thermosetting and thermoforming polymers

• What are synthetic polymers primarily made from?

  Crude oil
• Where are the largest deposits of crude oil found?

  Middle East and Central/South America
• How is crude oil extracted from the ground?

  By drilling and pumping it to the surface
• What is the first stage in processing crude oil?

  Fractional distillation
• What happens during fractional distillation of crude oil?

  • Crude oil is boiled to produce gas
  • Gas condenses to form products like gas, petrol, and naphtha
  • Naphtha is used to produce polymers
• What is the purpose of cracking in the processing of naphtha?

  To break it down into ethylene, propylene, and butylene
• What is polymerisation?

  Linking monomers to form polymers
• What is the polymer formed from ethylene?

  Polyethylene (PE)
• What is the polymer formed from propylene?

  Polypropylene (PP)
• What can butylene be mixed with to form products?

  Other polymers
• What are biopolymers made from?

  Plant-based materials
• Why are biopolymers considered renewable?

  They are sourced from plants
• What are the properties and uses of thermoforming polymers?

  • Can be softened by heating
  • Formed and shaped by various processes
  • Common types include acrylic, HDPE, LDPE, PVC, and PP
• What is the property of acrylic (PMMA)?

  Hard and excellent optical quality
• What is a common use for high-density polythene (HDPE)?

  Washing up bowls and buckets
• What is a characteristic of low-density polythene (LDPE)?

  Flexible and tough
• What is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) known for?

  Good chemical and weather resistance
• What is polypropylene (PP) used for?

  Toys and food packaging film
• What is cracking in the context of polymer production?

  The processing of naphtha into monomers
• What is the definition of thermosetting polymers?

  Polymers that cannot be reformed with heat
• What are the properties and uses of thermosetting polymers?

  • Cannot be reformed with heat
  • Common types include epoxy resin, melamine, and urea formaldehyde
  • Used in adhesives, kitchen work surfaces, and electrical fittings
• What is an additive in the context of polymers?

  A substance blended to enhance properties
• What is the role of pigments in polymers?

  To change the colour of a polymer
• What do flame retardants do when added to polymers?

  Prevent or slow down burning
• What is a major ecological concern regarding polymers?

  They are mostly non-biodegradable
• How do polymers affect the environment when they spill?

  They can seriously affect wildlife
• What happens to polymers in landfills?

  They can last for many years
• How do polymers enter the food chain?

  By being ingested by fish in oceans
• What is a key advantage of polymers regarding maintenance?

  They are durable and easy to clean
• What is the significance of the cross-sectional area in polymer extrusions?

  It affects the strength of the product
• What is acrylic (PMMA) known for in terms of strength?

  It is brittle with poor bending strength
• What is the difference between ABS and acrylic?

  ABS has good strength and impact resistance
• What is glass reinforced plastic (GRP) used for?

  To form the body of boat hulls
• What is carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) known for?

  Excellent strength and lightweight
• What is the stock form of acrylic commonly used in workshops?

  Sheet
• What is the typical size of acrylic sheets used in workshops?

  1200 x 600 x 3 mm
• How does the cost of a polymer-based product vary?

  By type of polymer and production method
• What is the significance of laser cutting acrylic (PMMA)?

  Cost is calculated from the surface area
• What is the purpose of extrusion in the plastic dipping process?

  Used in the fluidising bath
• In which industries are polymer extrusions commonly used?

  Powder coating and compression moulding