properties of elastometers and biopolymers

elastomers

NN BST

• able to be stretched and then return to og shape

• self finishing

• pignemts can be added during manufacturing process

• improves grip

• non toxic

Natural Rubber

Elastomer - used for tyres, rubber bands, footwear

Advantages

• Good elasticity and flexibility

• Excellent tensile strength

• Resistant to abrasion and wear

• Biodegradable

Disadvantages

• Can degrade with prolonged exposure to UV light and ozone

• Not resistant to oil and solvents

• Relatively poor at high temperatures

Polybutadiene

Elastomer - used for tyres, sports equipment, impact-resistant parts

Advantages

• Excellent wear resistance

• Good elasticity at low temperatures

• Low glass transition temperature (good flexibility in cold weather)

• Highly resistant to abrasion

Disadvantages

• Can be sensitive to oxidation and UV light

• Not as resistant to heat as other elastomers

Neoprene

Elastomer - used for wetsuits, gaskets, hoses, seals

Advantages

• Resistant to oil, chemicals, and weathering

• Good flexibility across a wide range of temperatures

• Good aging resistance

• Non-toxic and stable

• Easily pigmented

Disadvantages

• Relatively expensive compared to natural rubber

• Can degrade under prolonged exposure to sunlight

Silicone

Elastomer - used for cookware, medical devices, seals, electrical insulation

Advantages

• Excellent heat resistance

• Non-toxic and biocompatible

• Good electrical insulating properties

• Resistant to UV light, ozone, and weathering

Disadvantages

• Expensive compared to other elastomers

• Can be sensitive to solvents and oils

Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)

Elastomer - used for grips, seals, flexible tubing, consumer goods

Advantages

• Can be reprocessed by melting

• Good flexibility and impact resistance

• Lightweight

• Non-toxic and safe for a wide range of applications

Disadvantages

• Lower heat resistance compared to thermoset elastomers

• Can be less durable in harsh conditions

biodegradable polymers

PPP CBG

• Can be moulded into various 3D products or films

• Degrade naturally with exposure to UV rays (sunlight), water, or enzymes in soil

• Helps reduce long-term environmental pollution from plastic waste

• Exhibit similar mechanical properties to conventional plastics (e.g., flexibility, strength)

• Degradation may be slower in certain environments or conditions

• Can be more expensive to produce than traditional plastics

• May not always meet performance requirements for long-term durability

Corn Starch Polymers

biodegradable polymers - used for food packaging, disposable cutlery, agricultural films

Advantages

• Biodegradable and compostable

  Renewable and made from a natural resource

  Good moisture resistance

Disadvantages

• May be less durable than traditional plastics

• Can absorb moisture, affecting stability

• May have limited applications due to mechanical properties

Potatopak

biodegradable polymers - used for packaging, disposable food containers, protective wrapping

Advantages

• Made from potato starch, biodegradable and compostable

• Good alternative to traditional plastic packaging

• Renewable and sustainable material source

Disadvantages

• May not be as durable as traditional plastic

• Susceptible to moisture and water damage

• Higher production costs compared to conventional plastics

Biopol (Bio-Batch Additive)

biodegradable polymers - used for packaging, agricultural products, biodegradable plastics

Advantages

• Enhances biodegradability of plastic materials

• Can be added to existing plastic production processes

• Environmentally friendly and compostable

Disadvantages

• May affect the strength and durability of plastics

• Requires specific conditions for full degradation

• Can increase production costs for plastic items

check book abt additives (photodegradable, hyrdo….)

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)

biodegradable polymers - used for packaging, agricultural products, medical devices

Advantages

• Fully biodegradable and compostable

• Can be produced from renewable resources like plant sugars

• Has similar properties to conventional plastics

Disadvantages

• Higher production costs compared to petroleum-based plastics

• Requires specialised equipment for production

• May have limited commercial scale production at present

Polylactic Acid (PLA)

biodegradable polymers - used for food packaging, disposable cutlery, medical applications

Advantages

• Made from renewable resources (corn, sugarcane)

• Biodegradable and compostable under specific conditions

• Non-toxic and safe for food contact applications

Disadvantages

• Requires industrial composting conditions to degrade fully

• Less heat-resistant compared to conventional plastics

• Can be more expensive than petroleum-based plastics

Water soluble (Glycolide and lactide)

biodegradable polymers - used for laundry pods, agricultural films, drug delivery systems

Advantages

• Soluble in water, making them easy to dispose of in water systems

• Biodegradable and non-toxic

• Ideal for single-use applications and controlled release systems

• PGA has superior strength and faster degradation rate compared to PLA

Disadvantages

• May degrade too quickly in humid or wet environments

• Limited durability for products that need to withstand moisture

• Can be more expensive to produce compared to conventional plastics