Thermoplastics

Question 1

CA - cellulose acetate

Answer 1

Tough and rigid, lightweight with food strength, transparent and non flammable

Photographic film, handles for cutlery, frames for glasses

Question 2

Nylon - polyamide

Answer 2

Hard, tough, resistant to wear with a low coefficient of friction

Bearings, gears, clothing

Question 3

PMMA - polymathyl methacrylate

Answer 3

Food safe, tough, hard, durable, easily machined

Light units, illuminated signs, lenses for car lights

Question 4

PP - polypropylene

Answer 4

Lightweight, foodsafe, good impact resistance even at low temperatures, good chemical resistance

Kitchen tupplewear, string/rope, medical equipment

Question 5

HIPS - high impact polystyrene

Answer 5

Good impact resistance, good strength and stiffness, lightweight

Tots and refrigerator linings

Question 6

PS - polystyrene

Answer 6

Lightweight, rigid, colourless, low impact strength

Packaging, disposable cups and plates

Question 7

LDPE - low density polyethylene

Answer 7

Low density, low stiffness and rigidity, good chemical resistance

Detergent bottles, carrier bags

Question 8

HDPE - high density polyethylene

Answer 8

High density, good stiffness, good chemical resistance

Crates, bottles, buckets and bowls

Question 9

UPVC - polyvinyl chloride

Answer 9

Good chemical resistance, good resistance to weathering, rigid, hard, tough, lightweight, can be coloured

Pipes, guttering, bottles and window frames

Question 10

ABS - Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

Answer 10

High impact strength, giving good toughness with good strength, scratch resistant, lightweight and durable

Kitchen products, mobile telephone cases, pc monitor cases, safety helmets