Thermosetting Plastics (plastics)

Question 1

Epoxy resin

Answer 1

Properties:
- Good electrical insulator
- Hard
- Brittle unless reinforced
- Resists chemicals well
- Good chemical and wear resistance
Uses:
- Casting and encapsulation
- Adhesives used to bond different materials

Question 2

Melamine formaldehyde

Answer 2

Properties:
- Stiff
- Hard
- Strong
- Resists some chemicals and stains
- Range of colours
- Odourless
Uses:
- Laminates for work surfaces
- Electrical insulation
- Tableware

Question 3

Polyester resin

Answer 3

Properties:
- Stiff
- Hard
- Brittle unless laminated
- Good
- Electrical insulator
- Resists chemicals well
- Tough when laminated with glass fibre
Uses:
- Casting and encapsulatio n
- Bonding of other materials
- Car bodies

Question 4

Urea-formaldehyde

Answer 4

Properties:
- Stiff
- Hard
- Strong
- Brittle
- Good electrical insulator
Uses:
- Electrical fittings
- Handles and control knobs (domestic appliance parts)
- Adhesives