Plastics

Question 1

Give the type of plastic, properties and principle use of: Acrylic

Answer 1

Thermosoftening
Stiff, hard but scratches easily, durable, brittle in small sections, good electrical insulator, machines and polishes well
Signs, aircraft canopies and windows, covers for car lights, wash basins and baths

Question 2

Give the type of plastic, properties and principle use of: High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)

Answer 2

Thermosoftening
Light but hard, available in sheets but softens at high temperatures
Common in school projects for outer casings and packing, can be used for vacuum forming

Question 3

Give the type of plastic, properties and principle use of: Polypropylene

Answer 3

Thermosoftening
Light plastic, hard but can scratch easily, tough, resistance to chemicals, resists work fatigue
Used for medical and laboratory equipment, seating, rope, some kitchen equipment

Question 4

Give the type of plastic, properties and principle use of: LDPE

Answer 4

Thermosoftening
Tough, resistance to chemicals, felxible, fairly soft, food electrical insulator
Plastic bottles, toys, packing film and bags, good for blow moulding

Question 5

Give the type of plastic, properties and principle use of: HDPE

Answer 5

Thermosoftening
Stiff, hard, able to be sterilised
Plastic bottles, tubing and milk crates

Question 6

Give the type of plastic, properties and principle use of: PVC

Answer 6

Thermosoftening
Stiff and hard wearing
Air and water pipes and medical devices

Question 7

Give the type of plastic, properties and principle use of: Epoxy Resin (Epoxide, ER)

Answer 7

Thermosetting
Good electrical insulator, hard, brittle unless reinforced, resists chemicals
Used for printed circuit boards (PCB’s) and surface coatings and adhesives

Question 8

Give the type of plastic, properties and principle use of: Polyester Resin (PR)

Answer 8

Thermosetting
Stiff, hard, brittle unless laminated, good electrical insulator, resists chemicals
Used for card bodies and boats

Question 9

Give the type of plastic, properties and principle use of: Urea Formaldehyde (UF)

Answer 9

Thermosetting
Stiff, hard, strong, brittle, good electrical insulator
Used for electrical fittings and adhesives

Question 10

Give the type of plastic, properties and principle use of: Phenol formaldehyde (PF, bakelite)

Answer 10

Thermosetting
Hard and brittle
Board and table top games and billiard table

Question 11

Give the type of plastic, properties and principle use of: Polyamide (Nylon)

Answer 11

Thermosoftening
Tough, fairly hard, self-lubricating, resists wear, good resistance to chemicals and machines
Casing for power tools, curtain rail fittings and clothing