Plastics to know Flashcards
What are the two types of polymers and what is different about them
Thermoforming polymer - Can be heated and moulded multiple times
Thermosetting polymer - Can only be heated and moulded once (cannot be reheated and moulded again)
What are examples of thermoforming plastics (list 4)
Acrylic (PMMA)
High Density Polyethene (HDPE)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polyvinyl (PVC)
What are examples of thermosetting plastics (list 3)
Epoxy Resin (ER)
Melamine formaldehyde (MF)
Urea Formaldehyde (UF)
What are the properties of Acrylic
Hard with good plasticity when heated so can be folded well
resists weather well but is brittle
scratches easily
available in lots of different colours
What are the properties of HDPE
Stiff, strong but lightweight
good plasticity when heated
excellent chemical reistance
What are the properties of polypropylene
Lightweight but strong
Tough
Good heat resistance
Good chemical resistance
food safe
What are the properties of Epoxy Resin
Supplied as two parts, one resin and one hardened. The resin and hardener combine to create an extra strong adhesive
good chemical and heat resistance
excellent thermal insulator
can be britlle
What are the properties of Melamine formaldehyde (MF)
Excellent heat resistance to scratching and staining
hard
strong
What are the properties of Urea Formaldehyde (UF)
Hard
Stiff
Excellent thermal insulation
What is Acrylic used for
Car headlights, visors and baths
What is HDPE used for
Washing-up bowls
pipes
chairs
buckets
bottles
What is polypropylene used for
Chairs
children’s toys
food packaging film
What is PVC used for
Window frames, building cladding, guttering
What is Epoxy resin used for
Bonds materials can be used for waterproof coatings and lamination
What is MF used for
Laminates for worktops
food safe so used for picnic tableware
