Polymers Flashcards
Types of polymers
Thermoforming polymers
Thermosetting polymers
What are the majority of polymers manufactured from
The majority of polymers are manufactured from the non-renewable resource crude oil
Define thermoforming polymer
Polymers that can be softened by heating, shaped and set over and over again
Define thermosetting polymers
Polymers that can only be shaped and formed by heat once
Types of thermoforming polymers
Acrylic
High-impact polystyrene (HIPS)
High-impact polythene (HDPE)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polyethylene terephthate (PET)
Properties of acrylic
Hard
Excellent optical quality
Good resistance to weathering
Scratches easily
Uses of acrylic
Car light units
Bath tybs
Shop signage and displays
Used of high-impact polyestyrene
Tough hard rigid
Good impact resistance
Light weight
Uses of high-impact polyestyrene
Children’s toys
Yoghurt pots
Refrigerator liners
Properties of HDPE
hard and stiff
Excellent chemical resistance
uses of HDPE
Washing up bowls, buckets, milk crates, bottles and pipes
Properties of Polypropylene
Tough
Good heat and chemical resistance
Low cost
Can be rigid or flexible
uses of polypropylene
Toys
DVDs
Blu-ray cases
Bottle caps
Medical equipment
Packaging film
Properties of PVC
Hard and tough
Good chemical and weather resistance
Low cost
Can be rigid or flexible
Uses of PVC
Pipes
Guttering
Window frames
Properties of PET
Tough and durable
Lightweight
Food safe
Impermeable to water
Low cost
Uses of PET
Drinks bottle
Food packaging
Types of thermostetting polymers
Epoxy resin
Melamine formaldehyde (MF)
Phenol formaldehyde (PF)
Polyester resin
Urea formaldehyde (UF)
Properties of epoxy resin
Electrical insulator
Good chemical and wear resistance
Uses of epoxy resin
Adhesives suvhas araldite
PCB component encapsulation
Properties of Melamine Formaldehyde
Stiff hard strong
Excellent resistance to heat, scratching and staining
Uses of melamine Formaldehyde
Kitchen work-surface laminates
Tableware
Properties of phenol formaldehyde
Hard
Heat and chemical resistant
Good electrical insulator
Limited colours available
Uses of phenol formaldehyde
Electrical fittings
Saucepan handles
Bowling bowls
Properties of polyester resin
Brittle but becomes tough when laminated with fibre glass
Properties of polyester resin
Brittle but becomes tough when laminated with fibre glass
Hard and resistant to UV
Uses of polyester resin
GRP boats
Car body panels
Properties of Urea Formaldehyde (UF)
Stiff and hard
Heat resistant
Good electrical insulator
Uses of Urea Formaldehyde
White electrical fittings
Toilet seats
Adhesive used in MDF
What are the purpose of additives
The purpose of additives to to further enhance the properties of polymers
State the uses of additives
Plasticisers can be added to make the polymer soft and flexible - often found in PVC
Pigments can be added to change the colour of the polymer
Stabilisers can be added to help the polymer withstand UV light damage which is especially useful in products that may be used outdoors
Filters can be used to increase the bulk of the polymer, this can help improve its impact resistance
