Polymers/Plastics

POLYMERS = plastics

Thermoplastics

Can be shaped and remoulded, due to no links between Polymer Chains.
Available to recycle.

Thermosetting

Very hard to get back to original form, due to strong Polymer links.
Commonly found in Resins, Powder forms for Compression Moulding.


Polymers

• Good strengh to weight ratio
• Generally good resistance to atmospheric and chemical erosion.
• Low melting point
• Lightweight
• Wide range colours / Pigments added / transparency**

THERMO POLYMERS                                               

• ABS
• CA
• POLYAMIDE/NYLON/PA
• PMMA-ACRYLIC
• PP
• POLYSTYRENE
• LDPE
• HDPE
• uPVC
• PVC
• PET

Hard Hat: ABS, Hard, Lightweight, easily shaped,durable, hard wearing.

Water Bottle: PET, Flexible, easily shaped, lightweight.

Bucket: HDPE, Good tensile strengh, Lightweight.

Storage Tubs: PP, Easily shaped, Transparency.

Lights: PMMA/ Acrylic, can be transparent.

PVC: Very flexible.

THERMO SETTING POLYMERS

Epoxy Resins: Surface coatings, Encapsulation of electronic components,Adhesives.

Melamine Formaldehyde: Tableware, Decorative Laminates.

Polyester Resins: Castings used in GRP.???

Urea Formaldehyde: Electrical fittings, Adhesives.