polymers Flashcards
(18 cards)
1
Q
what are polymers more commonly known as?
A
plastics
2
Q
what are the two types of polymers
A
thermoplastics (thermoforming) and thermosetting
3
Q
are polymers sustainable-why?
A
most aren’t-they come from finite resource such as petrochemicals, oil, gas and coal
4
Q
where do environmentally friendly polymers derive from?
A
sustainable sources like vegetable starches
5
Q
what is the difference between thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers?
A
- 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
6
Q
what are thermosetting plastics ideal for?
A
electricals and kitchen appliances as they can’t melt
7
Q
PET
A
- thermoforming plastic
- stands for polyethylene terephthalate
- A: clear, easy to colour, smooth finish
C: stable, easily blow moulded, recyclable, tough, strong, lightweight, durable
U: drinks bottles, food packaging, cling film
8
Q
HDPE
A
- thermoplastic
- high density polyethylene
- A: opaque, can be textured
- C: lightweight, chemically resistant, tough, strong, flexible
- U: milk bottles, pipes, hard hats, bins, buckets
9
Q
PVC
A
- thermoplastic
- polyvinyl chloride
- A: good range of colours, glossy finish
- C: can be rigid or flexible, chemically resistant to weathering, tough, cheap, durable
- U: pipes, window frames, tape, raincoats
10
Q
PP
A
- thermoplastic
- polypropylene
- A: can be easily coloured, usually in sheets
- C: flexible, tough, lightweight, safe for food, strong chemical resistance
- U: kitchen and medical equipment, stationary, food packaging, stationery, rope
11
Q
HIPS
A
- thermoplastic
- high impact polystyrene
- A: flat, clear or opaque
- C: can be vacuum formed, hard, rigid, lightweight
- U: yogurt / food pots, blister packaging
12
Q
ACRYLIC
A
- thermoplastic
- PMMA
- A: can be in rods, tubes or sheets, versatile
- C: tough but brittle, can be laser cut, hard, shiny, resistant to weathering, scratches easily
- U: car lights, displays, school projects, baths, signs
13
Q
ER
A
- thermosetting plastic
- epoxy resin
- A: supplied as 2 liquids which set when mixed
- C: heat and electrical insulator, hard, brittle, durable
- U: adhesives, electrical circuit boards, castings
14
Q
MF
A
- thermosetting plastic
- melamine formaldehyde
- A: smooth, comes in a variety of colours
- C: hygienic for food use, light, hard, brittle, strong, highly resistant to heat, light, chemicals, fire, water
- U: kitchen/dinnerware, worktops, tableware
15
Q
UF
A
- thermosetting plastic
- urea formaldehyde
- A: very smooth finish, limited colours (white)
- C: good electrical insulator, hard, brittle, heat resistant
- U: electrical fittings, door handles
16
Q
PF
A
- thermosetting
- phenol formaldehyde
- A: injection moulded, mainly black
- C: rigid, hard and brittle, good electric insulator, highly resistant to heat and chemicals
- U: electrical components, clocks, radios, saucepan handles
17
Q
thermosetting polymers
A
- undergo a chemical change when heated and moulded to make a product, makes them permanently rigid and resistant to heat and fire
- non-recyclable
18
Q
PR
A
- hard, stiff, cheap, good electrical insulator, waterproof
- added to glass fibres to form GRP
- kayaks, shower stalls, garden furniture
