Plastics and Polymers

Question 1

What is a Thermoplastic?

Answer 1

A material which can be repeatedly reheated and reshaped, allowing it to be recycled after its initial use.

Question 2

What is a Thermosetting Polymer?

Answer 2

A material which when heated, undergoes a chemical change whereby the molecules form rigid crosslinks. Thermosetting polymers cannot be reheated and reshaped, even at very high temperatures.

Question 3

What is an Elastomer?

Answer 3

A material which at room temperature can be deformed under pressure, and then upon release of the pressure, will return to its original shape.

Elastomers have weak bonds which allow them to stretch easily. They can be stretched repeatedly and upon immediate release of the stretch, will return with force to the original length.

Question 4

Name three examples of a Thermoplastic

Answer 4

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Nylon, Rigid and Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).

Question 5

Name three examples of a Thermosetting Polymer

Answer 5

Urea Formaldehyde (UF), Melamine Formaldehyde (MF), Polyester Resin, Epoxy Resin.

Question 6

Name three examples of an Elastomer

Answer 6

Natural Rubber, Polybutadiene, Neoprene, Silicone.