What are polymers?
Materials formed of molecules in long chains.
Most polymers are derived from petroleum oil, although some are found naturally (silk)
What are the raw materials of synthetic plastics?
Crude oil
What are thermoforming plastics?
Plastic materials that can be repeatedly softened by heat and formed into shapes. They are the common plastic that we use in designing products and it can be recycled quite easily.
‘Thermoforming plastics can be shaped in their elastic state’ - what does ‘elastic state’ mean?
The temperature where the polymer is at a stretchy consistency, but will not retain its forms if not held in place
State which type of plastic nylons are, and their properties and uses
- Thermoforming plastics
- Low and friction and good chemical resistance
- Textiles, cloth, toothbrush bristles
State which type of plastic PETs are, and their properties and uses
- Thermoforming plastics
- Hard, stiff, stable, low water absorption
- Smart cards, drink bottles, signs
State which type of plastic PVCs are, and their properties and uses
- Thermoforming plastics
- Good resistant to chemicals and solvents. Good tensile strength. Resistant to water and fire
- Sewage pipes, adhesive tapes, clothing
State which type of plastic acrylic (PMMA) are, and their properties and uses
- Thermoforming plastics
- Resistant to UV light and weather. Easily cemented with a solvent
- Bathroom furniture, aircraft canopies, kitchen products
State which type of plastic polystyrene (PS) are, and their properties and uses
- Thermoforming plastics
- One of the most commonly used. Bad resistance to UV
- Toys, computer cases, buttons, food packages
State which type of plastic polypropylene (PP) are, and their properties and uses
- Thermoforming plastics
- High resistance to chemicals and virtually impervious to water. Highly flexible and resistant to stress. Lowest density of all thermoplastics and cheapest
- Chemical containers, fuel cans
State which type of plastic polyethylene (LDPE & HDPE) are, and their properties and uses
- Thermoforming plastics
- Good resistance to chemicals, waterproof
- injection containers, waste bins, bo seen zee i forgot what its called
State which type of plastic ABS are, and their properties and uses
- Thermoforming plastics
- Durable, good impact resistance
- Boat hulls, telephones
What are thermosetting plastics?
Plastic materials that can eb softened and formed into shapes which become hard when cooled and cannot be softened again
State which type of plastic MF (melamine formaldehyde) are, and their properties and uses
- Thermosetting plastics
- Clear, hard, chemical resistant
- Electrical plugs, switches
State which type of plastic UF (urea formaldehyde) are, and their properties and uses
- Thermosetting plastics
- High tensile strength and surface hardness, low water absorption
- Buttons, toilet seats, electrical fittings
State which type of plastic PF (phenol formaldehyde) are, and their properties and uses
- Thermosetting plastics
- High hardness and good thermal resistance
- Laboratory worktops
State which type of plastic ‘polyester resin’ are, and their properties and uses
- Thermosetting plastics
- Stable, low cost, good mechanical and chemical resistance
- Car body panels
State which type of plastic ‘epoxy resin’ are, and their properties and uses
- Thermosetting plastics
- Adhesive strength, good electrical insulation
- Adhesives, sealants, coatings
