1.3 Polymers

What are the different types of Thermoplastics?

• Thermoplastics are a material which can be repeatedly reheated and reshaped

• Acrylic (polymethylmethacrylate-PMMA)

• Low density polyethylene (LDPE)

• High density polyethylene (HDPE)

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

• Flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

• Rigid polyvinyl chloride (uPVC)

• Polypropylene (PP)

• Acrylonitrile butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Acrylic/polymethylmethaceylate - PMMA (properties/Characteristics, uses)

Properties/Characteristics:

• Tough, hard, good chemical resistance , available in translucent and transparent.

Uses:

• Car light casings, CNC laser cut items, lighting units, light covers and baths

Low density polyethylene - LDPE (Properties/Characteristics, Uses)-

Properties/Characteristics:

• Very tough, good chemical resistance, weatherproof, available in translucent and transparent, low level of rigidity

Uses:

• Squeezy detergent bottles, toys, carrier bags, bin liners, general packaging, food wrap film, food trays

High density polyethylene - HDPE (Properties/Characteristics, Uses)

Properties/Characteristics:

• Available in translucent and transparent, weatherproof, tough, good chemical resistance

Uses:

• Chemical drums, toys, household and kitchenware, long life carrier bags, buckets, bowls

Polyethylene terephthalate - PET (Properties/ Characteristics, uses)

Properties/Characteristics:

• Available in transparent form, hard, tough, good chemical resistance

Uses:

• Single use drink bottles, food packaging, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, food trays

Flexible polyvinyl chloride - PVC (Properties/Characteristics, uses)

Properties/ Characteristics:

• Available in translucent and transparent, tough, flexible, good weathering resistance, good chemical resistance

Uses:

• Hose pipes, cable insulation, medical grade tubing, inflatable products, imitation leather, seat coverings

Rigid polyvinyl chloride - uPVC (Properties/Characteristics, uses)

Properties/Characteristics:

• Rigid, Opaque, tough, hard, good weathering resistance, good chemical resistance

Uses:

• Window frames, external doors, guttering and down pipes for buildings, water service pipes, bank cards

Polypropylene - PP (Properties/Characteristics, uses)

Properties/Characteristics:

• Available in translucent and transparent, good chemical resistance, tough, good fatigue resistance (high property)

Uses:

• Rope, folders, folio cases, food containers, medical equipment

Acrylonitrile butadiene Styrene - ABS (Properties/Characteristics, uses)

Properties/Characteristics:

• Tough, hard, available in opaque

Uses:

• Telephone handsets, rigid luggage, domestic appliance housings (food mixers), handles, computer housings, remote control casings, calculator casings

What are all the different types of Thermosetting plastics?

• A material which when heated undergoes a chemical change whereby the molecules from rigid cross links

• Thermosetting polymers cannot be reheated and reshaped, even at very high temperatures

• Epoxy resin (ER)

• Urea formaldehyde (UF)

• Polyester resin (PR)

Epoxy resin - ER (Properties/Characteristics, uses)

Properties/Characteristics:

• Rigid, clear, hard, tough, chemical resistant

Uses:

• Adhesives, surface coatings, encapsulation of electrical components, cardiac pacemakers, aerospace applications

Urea formaldehyde - UF (Properties/Characteristics, uses)

Properties/ Characteristics:

• Hard, heat resistant, good electrical insulator, brittle

Uses:

• Electrical fittings, adhesives

Polyester resin - PR (Properties/Characteristics, uses)

Properties/Characteristics:

• Rigid, heat resistant, chemical resistant, brittle

Uses:

• Castings, used in layup process for GRO for boat hulls, car parts, chair seats

What are all the different types of Elastomers?

• Elastomers are materials which at room temperature can be deformed under pressure and then upon release of the pressure, will return to their original shape

• Natural rubber (polyisoprene)

• Neoprene (polychloroprene rubber)

Natural rubber - polyisoprene (Properties/Characteristics, uses)

Properties/Characteristics:

• Hugh tensile strength, low elongation, good hardness, tough, electrical insulator, good cold resistance

Uses:

• Automotive industry such as tyres, tubes, hoses, gaskets, belts, balloons, toys, footwear

Neoprene - polychloroprene rubber (Properties/Characteristics, uses)

Properties/Characteristics:

• Good thermal resistance, toughness, good oil and chemical resistance, excellent weather resistance, good abrasion resistance, electrical insulator

Uses:

• Wet suits, laptop cases, industrial wire insulation, automotive applications such as shock absorber seals, hose covers, transmission belts, gaskets and door seals