Plastics Flashcards
What is a synthetic plastic?
Made from
crude oil
coal
Natural gas
What is a monomer?
A gas that comes when crude oil is. Refined.
Consisting of a single molecule.
What is polymerisation?
Thousands of monomers being linked together to creat polymers.
What is plastic memory
When heated
Plastic wants to go back to original shape
Unless overheated
What are the 2 main types of plastics?
Thermoplastics
Thermosetting plastics
What are the features of THERMOPLASTICS?
Lines of molecules with FEW cross linkages
Soft when heated
Easy shaped
Repeatable
Injection moulding
Vacuum forming
Blow moulding
Name 3 thermoplastics
ACRYLIC /PERSPEX
Polythene
PVC
Poly vinyl chloride
What’s another name for ACRYLIC
Perspex
What does PVC stand for
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
Features of ACRYLIC
School workshop
Sheets
Range of colours
Can be translucent
Transparent
Or Opaque
Acid resistant
Weather resistant
Easy polished
Good electrical conductor
Safe with food
Ten times more impact resistant than glass
Scratches and splinters easyWhat is ACRYLIC used for
Illuminated signs Light units Watch and clock glass Aircraft canopies Car lights Baths Perspex sheets Furniture
Features of POLYTHENE
Moulded into any form
Bottles Bowls Toys Tubes Large sheets
High density
Low density
Difference between high and low density polythene
Give example of what’s made from each
High is rigid and hard
Low tough AND FLEXIBLE
High …..machine parts
Low….bottles
Features of PVC
What’s it used for
Tough
Bought as a hard material or flexible
Can be bonded with an ADHESIVE
Water pipes
Raincoats
Records
Coating on electrical wire
What type of plastic is PVC
Thermoplastic
What sort of plastic is acrylic
Thermoplastic
What sort of plastic is polythene
Thermoplastic
What is a THERMOSETTING plastic
What features have they
Lines of molecules which are HEAVILY cross linked
Can only be heated and shaped once
What are thermosetting plastics used for
Name 3 examples
Saucepan handles
Kettle handles
Plugs
Are ADHESIVES thermoplastic or thermosetting
Give an example
ThermoSETTING
ARALDITE
Name the three types of thermoSETTING plastics
POLYURETHENE
MELAMINE FORMALDEHYDE
POLYESTER RESINS
Features of polyurethene
Used in paints and varnishes
Because it’s TOUGH
WATER RESISTANT
What is the features of melamine formaldehyde
What’s it used for
Smooth surface
Hygienic qualities
Excellent insulator
Used in forming plastic laminates
Electrical plugs and sockets
What type of plastic are plugs and sockets made from
Melamine formaldehyde
