Polymers

Question 1

What’s the difference between thermosetting polymers, thermoplastics and composites.

Answer 1

Thermoset plastics undergo a chemical change and cannot be reheated and shaped where as thermoplastics can be reshaped by heat. Composites are made from multiple components.

Question 2

4 examples of thermosetting polymers

Answer 2

Urea formaldehyde, epoxy resin, polyester and silicone.

Question 3

3 examples of thermoplastics

Answer 3

Acrylic, high density polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate.

Question 4

2 examples of composites

Answer 4

Glass reinforced plastic and carbon fibre plastic.

Question 5

Urea formaldehyde- properties and uses

Answer 5

High tensile strength, high heat-distortion temperature, low water absorption, mould shrinkage, high surface hardness, elongation at break, and volume resistance.
Adhesives, plug sockets, desk lamps and fabrics.

Question 6

Urea formaldehyde- advantages and disadvantages

Answer 6

Low cost, ease of use under a variety of curing conditions, low cure temperatures, water-solubility, water-resistance, resistance to microorganisms and abrasion, hardness, excellent thermal properties and lack of colour.
UF can release formaldehyde, a potential carcinogen, especially when exposed to high temperatures. Low thermal stability – UF has a low glass transition temperature, which limits its use in high-temperature applications.

Question 7

Epoxy resins- properties and uses

Answer 7

Resistant to chemicals, heat resistant, adhesion to variety of substances, high tensile compression and bend strengths. Low shrinkage, high electrical insulation and corrosion resistant.
Coating composites for electrical items and filling gaps in materials.

Question 8

Epoxy resins- advantages and disadvantages

Answer 8

Help increase the lifespan of buildings by improving the durability of the structural parts, engineering adhesives and paints. Epoxy resins provide a protective layer that separates food and drinks from the metal used to make their cans.
Long curing time, messy application, potential harm to health, and higher cost compared to other adhesives.

Question 9

Polyester- properties and uses

Answer 9

Strong , resilient and durable, resistant to shrinking and stretching, resistant to several chemicals. Dries quickly, can be recycled, resistant to abrasions.
Bottles, films, tarpaulin, sails (Dacron), canoes, liquid crystal displays, holograms, filters, dielectric film for capacitors, film insulation for cable, and insulating tapes.

Question 10

Polyester- advantages and disadvantages

Answer 10

Strength, flexibility, moisture resistance, ease of care, and low cost.
High energy and water consumption, pollution, and inability to biodegrade.

Question 11

Silicone- properties and uses

Answer 11

Fine electrical properties, good chemical stability and flame retardancy, and superior resistance to heat and cold.
Sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medicine, cooking utensils, thermal insulation, and electrical insulation.

Question 12

Silicone- advantages and disadvantages

Answer 12

Last longer, spread better, stay flexible or rigid, and withstand extreme temperatures or humidity.
Tear strength meaning it is susceptible to breakage.

Question 13

Acrylic- properties and uses

Answer 13

Strong, stiff, transparent and lightweight. Plus hard, durable and a good electrical insulator. Also has a good strength to weight ratio. Acrylic can withstand extreme weather and chemicals.
Acrylic can be used for shop signage or a glass substitute. Also in storage boxes and crates, car lights or CD cases.

Question 14

Acrylic- advantages and disadvantages

Answer 14

Acrylic is easy to shape, highly transparent, easy to clean and maintain. It is also stronger than glass whilst being lighter, plus an affordable substitute. Acrylic is also 100% recyclable.
Brittle so it can easily break or scratch. Cracks are easily formed and acrylic is prone to splintering.

Question 15

High density polyethylene- properties and uses

Answer 15

High density polyethylene has good impact strength and is resistant to chemicals. Due to its water barrier it can float and the products created from HDPE are very easy to maintain (easily washed). It’s a good electrical insulator and flexible.
HDPE is used for water tanks, water pipes, bowls, thin packaging sheets and household bottles for either edible items or chemicals.

Question 16

High density polyethylene- advantages and disadvantages

Answer 16

It is highly resistant to chemicals, is tough and hard wearing, lightweight, rigid and 100% recyclable.
HDPE however can break under stress and the colour fades over time. It is also flammable and not very temperature resistant.

Question 17

Polyethylene terephthalate- properties and uses

Answer 17

Polyethylene terephthalate is very tough and lightweight due to its low density. It’s a good barrier to things such as alcohol, oil and is chemical resistant. It has high impact and tensile strength.
PET is used for carbonated drink bottles, packaging for flavoured food as it has no effect on their flavour and microwavable food trays.

Question 18

Polyethylene terephthalate- advantages and disadvantages

Answer 18

It is an easily available polymer and also affordable. Pet has a high strength to weight ratio, is shatter proof and easily recyclable.
Can discolour and needs to be treated when used in the food packaging industry. It also has low heat resistance.

Question 19

Carbon Fibre Composite- properties and uses

Answer 19

High strength to weight ratio, high chemical resistance and can withstand tensile loads.
Sports equipment, aircraft parts, car bodies, yacht masts and fishing rods.

Question 20

Carbon Fibre Composite- advantages and disadvantages

Answer 20

Better tensile strength than steel alloys and can be formed into complex, aerodynamic, one piece structures.
Very expensive, only available in black, difficult to repair, cannot be recycled easily and loses integrity over time.

Question 21

Glass reinforced plastic composite- properties and uses

Answer 21

Durable, lightweight, non-conductive, high flexural strength. Chemical and UV radiation resistant.
Rotor blades of wind turbines, canoes, fairground rides, fish ponds.

Question 22

Glass reinforced plastic composite- advantages and disadvantages

Answer 22

Excellent strength to weight ratio, resistant to corrosion, water resistant, wide range of colours, can be repaired easily, long lifespan.
Expensive to produce and purchase, specialised manufacturing process required and high quality moulds are required.