Polymers Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is a thermoplastic ?
a plastic that can be heated and shaped many times.
PET
thermoplastic
- good barrier to atmospheric gasses
- crystal clear appearance
- lightweight
- used for fizzy drink bottles, food packaging
HDPE
thermoplastic
- high chemical resistance
- tough and hard wearing
- lightweight
- used for unbreakable bottles, very thin
packaging sheets.
PVC
thermoplastic
- weather resistant
- chemical resistant
- abrasion resistant
- used for packaging for toiletries, food,
drink and confectionaries.
LDPE
thermoplastic
- water resistant
- tough and hardwearing
- very light
- used for, cling film, milk carton coating.
PP
thermoplastic
- lightweight
- ridgid
- good impact resistance
- used for, yoghurt pots, snack wrappers,
food packaging
acrylic
thermoplastic
- hard but scratches easily
- durable
- good electrical insulator
- used for storage box covers, car light
covers, baths
ABS
thermoplastic
- impact resistance, and toughness
- recycleable
- lightweight
- used for drain pipes, musical instruments,
lego bricks
What are thermosetting plastics ?
plastics that can only be heated and shaped once.
Epoxy resins
thermosetting
- good electrical insulator
- hard but brittle
- chemical resistant
- used for encapsulation, PCBs and surface
coatings.
urea formaldehyde
thermosetting
- hard but brittle
- good electrical insulator
- used for electrical fittings, handles, control
knobs.
Polyester resin
thermosetting
- good electrical insulator
- resists chemicals well
- hard but brittle
- used for casting, car bodies, boats.
what are elastomers
a polymer that deforms under stress, and returns to its original shape when stress is removed.
rubber
elastomer
- good elasticity
- produced synthetically
- used for car tyers, toys, rubber gloves.
