1.3 Polymers

Question 1

Thermoplastic definition

Answer 1

A material which can be repeated reheated and reshaped.

Question 2

Thermosetting plastic definition

Answer 2

A material which when heated undergoes a chemical change whereby the molecules form rigid cross links. Cannot be reheated and reshaped.

Question 3

Elastomer definition

Answer 3

Materials which at room temperature can be deformed under pressure and then upon release of the pressure, will return to their original shape.

Question 4

Types of thermoplastics (8)

Answer 4

-Acrylic (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)

Question 5

Types of thermosetting plastics (3)

Answer 5

-Epoxy resin (ER)
-Urea formaldehyde (UF)
-Polyester resin (PR)

Question 6

Types of elastomers (2)

Answer 6

-Natural rubber (polyisoprene)
-Neoprene (polychloroprene rubber)

Question 7

Properties of acrylic

Answer 7

-tough
-hard
-good chemical resistance
-available in translucent and transparent

Question 8

Uses of acrylic

Answer 8

Car light castings, baths etc

Question 9

Properties of LDPE

Answer 9

-very tough
-good chemical resistance
-weatherproof
-available in translucent and transparent
-low level of rigidity

Question 10

Uses of LDPE

Answer 10

Carrier bags, bin liners, toys, clingfilm etc

Question 11

Properties of HDPE

Answer 11

-available in translucent and transparent
-weatherproof
-tough
-good chemical resistance

Question 12

Uses of HDPE

Answer 12

Long life carrier bags, buckets, chemical drums etc

Question 13

Properties of PET

Answer 13

-hard
-tough
-good chemical resistance
-Available in transparent form

Question 14

Uses of PET

Answer 14

Single use drinks bottles, food packaging, shampoo bottles etc

Question 15

Properties of PVC

Answer 15

-tough
-flexible
-good weathering resistance
-good chemical resistance
-available in translucent and transparent

Question 16

Uses of PVC

Answer 16

Hose pipes, inflatable products, imitation leather etc

Question 17

Properties of uPVC

Answer 17

-tough
-hard
-rigid
-opaque
-good weathering resistance
-good chemical resistance

Question 18

Uses of uPVC

Answer 18

Window frames, guttering and drainpipes, bank cards etc

Question 19

Properties of PP

Answer 19

-available in translucent and transparent
-good chemical resistance
-tough
-good fatigue resistance (hinge property)

Question 20

Uses of PP

Answer 20

Folders, medical equipment, food containers etc

Question 21

Properties of ABS

Answer 21

-tough
-hard
-available in opaque

Question 22

Uses of ABS

Answer 22

Telephone handsets, rigid suitcases, remote control casings etc

Question 23

Properties of epoxy resin

Answer 23

-rigid
-clear
-hard
-tough
-chemical resistant

Question 24

Uses of epoxy resin

Answer 24

Adhesives, surface coatings, cardiac pacemakers etc

Question 25

Properties of urea formaldehyde

Answer 25

-hard -heat resistant -good electrical insulator -brittle

Question 26

Uses of urea formaldehyde

Answer 26

Electrical fittings, adhesives.

Question 27

Properties of polyester resin

Answer 27

-rigid -heat resistant -chemical resistant -brittle

Question 28

Uses of polyester resin

Answer 28

Castings, car parts, chair seats etc

Question 29

Properties of natural rubber

Answer 29

-high tensile strength -low elongation -good hardness -tough -electrical insulator -good cold resistance

Question 30

Uses of natural rubber

Answer 30

Tires, tubes, balloons, toys etc

Question 31

Properties of neoprene

Answer 31

-good thermal resistance -toughness -good oil and chemical resistance -excellent weather resistance -good abrasion resistance -electrical insulator

Question 32

Uses of neoprene

Answer 32

Wet suits, industrial wire insulation, door seals etc