Plastics

Question 1

What is a thermoplastic?

Answer 1

A plastic that can be re-heated and re-shaped in various ways.

Question 2

What is a thermosetting plastic?

Answer 2

Once heated and moulded, this plastics can’t be reheated and remoulded.

Question 3

List the names of common thermoplastics.

Answer 3

• Acrylic
• LDPE (Low Density Polythene)
• HDPE (High Density Polythene)
• Nylon
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Question 4

List the names of common thermosetting plastics?

Answer 4

• GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic)

- Epoxy Resin

Question 5

How do we manufacture plastic?

Answer 5

• Source is crude oil, extracted from ground using rigs.

- Oil is distilled and Naphtha is processed into plastic granules in a processing plant.

Question 6

How can plastics be formed/shaped for use in consumer products.

Answer 6

• Vacuum forming
• Injection moulding
• Blow moulding
• Line bending

Question 7

Why are plastics described as synthetic? How can this be used to create different properties?

Answer 7

Plastics are synthetic because they are produced entirely from manmade materials that derive from crude oil.

We can adjust the composition of each plastic to adjust its weight, insulation and texture.