMMA) Uses
Baths,
ship signs,
car headlights,
lighting
Acrylic (PMMA) Disadvantages
Scratches easily
Brittle
Splinters easily
HDPE properties
Flexible
Corrosion resistant
Tough
Good electrical insulator
HDPE uses
Bottles (bleach, milk),
bowls,
buckets,
crates,
water pipes
HDPE disadvantages
Colour tends to fade over time
Can break under stress
LDPE properties
Flexible
Corrosion resistant
Good electrical insulator
Tensile strength
Good strength to weight ratio
LDPE uses
Cling film, bags, cable insulation, washing up bottles
LDPE disadvantages
Colour tends to fade over time
PET properties
Corrosion resistant
Tough
Tensile strength
Good alcohol and oil barrier
PET uses
Fizzy drinks bottles
PET disadvantages
Can discolour
Needs to be treated prior to being used in food products to prevent taste problems
PVC properties
Chemical resistant
Water resistant
Tough
Hard
Lightweight
Compressive strength
PVC uses
Water pipes, guttering, electrical insulation, floor covering
PVC disadvantages
Can brittle over time
Degrades in UV light
PP properties
Tough
Corrosion resistant
Light
Hard
PP uses
Food pots (i.e. yoghurts), carpets, rope, syringes, kitchenware, chairs, bins, kettles