Plastic

Question 1

What is plastic?

Answer 1

Plastic refers to the property of a material to have its shape or form changed.

Question 2

What are polymers?

Answer 2

Polymers are materials formed by molecules in long chains.

Question 3

What is the elastic state of plastic?

Answer 3

The elastic state is when the material is heated to a shapeable consistency, can be shaped, and will return to its original shape if stress is not removed.

Examples include line bending, vacuum forming, and dome blowing.

Question 4

What is the plastic state of plastic?

Answer 4

The plastic state is softer than the elastic state and more malleable, allowing for processes like injection moulding.

Question 5

What are thermoforming plastics?

Answer 5

Thermoforming plastics are polymers that can be reheated and reformed for reshaping within a specific temperature band.

Question 6

What is nylon used for?

Answer 6

Nylon is used as fibre in clothing and as a common engineering plastic in rod, tube, sheet, and powder forms.

Question 7

What are the characteristics of nylon?

Answer 7

Nylon resists abrasion, has low friction characteristics, and good chemical resistance.

Question 8

What is low-density polyethylene (LDPE)?

Answer 8

LDPE is the most common thermoplastic, less expensive than high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Question 9

What is high-density polyethylene (HDPE)?

Answer 9

HDPE is more expensive than LDPE and is used in mechanical components like gears and bushes.

Question 10

What is polyethylene terephthalate (PET)?

Answer 10

PET is a hard, stiff, strong, and stable material with chemical resistance and gas barrier properties.

Question 11

What is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used for?

Answer 11

PVC is used for rain, water, and sewage pipes, toy clothing, footwear, adhesive tape, medical goods, and packaging.

Question 12

What are the characteristics of acrylic (PMMA)?

Answer 12

Acrylic is hard, has reasonable tensile strength, good resistance to UV light and weather, and comes in a range of colors.

Question 13

What is polystyrene used for?

Answer 13

Polystyrene is used for signs, drink bottles, and bank smart cards.

Question 14

What is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)?

Answer 14

ABS is durable, has weather and chemical resistance, and is used for computer cases, food packaging, and domestic appliances.

Question 15

What are thermosetting plastics?

Answer 15

Thermosetting plastics harden when heat is applied and cannot return to their original shape once heated.

Question 16

What is melamine formaldehyde (MF)?

Answer 16

MF is clear, hard, and chemical resistant, used in electrical plugs, switches, and sockets.

Question 17

What is urea formaldehyde (UF)?

Answer 17

UF has high tensile strength and surface hardness, with low water absorption and mould shrinkage.

Question 18

What is polyester resin used for?

Answer 18

Polyester resin is stable, low cost, easy to use, and has good mechanical, chemical resistance, and electrical properties.

Question 19

What is epoxy resin known for?

Answer 19

Epoxy resin has high adhesive strength and mechanical properties, used in electrical insulation and chemical resistance applications.

Question 20

What is the significance of the international symbol for plastic?

Answer 20

The international symbol indicates the status of plastic, promoting sustainable use through reuse, reduction, and recycling.