types of polymers (incomplete)

Question 1

Low-density polyethylene

Answer 1

Very tough, good chemical resistance, weather proof, availability translucent, not rigid
Safe working temp 65
Squeezy detergent bottles, carrier bags, bin liners, general packaging

Question 2

High density polyethylene

Answer 2

Available translucent, weather proof, tough, good chemical resistance
Safe working temp 65
Chemical drums, Jerry cans, toys, household/kitchenware, long-life carrier bags, buckets, bowls

Question 3

Polypropylene

Answer 3

Available translucent, good chemical resistance, tough, can bend back and forth like a mf and not brack
Safe working temp 100
Rope, folders, folio cases, food containers, medical equipment

Question 4

High-impact polystyrene (HIPS)

Answer 4

Hard, rigid, available translucent, tough
Safe working temp 70
Yoghurt pots, refrigerator linings, single ues cups, toilet seats

Question 5

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

Answer 5

Tough, hard, available opaque
Safe working temp 80
Telephone handsets, rigid luggage, domestic appliance, handles, computer housings, remote control casings calculator casings, (electric casings)

Question 6

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

Answer 6

Tough, hard, available translucent, chemical resistance
Safe working temp 95
Car light casings, CNC laser cut items, lighting units, light covers, baths

Question 7

Nylon

Answer 7

Tough, corrosion resistant, temp resistance, low coefficient of friction (littel friction)
Safe working temp 150
Bearings, gears, curtain rails, textiles, boil-in-the-bag food packaging, cable ties, car engine manifolds

Question 8

Rigid polyvinyl chloride (uPVC)

Answer 8

Rigid, opaque, tough, hard, weather resistant, chemical resistance
Safe working temp 95
Window frames, external doors, guttering + downpipes, water services pipes, bank cards

Question 9

Flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Answer 9

Available translucent, tough, flexible, weathering resistance, chemical resistance
Safe working temp 95
Hose pipes, cable insulation, medical grade tubing, inflatable products, imitation leather, seat coverings

Question 10

Urea formaldehyde (FU)

Answer 10

Hard, heat resistant, electrical insulator, Brittle
Safe working temp 80
Electrical fittings, adhesive

Question 11

Melamine formaldehyde (MF)

Answer 11

Hard, opaque, tough, heat resistant, food safe, chemical resistance
Safe working temp 130
Decorative laminates, picnic ware, buttons

Question 12

Polyester resin

Answer 12

Rigid, heat resistant, chemical resistant, brittle
Safe working temp 95
Casting, lay-up process for GRP, boat hulls, car parts, chair seats

Question 13

Epoxy resin

Answer 13

Rigid, clear, hard, tough, chemical resistance
Safe working temp 80-200
Adhesive, surface coating, encapsulation of electrical components, cardiac pacemakers, aerospace applications

Question 14

Natural rubber (polyisoprene)

Answer 14

High tensile strength, low elongation, good hardness, tough, electrical insulator, good cold resistance
Automotive industry, tyres, tubes, hoses, gaskets, belts, balloons, toys, footwear

Question 15

Butadiene rubber (BR)

Answer 15

Tough, excellent wear resistance - friction, good thermal resistance - friction, electrical insulator
Vehicle tyres, shoe soles, toys, conveyor belts, water + pneumatic hoses

Question 16

Neoprene (polychloroprene rubber)

Answer 16

Good thermal resistance, toughness, oil and chemical resistance, weather resistance, good abrasion resistance, electrical insulator
Wetsuits, laptop cases, industrial wire insulation, automotive applications, shock absorber seals, hose covers, transmission belts, gaskets, door seals

Question 17

Silicone

Answer 17

Flexible at low temp, POOR ABRASION RESISTANCE (WTF), thermal resistance - + temp extremes, weather resistance, good lubricating qualities, electrical insulator
Flexible ice cube trays, bakeware, cooking utensils, fridge seal, machinery lubrication, sealant, mold making, medical uses, lubrication for prosthetics, tubing for drug delivery systems

Question 18

Corn starch polymer

Answer 18

Bio-polymer (natral) Made from high starch veggie, corn, potatoes, maze
Packaging products straws, vending cups, disposable cutlery, bags, takeaway food containers,

Question 19

Potatopak

Answer 19

Bio-polymer (natural)
Potato starch
Single use food items, bowls, cutlery, food trays, serviettes packaging beads or peanuts, bin bags

Question 20

Biopol (bio batch additives)
Trade name for polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)

Answer 20

Bio-polymer (natral)
Made from bacteria grown in cultures
Additives to promote degradation usually 1% in thermoplastics
Packaging products, film, carrier bags, vending cups, nappies, surgical stickers, pill coverings

Question 21

Polylactic acid (PLA)

Answer 21

Bio-polymer (synthetic)
Made from corn kernels or cane sugar, fermented - produce lactic acid, synthesised to produced polylactic acid
Packaging, single use bottles, carrier bags, plant pots, disposable nappies, medical sutures, 3D printing

Question 22

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)

Answer 22

Bio-polymer (natral)
Made from bacteria grown in cultures
Fully compostable
Packaging, medical uses, slow release medication patches, films, screws, bone plates

Question 23

Lactide

Answer 23

Bio-polymer (synthetic)
Fully compostable, water soluble
PLA and cellulose based
Biomedical applications, slow release medisen, bone repair fixings, detergent washing sachets

Question 24

Glycolide (lactel and ecofilm)

Answer 24

Bio-polymer (synthetic)
Fully compostable
PLA and cellulose based
Food film, bags, packaging wrap, bin bags, agriculture ground sheet, flower wrap