Thermoplastics – Properties, Uses & Limitations

0.0(0)
studied byStudied by 0 people
GameKnowt Play
learnLearn
examPractice Test
spaced repetitionSpaced Repetition
heart puzzleMatch
flashcardsFlashcards
Card Sorting

1/24

flashcard set

Earn XP

Description and Tags

These flashcards review the origin of plastics, key traits of thermoplastics, their advantages, and the properties, uses, and limitations of major thermoplastic materials (Nylon, LDPE, HDPE, PET, PVC, Acrylic, PS, PP, ABS).

Study Analytics
Name
Mastery
Learn
Test
Matching
Spaced

No study sessions yet.

25 Terms

1
New cards

From what primary raw material are most plastics produced?

Crude oil.

2
New cards

What two main families are plastics divided into?

Thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics.

3
New cards

What key characteristic makes thermoplastics so widely used?

They can be reheated and reshaped repeatedly (thermo-forming).

4
New cards

Give two common advantages of thermoplastics.

Any two: (1) Soften when heated, (2) Recyclable, (3) Available in many colours, (4) Safe for children, (5) Relatively cheap, (6) Compatible with processes such as vacuum forming, injection moulding and blow moulding.

5
New cards

Name two manufacturing processes that commonly use thermoplastics.

Vacuum forming, injection moulding, blow moulding (any two).

6
New cards

Which thermoplastic is hard, tough, has low friction, and is used for bearings and gears?

Nylon.

7
New cards

What is one disadvantage of Nylon?

Its low-friction surface can stain quickly (also has low water absorption).

8
New cards

Which thermoplastic is tough, flexible, chemically resistant and used for detergent bottles and carrier bags?

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene).

9
New cards

State one limitation of LDPE.

High thermal expansion and it is flammable.

10
New cards

what are the uses of LDPE?

Detergent and shampoo bottles, toys, carrier bags and transparent packaging

11
New cards

Which strong, stiff plastic is popular for crates, bowls, buckets and pipes?

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene).

12
New cards

What is a key weakness of HDPE?

Sensitive to stress cracking and highly flammable.

13
New cards

Which transparent thermoplastic is used for drink bottles and smart cards?

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate).

14
New cards

Give one drawback of PET.

Low thermal resistance or poor solvent resistance (either is correct).

15
New cards

Which plastic releases chlorine atoms when burning, inhibiting combustion, and is used for pipes and window frames?

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride).

16
New cards

How does high temperature affect PVC?

Its strength decreases at elevated temperatures.

17
New cards

Which thermoplastic often replaces glass in skylights and aircraft canopies?

Acrylic (PMMA).

18
New cards

State one disadvantage of Acrylic (PMMA).

Prone to scratching and easily stained by grease/oil; flexible grades are not available.

19
New cards

Which rigid, brittle plastic with good electrical properties is used for toys, beakers and household appliances?

PS (Polystyrene).

20
New cards

What limits Polystyrene’s outdoor use?

Poor resistance to UV light; it becomes brittle and has low chemical resistance.

21
New cards

Which lightweight, food-safe plastic is common for string, rope, medical equipment and kitchenware?

PP (Polypropylene).

22
New cards

Why is polypropylene (PP) not ideal for long outdoor exposure?

It suffers UV degradation and is difficult to paint.

23
New cards

Which high-impact, durable plastic is used for mobile phone cases, toys and safety helmets?

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).

24
New cards

Why is ABS use limited in the food industry?

When burned it produces toxic gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN).

25
New cards

Are the listed thermoplastics biodegradable?

No; they are not biodegradable but are recyclable—except Acrylic, which is difficult to recycle.