Additives

Question 0

Describe fillers?

Answer 0

• reduce bulk of the plastic
• cheaper than plastics - reduce costs
• some - increase strength and hardness of polymer - remove brittleness
• e.g sawdust, limestone, wood flour

Question 1

What is an additive?

Answer 1

Materials added into the polymer powder before processing - give the plastic improved properties - e.g fillers give material bulk

Question 2

Describe flame retardants ?

Answer 2

• reduce risk of combustion
• create chemical reaction during combustion - release agents - stifle combustion
• e.g used in foams to fill seat cushions

Question 3

Describe anti - static agents?

Answer 3

• reduce effects of static charges - built up on a product

- e.g from walking on carpet made of synthetic materials

Question 4

Describe plasticisers

Answer 4

• improve flow properties of plastics when moulded

- reduce softening temperature - make material less brittle

Question 5

Describe stabilisers

Answer 5

• reduce effects of ultraviolet light
• make plastics more resistant to being ‘broken down’ by sunlight
• important structurally and aesthetically
• used in products exposed to a lot of sunlight- windows , doors and conservatorys