1.3 Polymers Flashcards
Thermoplastic definition
A material which can be repeated reheated and reshaped.
Thermosetting plastic definition
A material which when heated undergoes a chemical change whereby the molecules form rigid cross links. Cannot be reheated and reshaped.
Elastomer definition
Materials which at room temperature can be deformed under pressure and then upon release of the pressure, will return to their original shape.
Types of thermoplastics (8)
-Acrylic (PMMA)
-Low density polyethylene (LDPE)
-High density polyethylene (HDPE)
-Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
-Flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
-Rigid polyvinyl chloride (uPVC)
-Polypropylene (PP)
-Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
Types of thermosetting plastics (3)
-Epoxy resin (ER)
-Urea formaldehyde (UF)
-Polyester resin (PR)
Types of elastomers (2)
-Natural rubber (polyisoprene)
-Neoprene (polychloroprene rubber)
Properties of acrylic
-tough
-hard
-good chemical resistance
-available in translucent and transparent
Uses of acrylic
Car light castings, baths etc
Properties of LDPE
-very tough
-good chemical resistance
-weatherproof
-available in translucent and transparent
-low level of rigidity
Uses of LDPE
Carrier bags, bin liners, toys, clingfilm etc
Properties of HDPE
-available in translucent and transparent
-weatherproof
-tough
-good chemical resistance
Uses of HDPE
Long life carrier bags, buckets, chemical drums etc
Properties of PET
-hard
-tough
-good chemical resistance
-Available in transparent form
Uses of PET
Single use drinks bottles, food packaging, shampoo bottles etc
Properties of PVC
-tough
-flexible
-good weathering resistance
-good chemical resistance
-available in translucent and transparent
Uses of PVC
Hose pipes, inflatable products, imitation leather etc
Properties of uPVC
-tough
-hard
-rigid
-opaque
-good weathering resistance
-good chemical resistance
Uses of uPVC
Window frames, guttering and drainpipes, bank cards etc
Properties of PP
-available in translucent and transparent
-good chemical resistance
-tough
-good fatigue resistance (hinge property)
Uses of PP
Folders, medical equipment, food containers etc
Properties of ABS
-tough
-hard
-available in opaque
Uses of ABS
Telephone handsets, rigid suitcases, remote control casings etc
Properties of epoxy resin
-rigid
-clear
-hard
-tough
-chemical resistant
Uses of epoxy resin
Adhesives, surface coatings, cardiac pacemakers etc
Properties of urea formaldehyde
-hard
-heat resistant
-good electrical insulator
-brittle
Uses of urea formaldehyde
Electrical fittings, adhesives.
Properties of polyester resin
-rigid
-heat resistant
-chemical resistant
-brittle
Uses of polyester resin
Castings, car parts, chair seats etc
Properties of natural rubber
-high tensile strength
-low elongation
-good hardness
-tough
-electrical insulator
-good cold resistance
Uses of natural rubber
Tires, tubes, balloons, toys etc
Properties of neoprene
-good thermal resistance
-toughness
-good oil and chemical resistance
-excellent weather resistance
-good abrasion resistance
-electrical insulator
Uses of neoprene
Wet suits, industrial wire insulation, door seals etc
