Unit 2-A (Polymers) Flashcards
What are examples of polymer materials?
Acrylic
Epoxy resin
Polyamide (nylon)
PTFE
Polypropylene
PVC
ABS
Polyester
Kevlar
What are the properties and characteristics of acrylic?
Can be coloured
Chemical resistance
Scratches more easily than glass
Brittle
Thermoforming
Can be moulded with heat
What are the properties and characteristics of epoxy resin?
Thermosetting
Good electrical insulation
Good thermal insulation
Comes in two parts the resin and the hardener
What are the properties and characteristics of polyamide (nylon)?
Sunlight resistant
Abrasion resistant
Very tough
Very durable
What are the properties and characteristics of PTFE?
Thermosetting
Very low friction
What are the properties and characteristics of polypropylene?
Thermoforming
Can be coloured
Malleable
High tensile strength
Can be moulded into shape
What are the properties and characteristics of PVC?
Thermoforming
Quite flexible
Can be extruded into long profile shapes
What are the properties and characteristics of ABS?
Tough
Durable
Rigid
High impact resistance
Good finish
Can be coloured
What are the properties and characteristics of polyester?
Thermoforming
High tensile strength
Less likely to wrinkle
Can be blended with other natural fibres
What are the properties and characteristics of Kevlar?
High resistance to impact
High resistance to abrasion
Woven fabric
High fire resistance
How is acrylic manufactured?
Two monomers mixed along with other chemicals
Purified before being moulded into products
How is epoxy resin manufactured?
Chemicals derived from oil are mixed at high temperatures and pressures
How is polyamide (nylon) manufactured?
Two monomers combines through condensation polymerisation
Remaining polymer is then processed into a product
How is PTFE manufactured?
Polymerization of various hydrocarbons and chemicals
How is polypropylene manufactured?
Propylene gas is polymerised
How is PVC manufactured?
Vinyl chloride monomer is polymerised
How is ABS manufactured?
Polymerisation of hydrocarbon monomers
How is polyester manufactured?
Polymerisation of hydrocarbon monomers
How is Kevlar manufactured?
Polymerisation of hydrocarbon monomers
Fibre is then mechanically drawn to ensure consistent direction
What are example uses of acrylic?
Crash helmet visors
Car headlamp covers
Signs
What are example uses of epoxy resin?
Paint and coatings
Powder coatings
Adhesives
What are example uses of polyamide (nylon)?
Bearings in machines
Castors
What are example uses of PTFE?
Coatings on nonstick pans
Bearings for surface contact
What are example uses of polypropylene?
Ropes
Folders
DVD cases
School chairs
What are example uses of PVC?
Window frames
Guttering
What are example uses of ABS?
Old phones
Computer cases
Dyson vacuums
