D&T Plastics

What is a thermoforming (thermoplastic) plastic?

A plastic that becomes soft and moldable when heated and can be reheated, reshaped (though repeated heating degrades it).

What is a thermosetting plastic?

A plastic that cures irreversibly; once hardened by heat (or chemical reaction), it cannot be remelted or reformed.

Name a typical property of nylon (a thermoplastic).

Resists abrasion, low friction, good chemical resistance.

Give two common uses of nylon.

Gears, bushes, bearings, ropes, fabrics, toothbrush bristles.

What is LDPE and one of its key advantages?

Low Density Polyethylene; it is relatively cheap and can be used in thin films (flexible).

Give three uses of LDPE.

Packaging films, bottles, waste bins, toys, insulation films.

What distinguishes HDPE from LDPE?

Higher density → stronger, stiffer, better chemical resistance.

Give two uses of HDPE.

Pallets, containers, piping, crates.

What key properties does PET (polyethylene terephthalate) have?

Hard, strong, stiff, stable, good dimensional stability.

What are typical applications of PET?

Drink bottles, signs, credit/smart cards.

What are the properties of PVC (polyvinyl chloride)?

Good tensile strength, chemical & water resistance, fire resistance (in some forms).

Give three uses of PVC.

Pipes, toys, clothing, footwear, adhesive tapes.

What are the properties of Acrylic (PMMA)?

Hard, good weather resistance, good clarity (transparent), good UV stability.

Name some uses of Acrylic.

Bathroom parts, aircraft canopies, signs, headlight covers, kitchen goods.

What are key properties of Polystyrene (PS)?

Good impact resistance, lightweight, but low UV resistance.

What are common uses of PS?

Packaging trays, freezer linings, computer/instrument housings, buttons.

What are the properties of Polypropylene (PP)?

High chemical resistance, impermeable to water, flexible, good fatigue / stress resistance.

Give some uses of PP.

Food containers, chemical tanks, fuel cans, toys.

What is ABS and its main advantage?

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene: rigid but with some toughness (impact resistance).

Give uses of ABS.

Appliance housings, tool casings, dashboards, protective shells.

What is MF (melamine formaldehyde)?

Thermosetting resin: clear, hard, chemical-resistant.

Give uses of MF.

Electrical plugs, switches, gear wheels, adhesive for plywood.

What is UF (urea formaldehyde)?

Thermoset: high surface hardness, low water absorption.

Give uses of UF.

Buttons, electrical fittings, toilet seat, adhesive in MDF or plywood.

What is PF (phenol formaldehyde)?

Thermoset with high strength, thermal stability, chemical resistance.

Give uses of PF.

Circuit boards (PCBs), billiard balls, laboratory worktops.

What are properties of polyester (resin) (thermoset)?

Good mechanical & electrical properties; often glass-reinforced (GRP).

Give uses of polyester resin (GRP).

Boat hulls, car panels, electrical enclosures, adhesives.

What is epoxy resin and its key property?

A thermosetting resin with very high adhesive strength, chemical resistance.

Give uses of epoxy resin.

Adhesives, coatings, moulds, printed circuit boards (PCBs).