5 - Performance characteristics of polymer-based sheet and film

Question 1

What is polymer film?

Answer 1

Usually very thing and flexible, such as cellulose acetate used for photographic film

Question 2

Polymer sheet

Answer 2

Thicker than polymer film and is available in stcok sheet of varying thickness. For example, foam board sheet is available in 3mm, 5mm, 10mm, 20mm standard thickness

Question 3

Foam board

Answer 3

Two outer foam layers of card with a middle foam core

Mood board backing, presentation boards, modelling

Question 4

Fluted PP sheet

Answer 4

Extruded sheet with integral ‘flutes’ or corrugations. Lightweight and easily bent along the flutes

Signs E.G real estate signs, small models

Question 5

Translucent PP sheet

Answer 5

Tough polymer sheet. Can be folded millions of times. Very difficult to tear, water resistant

Packaging products, folders, boxes

Question 6

Styrofoam

Answer 6

Dense, closed-cell foam. Can be cut, shaped and sanded with standard workshop tools.

Product modelling, formers for moulding and laminating

Question 7

LDPE sheet

Answer 7

Tough, available in thin sheet form, transparent, good chemical resistance, flexible

Food wrapping (cling film), bubble wrap, carrier bags

Question 8

Plastazote foam

Answer 8

Closed-cell polyethylene foam, tough, flexible, good impact resistance, impermeable to liquids

Protective packaging, swimming floats, gym and exercise mats, sound and pipe insulation, stage props

Question 9

Cellulose acetate

Answer 9

Transparent, tough, naturally biodegrades

Packaging film, membranes, photographic film

Question 10

Polylactide

Answer 10

Transparent, tough, naturally biodegrades

Biodegradable packaging film