Polymers - Plastic Flashcards
What are the two types of polymers?
Thermoforming and thermosetting polymers
State all of the thermoforming polymers.
Polypropylene (PP)
High density polyethylene (HDPE)
High impact polystyrene (HIPS)
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Acrylic (PMMA)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
State all of the thermosetting polymers.
Polyester resign (PR)
Epoxy resign (ER)
Urea formaldehyde (UF)
Phenol formaldehyde (PF)
Melamine formaldehyde (MF)
What are the properties and uses of polypropylene (PR)?
Properties - flexible, tough, lightweight and food safe
Uses - kitchen, medical products and rope
What are the properties and uses of high density polyethylene (HDPE)?
Properties - lightweight, rip and chemical resistant
Uses - milk bottles, pipes, crates and wheelie bins
What are the properties and uses of high impact polystyrene (HIPS)?
Properties - flexible, impact resistant, lightweight, can be food safe, used for vacuum forming
Uses - yoghurt pots, vacuum formed products
What are the properties and uses of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)?
Properties - blow moulded, chemically resistant and fully recyclable
Uses - drink bottles, food containers, yarn
What are the properties and uses of acrylic (PMMA)?
Properties - tough but brittle when thin. Easily scratched, formed and bonded
Uses - car lights, alternative to glass, modern baths, clothing
What are the properties and uses of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Properties - flexible, easily extruded, tough and resistant to chemicals
Uses - raincoats, pipes, electrical tape
What are the properties and uses of polyester resin (PR)?
Properties - good electrical insulator, hard, but becomes tough when mixed with glass strands (GRP)
Uses - encapsulation, boat hulls as GRP
What are the properties and uses of epoxy resin (ER)?
Properties - good strength to weight ratio, good electrical insulator, heat resistant
Uses - bonding waterproof coatings, electronic circuit boards
What are the properties and uses of urea formaldehyde (UF)?
Properties - high tensile strength, heat resistant, good electrical insulator, hard, brittle, easily injection moulded
Uses - adhesives for bonding particle boards, decorative laminates, electrical casings
What are the properties and uses of phenol formaldehyde (PF)?
Properties - heat resistant and good electrical insulator
Uses - heat resistant handles, electrical components, snooker balls
What are the properties and uses of melamine formaldehyde (MF)
Properties - lightweight hard but brittle
Uses - worktops, surfaces, some kitchenware
