Structures, properties and uses of some additional polymers

Polyethene PE

Water-resistant, chemically inert, high tensile stength

LDPE

Type of PE, softens in boiling water, make plastic bags

HDPE

Type of PE, rigid, make buckets

Polypropene PP

resistant to chemical solvents, acid, alkali, more rigid than polyethene, make ropes

Polyvinyl chloride PVC

Rigid but can be softened with plasticiser , water-resistant, insulator of electricity, poisonous, cannot burn because it releases toxic gases like HCL, make raincoats

Polystyrene PS

Transparent, hard but brittle, make CD cases

Expanded polystyrene

Non-toxic, Heat insulator, shock-absorbent, low density (can float on water), rigid, make disposable food boxes

Perspex

Hard, rigid, highly transparent, make car windows