Plastics and Their Properties

These flashcards cover essential terms and definitions related to plastics, their properties, and manufacturing processes.

Monomers

Relatively simple chemicals from which chainlike molecules of high molecular weight called polymers are built.

Polymers

Chainlike molecules of high molecular weight formed from monomers.

Resin

The basic ingredient of plastic that is combined with other components to form plastic.

Fillers

Materials added to plastic to impart specific characteristics such as heat resistance and to increase mass.

Stabilizers

Additives that protect plastic from degradation due to environmental conditions like UV rays and oxygen.

Plasticizers

Substances mixed with resin to increase flexibility and impact resistance of plastics.

Injection molding

A method of processing plastic that produces moldings of high quality with great accuracy, predominantly used for thermoplastics.

Blow molding

A process used in manufacturing hollow plastic products in conjunction with extrusion.

Rotational molding

A process that uses heat to melt and fuse a resin inside a closed mold, creating a uniform coating.

Thermoplastics

Plastics that become soft when heated and harden when cooled, and can be repeatedly processed.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

A tough plastic introduced in the late 1940s, resistant to chemicals and impacts, exhibiting high gloss.

Acrylics

Materials with clarity similar to glass, good weatherability, surface hardness, and chemical resistance.

Fluoroplastics

Inert plastics where some or all hydrogen is replaced by fluorine, known for high thermal stability and chemical resistance.

Nylon

A family of linear polyamides known for toughness, low friction, elasticity, and wear resistance.

Polycarbonate

A polymer known for outstanding impact strength and dimensional stability under humidity and temperature.

Polyethylene

A strong and flexible tough material used in vapor barriers, molded seating, and drawer glides.

Polypropylene

The lightest of all commercial plastics, versatile and commonly used in upholstery and carpet backing.