material enhancements

Question 1

antistatics

Answer 1

• reduce the likelihood of the polymer building up a static charge

Question 2

flame retardants

Answer 2

• reduce the likelihood of combustion, the spread of fire or potential electrical fires
• plug sockets, car engine components

Question 3

plasticisers

Answer 3

• allow plastics to become less hard and brittle at normal temperature use

Question 4

enhancement of materials

Answer 4

• a way of improving materials properties to better suit the requirements of the final product

Question 5

pigments

Answer 5

• tiny particles that are mixed into the polymer in its molten state to give colour to the final processed product

Question 6

thermal antioxidants

Answer 6

• prevent the polymer oxidising or discolouring due to excessive heat during processing

Question 7

lubricants

Answer 7

• adding wax or calcium stearate reduces the viscosity of the molten polymer
• allows more intricate shapes to be formed
• moulding temperature to be lowered

Question 8

thermochromic pigment

Answer 8

• changes in colour in response to temperature change
• room thermometers, baby spoons

Question 9

phosphorescent pigment

Answer 9

• absorbs light energy during the day and ‘ re-emits’ the light when dark
• fire exit signs, watch hands

Question 10

photochromic pigment

Answer 10

• changes colour with light intensity
• reactive glasses lenses, welding goggles