polymers

Question 1

Poly(ethene) uses and properties
‘polythene’
low density (LDPE)

Answer 1

Tough, resistance to chemicals, flexible, fairly soft, good electrical insulator
Plastic bottles, toys, packaging film and bags

Question 2

what are the two types of plastics can be divided into

Answer 2

thermoplastics and thermoset plastics.

Thermoplastics can be heated and reshaped many times.

Question 3

Polyamide (Nylon) properties and uses

Answer 3

Tough, fairly hard, self-lubricating, resists wear, good resistance to chemicals and machines
Casing for power tools, curtain rail fittings and clothing

Question 4

Polymethyl methacrylate (Acrylic)

Answer 4

Stiff, hard but scratches easily, durable, brittle in small sections, good electrical insulator, machines and polishes well
Signs, aircraft canopies and windows, covers for car lights, wash basins and baths

Question 5

High impact polystyrene (HIPS)

Answer 5

Light but hard plastic
Available in sheets but softens at high temperatures
toys or packaging.

Question 6

polypropylene (pp)

Answer 6

=Light weight
=extremely chemically resistant and will not be affected by cleaning products.
=polypropylene juicer can be mass produced through injection moulding.
=available in a wide range of colours, which can be simply achieved using pigments in the injection moulding process.
= is a thermal insulator making it ideal for washing in hot water/dishwashers,
= resistant to work fatigue meaning that it will flex when pressure is applied rather than crack.

Question 7

Polythene:

- high density (HDPE)

Answer 7

Stiff, hard, able to be sterilised

Plastic bottles, tubing and milk crate

Question 8

PVC

Answer 8

Stiff and hard wearing

Air and water pipes and medical devices

Question 9

definition of thermosetting

Answer 9

Thermosetting plastics can only be heated and shaped once.

Question 10

Epoxy resin

Epoxide, ER

Answer 10

Good electrical insulator, hard, brittle unless reinforced, resists chemicals
Used for printed circuit boards (PCBs) and surface coatings and adhesives

Question 11

Melamine formaldehyde (MF)

Answer 11

Stiff, hard, strong, resists some chemicals and staining

Electrical insulation and tableware

Question 12

Polyester resin (PR)

Answer 12

Stiff, hard, brittle unless laminated, good electrical insulator, resists chemicals
Used for car bodies and boats

Question 13

Urea formaldehyde (UF)

Answer 13

Stiff, hard, strong, brittle, good electrical insulator

Used for electrical fittings and adhesives