thermo and thermosetting polymers

properties of thermo polymers

-soften when heated and harden once cooled
-can be recycled as they can be reheate many times
-when reheated, thermo polymers will return to their original shape. this is called plastic memory

properties/ working characteristics of PET (thermo polymer)

clear, tough and shatter resistant, has good moisture and gas barrier properties

uses of PET (thermo polymer)

soft drink bottles, mineral water bottles, fruit juice containers and cooking oil bottles

properties/ working characteristics of HDPE (thermo polymer)

range of colours, hard, stiff, good chemical resistance, high impact

uses of HDPE (thermo polymer)

milk crates, bottles, pipes, buckets, bowls

properties/ working characteristics of PVC (thermo polymer)

stiff, hard, tough, good chemical and weather resistance, has sting resistance to chemicals and sunlight

uses of PVC (thermo polymer)

pipes, guttering, roofing sheets, window frames

properties/ working characteristics of LDPE (thermo polymer)

range of colours, tough, flexible, good electrical insulator and chemical resistance

uses of LDPE (thermo polymer)

washing- up liquid, detergent and squeezy bottles; bin liners and carrier bags

properties/ working characteristics of PP (thermo polymer)

hard and lightweight, good chemical resistance, can be sterilised, good impact easily welded, together resistance to work fatigue

uses of PP ( thermo polymer)

medical equipment, syringes, crates, string, rope, chair shells, containers with integral brackets (built-in) hinges, kitchenware

properties/ working characteristics of EPS (thermo polymer)

lightweight, absorbs shock, good sound, and heat insulator

uses of EPS (thermo polymer)

sound and heat instillation, protective packaging

properties/ working characteristics of nylon (thermo polymer)

hard, tough, resilient to wear, self-lubricating, resistant to chemicals and high temperatures

uses of nylon (thermo polymer)

fear wheels, bearings, curtain-rail fittings, clothing, combs, power-tool cases, hinges

properties/ working characteristics of acrylic (thermo polymer)

stiff, hard, clear, durable outdoors, easily machines and polished , good range of colours, excellent impact resistance (glass substitute), does scratch easily

uses of acrylic (thermo polymer)

illuminated signs, aircraft canopies, car rear-light clusters, baths, perspex sheet

properties/ working characteristics of TPE (thermo polymer)

A combination of thermoplastics and elastomers; flexible and tough; after stretching and bending they will return to close to their original shape

uses of TPE (thermo polymer)

watch straps, scuba diving masks, remote control buttons

properties/ working characteristics of ABS (thermo polymer)

tough, high - impact strength, lightweight, scratch resistant, chemical resistance, excellent appearance and finish

uses of ABS (thermo polymer)

kitchenware, safety helmets, car parts, telephones, food mixers, toys

properties of thermosetting polymers

they undergo a chemical change when set. once thermosetting polymers have set they cannot be reheated or remoulded

properties/ working characteristics of urea-formaldehyde (thermosetting polymer)

stiff, hard, brittle, heat resistance, good electrical insulator, range of colours

uses of urea-formaldehyde (thermosetting polymer)

white electrical fittings, domestic appliance parts, wood glue

properties/ working characteristics of melamine-formaldehyde (thermosetting polymer)

stiff, hard, strong, range of colours, scratch and stain resistance, odourless

uses of melamine-formaldehyde (thermosetting polymer)

tableware, decorative laminates for work surfaces, electrical insulstion

properties/working characteristics of phenol-formaldehyde ( thermosetting polymer)

stiff, hard, strong, heat resistance

Uses of phenol-formaldehyde (thermosetting polymer)

dark electrical fittings, saucepan and kettle handles

properties/ working characteristics of epoxy resin (thermosetting polymer)

good chemical, and wear resistance, heat resistance, to 250°C, electrical insulator

uses of epoxy resin (thermosetting polymer)

adhesives such as Araldite are used to bond different materials e.g. wood, metal and porcelain

properties/ working characteristics of polyester resin (thermosetting polymer)

becomes tough when laminated with glass fibre, hard and strong, but brittle without reinforcement

uses of polyester resin (thermosetting polymer)

GRO boats, chair shells, car bodies