✅3.3 - Plastics

Question 1

What are polymers?

Answer 1

Materials formed of molecules in long chains.
Most polymers are derived from petroleum oil, although some are found naturally (silk)

Question 2

What are the raw materials of synthetic plastics?

Answer 2

Crude oil

Question 3

What are thermoforming plastics?

Answer 3

Plastic materials that can be repeatedly softened by heat and formed into shapes. They are the common plastic that we use in designing products and it can be recycled quite easily.

Question 4

‘Thermoforming plastics can be shaped in their elastic state’ - what does ‘elastic state’ mean?

Answer 4

The temperature where the polymer is at a stretchy consistency, but will not retain its forms if not held in place

Question 5

State which type of plastic nylons are, and their properties and uses

Answer 5

• Thermoforming plastics
• Low and friction and good chemical resistance
• Textiles, cloth, toothbrush bristles

Question 6

State which type of plastic PETs are, and their properties and uses

Answer 6

• Thermoforming plastics
• Hard, stiff, stable, low water absorption
• Smart cards, drink bottles, signs

Question 7

State which type of plastic PVCs are, and their properties and uses

Answer 7

• Thermoforming plastics
• Good resistant to chemicals and solvents. Good tensile strength. Resistant to water and fire
• Sewage pipes, adhesive tapes, clothing

Question 8

State which type of plastic acrylic (PMMA) are, and their properties and uses

Answer 8

• Thermoforming plastics
• Resistant to UV light and weather. Easily cemented with a solvent
• Bathroom furniture, aircraft canopies, kitchen products

Question 9

State which type of plastic polystyrene (PS) are, and their properties and uses

Answer 9

• Thermoforming plastics
• One of the most commonly used. Bad resistance to UV
• Toys, computer cases, buttons, food packages

Question 10

State which type of plastic polypropylene (PP) are, and their properties and uses

Answer 10

• Thermoforming plastics
• High resistance to chemicals and virtually impervious to water. Highly flexible and resistant to stress. Lowest density of all thermoplastics and cheapest
• Chemical containers, fuel cans

Question 11

State which type of plastic polyethylene (LDPE & HDPE) are, and their properties and uses

Answer 11

• Thermoforming plastics
• Good resistance to chemicals, waterproof
• injection containers, waste bins, bo seen zee i forgot what its called

Question 12

State which type of plastic ABS are, and their properties and uses

Answer 12

• Thermoforming plastics
• Durable, good impact resistance
• Boat hulls, telephones

Question 13

What are thermosetting plastics?

Answer 13

Plastic materials that can eb softened and formed into shapes which become hard when cooled and cannot be softened again

Question 14

State which type of plastic MF (melamine formaldehyde) are, and their properties and uses

Answer 14

• Thermosetting plastics
• Clear, hard, chemical resistant
• Electrical plugs, switches

Question 15

State which type of plastic UF (urea formaldehyde) are, and their properties and uses

Answer 15

• Thermosetting plastics
• High tensile strength and surface hardness, low water absorption
• Buttons, toilet seats, electrical fittings

Question 16

State which type of plastic PF (phenol formaldehyde) are, and their properties and uses

Answer 16

• Thermosetting plastics
• High hardness and good thermal resistance
• Laboratory worktops

Question 17

State which type of plastic ‘polyester resin’ are, and their properties and uses

Answer 17

• Thermosetting plastics
• Stable, low cost, good mechanical and chemical resistance
• Car body panels

Question 18

State which type of plastic ‘epoxy resin’ are, and their properties and uses

Answer 18

• Thermosetting plastics
• Adhesive strength, good electrical insulation
• Adhesives, sealants, coatings