Plastics

Question 1

What are the advantages of plastic

Answer 1

Very light weight but strong therefore has a good strength to weight ratio, no need to apply a finish has a built in colour but ca also be transparent is waterproof, smooth surface, can be wiped clean so they are hygienic

Question 2

What are the disadvantages of plastic

Answer 2

Tricky to cut and shape as they can easily crack or shatter and plastic dust is extremely dangerous. Can scratch easily easy this is why they are given with a plastic film on them.

Over time plastics will become weaker with wear and sunlight which can bleech the colour
Cannot withstand extreme heat as they will deform blister or burn
Low temperatures can make plastics more brittle

Question 3

What is a thermoset plastic

Answer 3

When thermoset plastics are bent and shapes they cannot be re-shaped by re-heating them which means they can withstand higher temperatures than thermoplastics so they are used for products that are exposed to extreme pressures.
-they are recyclable but have to be put into small chips which takes a lot of energy and because the grain is so small at the end it has very few uses
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Question 4

What are the properties and identifying features of melamine formaldehyde

Answer 4

Properties - rigid, tough, scratch resistant, heat resistant

Identifying features- grainy texture

Question 5

What are the properties and identifying features of urea formaldehyde

Answer 5

Properties- rigid, strong, heat resistant

Identifying features- Matt or glossy finish

Question 6

What is a thermoplastic

Answer 6

They soften when heated allowing them to be shaped, harden to shape as they cool, can re-do the heating, bending and shaping many times. If you heat a thermoplastic it will return to its original shape unless it has been permantly damaged by excessive heat or deformation

Question 7

What are the properties and identifying feature of acrylic

Answer 7

Properties- rigid, very durable, polishes to a high shine

Identifying features- glossy and smooth texture

Question 8

What are the properties and identifying features of polystyrene

Answer 8

Properties- lightweight, flexible, moisture resistant

Identifying features- glossy and smooth can be transparent

Question 9

What are the properties and identifying features of polypropylene

Answer 9

Properties- lightweight, flexible, resists cracking and tearing
Identifying features- waxy surface, often transparent or semi-transparent

Question 10

What are the properties and identifying features of ABS

Answer 10

Properties very tough, scratch resistant, chemical resistant

Identifying features- shiny surface, colourfast