polymers

Question 1

what is a polymer

Answer 1

a scientific term for a substance or fibre that has molecular structure made up of much smaller units which are bonded together, can be natural or manufactured.

Question 2

what is a natural polymer

Answer 2

Natural polymers (biopolymers): polymers made from natural sources such as corn starch.

Question 3

what is a thermoforming polymer

Answer 3

polymers that can be softened by heating, shaped and set over and over again.

Question 4

what is a thermosetting polymer

Answer 4

polymers that can only be heated and shaped once.

Question 5

how can you identify polymers

Answer 5

Polymers can be identified by their weight, hardness, elasticity, conductivity, insulation, toughness, strength and mouldability.

Question 6

what are most polymers made from

Answer 6

The majority of polymers are known as synthetic and are manufactured from non-renewable resource crude oil. The use of crude oil is not sustainable and chemical engineers are constantly looking for reliable alternatives.

Question 7

how are polymers becoming more sustainable

Answer 7

The environmental impact of polymers has grown. Natural polymers are known as Biopolymers and come from renewable sources such as corn starch.

Question 8

what are the uses of thermoforming polymers and why

Answer 8

Are the most commonly used and are found in the manufacture of a huge range of products. They can be molded into almost any shape and have pigment added to them. They can be softened by heating. Once softened they can be shaped and formed using a side variety of processes, once the polymer cools, it maintains its new shape.

Question 9

what are the properties of thermosetting polymers

Answer 9

These are also shaped and formed by heat, but this process can only occur once. They cannot be reheated or reformed. They are excellent insulators, but cannot be recycled.

Question 10

what are fibres

Answer 10

Fibres are very fine, hair-like structures that are spun or twisted together to make yarns. These yarns are then woven or knitted to create textile fabrics. The source of each fibre determines its characteristics and what it can be used for. Fibres also known as polymers, are classified into natural polymers and manufactured or synthetic polymers.

Question 11

mircrofibres

Answer 11

extremely fine fibres that are 60-100 times finer than a human hair. Engineered for specific qualities and functions. They are generally lightweight, strong, crease resistant, soft and have good draping qualities. Examples include Tactel and Tencel.

Question 12

blending and mixed fibres

Answer 12

fibres are often blended or mixed together to improve the properties of the yarn or fabric. The process combines the best qualities from each fibre.

Question 13

mixed fibres

Answer 13

fibres are mixed by adding yarns of different fibres together. This is done by using one yarn for the warp and a different yarn for the weft.

Question 14

blended fibres

Answer 14

a fibre blend consists of two or more different fibres being spun together to make a single yarn. The most common is Polyester Cotton, cotton is absorbent, soft and strong whereas polyester is hardwearing, quick-drying and elastic.

Question 15

woven fabrics

Answer 15

a woven fabric consists of warp and weft yarns. The warp yarn runs vertically along the length of the fabric and weft yarns are woven horizontally in an under/over configuration. Yarns can be woven in different ways, the most basic is a plain weave, other examples include twill weave.

Question 16

knitted textiles

Answer 16

knitted fabrics are made by creating a series of loops in the yarns that interlock together. The main characteristic is stretch and warmth.

Question 17

non-woven textiles

Answer 17

constructed from a web of fibres. The web is held together by adhesive or stitching. Often used as reinforcements fabrics rather than garments.

Question 18

fibre

Answer 18

a fine hair-like structure.

Question 19

cellulose fibres

Answer 19

natural fibres from plant based sources.

Question 20

protien fibres

Answer 20

natural fibres from animal-based sources.

Question 21

synthetic

Answer 21

derived from petrochemicals or man-made.

Question 22

microfibre

Answer 22

an extremely fine, specially engineered fibre.

Question 23

twill weave

Answer 23

recognisable by the characteristic diagonal line pattern created by the weft yarn going over two warp yarns and under one, with a ‘step’ or offset, between rows to create diagonal pattern.

Question 24

charactheristics of fibres

Answer 24

Fibres are raw materials of textiles; each fibre has its own special properties. When the fibre is spun into yarn then made into fabric, the properties determine what the fabric can be used for
Natural fibres are biodegradable whereas synthetic fibres are not.
Two main construction methods are weaving and knitting. Woven fabrics are more stable and strong while knitted fabrics are useful for their ability of stretch.
Fabrics can mixed or blended to improve the properties of the yarn and or fabric.