Named Examples - Polymers complete Flashcards
Potatopak
biopolymer
- starch-based polymer
- single-use food ware or can be made into a foam (much like corn starch polymers)
- food safe and resistant to fats
Polybutadiene
elastomer
- synthetic rubber (BR)
- hiking shoes, trainer soles and racing car tires
- excellent thermal and friction resistance
Polyester Resin
thermoset
- used for lamination and layup (GRP, CFRP)
- caravans, boat hulls and bathtubs
- resistant to water, heat and chemicals
Epoxy Resin
thermoset
- surface finishes, LED lights and adhesives
- good chemical and heat resistance
Melamine Formaldehyde
thermoset
- toilet seats, melamine formaldehyde laminates, buttons
- scratch, chemical and heat resistant, yet brittle 9can crack easily)
Urea Formaldehyde
thermoset
- used as an adhesive for MDF, plugs and sockets
- high tensile strength and good resistance to heat (will not deform)
PMMA
thermoplastic
also known as acrylic
- shower trays, car headlights and baths
- lightweight, tough yet has relatively poor chemical resistance
ABS
thermoplastic
- hardhats, suitcases and wing mirrors
- easily moulded, excellent impact and chemical resistance, durable
TPE
elastomer (and thermoplastic)
- used for over-moulding
- resistant to fatigue, excellent chemical resistance
- used for cables and grips (toothbrushes and tools)
HDPE
thermoplastic
- chemical bottles, recycling bins and cutting boards
- reusable and recyclable, flexible, excellent chemical resistance and can be used for injection moulding
- higher strength-to-weight ratio than LDPE
Neoprene
elastomer
- laptop sleeves, orthopaedic braces and electrical insulation
- good resistance to water and chemicals, and a high tensile strength
closed cell - rubber like
open cell - spongy
Lactide
biodegradable polymer
- used for casings of pills and laundry detergent pods
- compostable and hydro-degradable
Silicone
elastomer
- homeware, baking trays, oven gloves and ice trays
- self-lubricating, food safe, flexible, and unreactive
- can be used to deoxidise steel
PLA
biopolymer
- 3D printing, food packaging and injection moulding
- remains stable at low temperatures, good chemical resistance yet poor heat resistance
Natural Rubber
elastomer
- swimming hats and baby bottle teats
- non-toxic, non-permeable barrier and has a good tensile strength
Polymoprh
thermoplastic (modern material)
- when heated to a low temperature it becomes pliable and can be moulded
- mouth guards, grips and moulds
- non-toxic and biodegradable
Nylon
thermoplastic
- clothing, seat belts and tarpaulin
- water resistant, chemical resistant but can melt quickly
Biopol
biopolymer
- nappy linings, disposable cutlery, medical patches
- can be injection moulded and vacuum formed
- low chemical resistance, insoluble in water
Corn starch polymers
biopolymer
- packing peanuts, food packaging
- food-safe, compostable yet is sensitive to moisture and will decompose quickly
PHA
biopolymer - biodegradable
- food packaging
- non-toxic (food safe), ductile and can be moulded
- used for 3D printing
LDPE
thermoplastic
- excellent chemical resistance, flexible, tough
- used for squeezable bottles, carrier bags and toys
Physical properties - Polymers
Insulation
Self finishing
UV resistance
Melting point
Transparency and translucency
Resistance to chemicals and liquids
Ability to be combined with other polymers and additives
Mechanical properties - Polymers
toughness
flexibility
elasticity
mouldibility
PET
thermoplastic
- good chemical resistance (un-reactive), and flexible
- single-use water bottles and packaging
