polymers

• What is a polymer?

  Polymers are large molecules that provide alternatives to metal, glass, and card
• What is a characteristic of thermoplastics?

  They can be reformed multiple times using heat
• What are some methods used to create products from thermoplastics?

  Blow moulding, injection moulding, and vacuum forming
• What are the main advantages of using thermoplastics in commercial packaging?

  • Lightweight and versatile
  • Strong, tough, rigid, durable
  • Impact and water resistant
  • Easily formed and moulded
  • Easily printed on
  • Inexpensive
  • Recyclable
• What does 'plastic memory' refer to in thermoplastics?

  It refers to their ability to return to their original shape when heated
• At what temperature do thermoplastics generally soften?

  As low as 100 °C
• Why are thermoplastics not suitable for high-temperature products?

  Because they soften at relatively low temperatures
• What is a characteristic of thermosetting plastics?

  They cannot be softened by heat once formed
• What types of products are made with thermosetting plastics?

  Remote controls, games consoles, electrical appliances, worktops, plug sockets
• What happens during the formation of thermosetting plastics?

  A chemical reaction occurs that creates strong links or cross chains
• What is a source of polymers?

  Crude oil
• What are biopolymers?

  Polymers derived from sustainable sources like wheat, corn, or carrots
• What is a challenge in recycling plastics?

  All recycled items must be of the same polymer
• What are the properties of acrylic?

  • Weather resistant
  • Difficult to recycle
  • Stiff and less breakable than glass
  • Scratches easily and is brittle
  • Resistant to chemicals and industrial fumes
  • Can be cut and fabricated into shapes
  • Corrosion resistant
  • High aesthetic properties
• What are the properties of expanded polystyrene?

  • Good impact resistance
  • Hygienic (one use only)
  • Rigid and lightweight
  • Low water absorption
  • Flammable
  • Economical (mostly air)
  • Excellent thermal insulation
• What are the properties of rigid polystyrene?

  • Good impact resistance
  • Rigid and lightweight
  • Low water absorption
  • Used for food packaging (e.g., yogurt pots)
• What are the properties of PET?

  • Very light
  • Hard, stiff, and strong
  • Dimensionally stable
  • Absorbs very little water
  • Good chemical resistance
  • Medium resistance to UV
• What are the properties of PVC?

  • Coloured to make opaque
  • Good UV resistance
  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • Easily machinable and heat bends nicely
  • Stiff, tough, and hard
• What are the properties of PP?

  • Translucent (semi-crystalline)
  • Rigid and very light
  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • Microwavable
• What are some environmental issues related to plastics?

  Some plastics degrade and emit cancerous materials over time
• How long do carbon-based plastics take to degrade?

  Thousands of years
• What is required for the manufacture of all polymers?

  Heat is required to make them plastic
• What happens to plastic when it is incinerated?

  Toxic fumes are a consequence
• What is the difference between thermo and thermosetting plastics?

  Thermoplastics can be reshaped with heat, while thermosetting plastics cannot
• What are common uses for acrylic?

  Commercial signs and displays
• Why do designers need to consider material disposal when creating products?

  To minimize environmental impact and ensure sustainability