THERMOPLASTICS Flashcards
Examples of addition polymers?
Polyolefins (PE, PP), PVC and PS
What are thermoplastic materials?
Chemical compounds based on carbon atoms, often complex compounds
Examples of condensation polymers?
PA, PET, PC
Homopolymers?
Polymer formed from a single monomer:
-A-A-A-A-A-
Copolymers?
Two types of monomers joined in a single polymer chain:
-A-B-A-B-A-B-
Block copolymers?
When the two monomers cluster together and form blocks of repeating units inside the polymer chain:
-A-A-A-B-B-B-A-A-A-B-B-B-
Terpolymers?
Polymer from three monomers
Polymer blends?
Class of material analogous to metal alloys, at least two polymers are blended together to create a new material with different physical properties.
General properties of amorphous materials?
- BRITTLE (apart from PC or by the addition of rubber e.g. PVC and ABS)
- MORE STABLE (low creep) under sustained load
- EASIER TO MANUFACTURE at temps above Tg
- TRANSPARENT to light
- LESS RESISTANT TO SOLVENTS
General properties of semi-crystalline materials?
- LESS BRITTLE (except in low temps)
- Wide range of strength and stiffness
- Suitable for fibre reinforcement
- LESS STABLE (more creep) under sustained load
- More difficult to manufacture (increased molecular weight due to crystal structure, so more viscous)
- Less transparent to light
- More resistant to solvents
What is the equivalent to metal grain structure in plastics?
SPHERULITE
What does creep do to stiffness?
Creep decreases stiffness
What is impact resistance dependent on?
Temperature (more so than metals) and dry or wet conditions
How is heat deflection temperature tested and what does it test?
Place sample in hot oil and measure deflection. Tests ability to resist elevated temperature
What is underwriters laboratory (UL) thermal index?
Test for various plastics : at what temp will strength be halved?