polymers

Question 1

what are polymers more commonly known as?

Answer 1

plastics

Question 2

what are the two types of polymers

Answer 2

thermoplastics (thermoforming) and thermosetting

Question 3

are polymers sustainable-why?

Answer 3

most aren’t-they come from finite resource such as petrochemicals, oil, gas and coal

Question 4

where do environmentally friendly polymers derive from?

Answer 4

sustainable sources like vegetable starches

Question 5

what is the difference between thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers?

Answer 5

Thermoplastics are flexible, thermosetting are more rigid. Thermoplastics can be melted and reshaped over and over again, however thermosetting can’t be reshaped once formed. Thermoplastics can be recycled, thermosetting can’t.

Question 6

what are thermosetting plastics ideal for?

Answer 6

electricals and kitchen appliances as they can’t melt

Question 7

PETE

Answer 7

thermoplastic
stands for polyethylene terephthalate
A:clear, easy to colour, smooth finish
C:stable, easily blow moulded, recyclable
U:bottles, food packaging, cling film

Question 8

HDPE

Answer 8

thermoplastic
high density polyethylene
A: opaque, can be textured
C:lightweight, chemically resistant
U:milk bottles, pipes, hard hats, bins

Question 9

PVC

Answer 9

thermoplastic
polyvinyl chloride
A:good range of colours, glossy finish
C:flexible, chemically resistant, tough
U:pipes, window frames, tape

Question 10

LDPE

Answer 10

thermoplastic
low density polyethylene
A:clear, smooth finish, can be printed on
C:very flexible and strong when thin
U:plastic bags, food wrappers

Question 11

PP

Answer 11

thermoplastic
polypropylene
A:can be easily coloured, usually in sheets
C:flexible, tough, lightweight, safe for food
U:kitchen and medical equipment, stationary

Question 12

HIPS

Answer 12

thermoplastic
high impact polystyrene
A:flat, clear or opaque
C:flexible, can be vacuum formed
U:yogurt pots, blister packaging

Question 13

ACRYLIC

Answer 13

thermoplastic
poly-methyl methacrylate
A:can be in rods, tubes or sheets, versatile
C:tought but brittle, can be laser cut
U:car lights, displays, school projects

Question 14

ER

Answer 14

thermosetting plastic
epoxy resin
A:supplied as 2 liquids which set when mixed
C:strong, heat and electrical insulator
U:adhesives, electrical circuit boards

Question 15

MF

Answer 15

thermosetting plastic
melamine formaldehyde
A:smooth, comes in a variety of colours
C:hygienic for food use, light, hard, brittle
U:kitchen/dinnerware, worktops

Question 16

UF

Answer 16

thermosetting plastic
urea formaldehyde
A:very smooth finish, limited colours (white)
C:heat and electrical insulator, hard
U:electrical fittings, handles/dials

Question 17

PF

Answer 17

thermosetting
phenol formaldehyde
A:injection moulded, mainly black
C:rigid, hard and brittle, electric insulator
U:electrical components, clocks, radios