Polymer Types Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is Urea Formaldehyde?
Is a synthetic resin that is widely used in various industries and applications. It is a thermosetting resin, meaning that it can be hardened through curing process and becomes rigid and durable. It is produced by the chemical reaction between urea and formaldehyde.
Uses of urea formaldehyde
- Adhesives: provide strong bonding properties
- Moulding compounds: can be easily moulded into different shapes
- Textiles and fibres: improve wrinkle resistance, crease recovery and durability
- Surface: improve adhesion and durability whilst resisting wear, abrasion and moisture
Advantages of UF
- has excellent adhesive properties
- able to resist water and moisture
- good heat resistant
- good dimensional stability and electrical insulation properties
Disadvantages of UF
- limited resistance to chemicals
- has potential to release formaldehyde gas over time
- non-recyclable
Advantages of ABS (acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- lightweight and suitable for a vast range of applications
- high melting point
- long lifespan.
Disadvantages of ABS
- made out of oil so damaging to the environment
- can become brittle and discoloured overtime
- limiting to outdoor applications.
Uses of ABS
- plastic face guards for wall sockets and protective housing for power tools
Advantages of Acrylic
- strong
- impact resistant
- lightweight
- not very expensive
Disadvantages of Acrylic
- easy to scratch
- easy to age
- not resistant to high temperatures
- easily deformed and poor environmental protection
Uses of Acrylic
acrylic is commonly used for lenses, pain to medical devices, furniture and LCD screens
Advantages of Polyethylene
- water resistant and durable
- long lasting when exposed to the elements.
Disadvantages of polyethylene
- high thermal expansion
- poor weathering resistance
- difficult to bond
- flammable and poor temperature capability.
Uses of polyethylene
- packing film
- garbage bags
- insulation of wires and cables and bottles.
Advantages of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- flexibility and lightness
- the chemical and thermal resistance it withstands
- its resistance to abrasion and breakage
- can be easily cleaned.
Disadvantages of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- not biodegradable
- can contribute to plastic waste
- low heat resistant
Uses of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- fibres for clothing
- containers for liquids and foods
- thermoforming for manufacturing
- in combination with glass fibre.
Advantages of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- durability
- flexibility
- cost-effectiveness
- fire resistance
- electrical insulation
- recyclability.
Disadvantages of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- can become brittle especially in cold temperatures
- Has an impact on the environment
- not easy to dispose.
Advantages of Polypropylene (PP)
- is water, chemical and detergent resistant
- highly resistant to corrosion
- malleable
- can be moulded into different shapes.
Disadvantages of Polypropylene (PP)
- low melting point meaning is it highly flammable and limited in its ability to withstand higher temperatures
- High cost to recycle or re-condition this plastic.
Advantages of epoxy resin
- cost effective
- durable and resistant to chemicals
- also easy to maintain.
Disadvantages of epoxy resin
- can cause health and safety risks
- can also have a longer cure time when being treated.
Advantages of Polyester Resin (PR)
- good bonding capacity
- elasticity
- better colorability
- flexibility
- heat resistance and water resistance.
Disadvantages of Polyester Resin (PR)
- poor mechanical characteristics
- low adhesion
- relatively large shrinkage and the presence of toxic components of the styrene type.
