Thermosetting Plastics

Question 1

Factors of a Thermosetting Plastic?

Answer 1

• Cross-linked - product made is irreversible
• Not recyclable 100+ will degrade
• No memory
• Does NOT melt (e.g plug sockets)
• One time making plastic
• Oil based

Question 2

Describe the factors of Urea Formaldehyde.

Answer 2

Uses:
- Electrical fittings (plug sockets)
Factors:
> Urine (Urea, chemically produced) bleaches to give crisp white colour
> Difficult to melt - high degrees
> Will be left in house fires due to high melting point.
> Wires may become hot
Compression moulded

Question 3

Describe the factors of Phenol Formaldehyde

Answer 3

Uses:
- Saucepan handles
Factors:
> Always black, used especially because of colour.
> Hard to melt as Thermosetting plastics are.
Compression moulded

Question 4

Describe the factors of Melamine Formaldehyde.

Answer 4

Uses:
- Heat resistant surfaces
- Table tops
Factors:
> Heat resistant surfaces
> Produces in thin sheets for kitchen tops
> Available in most colours
Calendar moulded

Question 5

Describe the factors of Polyester Resin

Answer 5

Uses:
- Plastic component of GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) 
Factors:
> A liquid mixed with catalysts 
> Reinforced glass 
> Fibreglass
> Relatively expensive
> Means you can mold it
> Very hard, durable, light. 
Layered

Question 6

Describe the factors of Epoxyresin

Answer 6

Use:
- Swag glue that can be used for everything
Factors:
> Good guess plastic glue 
> Catalysed reaction
> Will glue anything to anything