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• What type of polymers contain few cross-linkages and are not very resistant to heat?

  Thermoforming polymers
• Why are thermoforming polymers easily melted and moulded?

  Because they contain few cross-linkages
• What is a key characteristic of thermoforming polymers regarding recyclability?

  They are recyclable
• What is the full name of PMMA?

  Acrylic
• What are the properties of Acrylic (PMMA)?


  Hard, shiny, and resistant to weathering but scratches easily
• What are common uses for Acrylic (PMMA)?

  Baths and signage as a glass substitute
• What does HDPE stand for?

  High-Density Polyethylene
• What are the properties of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)?

  Hard, rigid, lightweight, and suitable for vacuum forming
• What are common uses for High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)?

  Food pots and casings
• What does PP stand for?

  Polypropylene
• What are the properties of Polypropylene (PP)?

  Tough, strong, and flexible with good chemical resistance
• What are common uses for Polypropylene (PP)?

  Buckets, bins, and drinks bottles
• What does PVC stand for?

  Polyvinyl Chloride
• What are the properties of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)?

  Tough, lightweight, and flexible with strong chemical resistance
• What are common uses for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)?

  Stationery, food packaging, and rope
• What does PET stand for?

  Polyethylene Terephthalate
• What are the properties of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)?

  Can be rigid or flexible; cheap and durable, resistant to weathering
• What are common uses for Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)?

  Guttering, raincoats, and window sills
• What are the general properties of thermosetting polymers?

  They undergo a chemical change when formed that makes them permanently rigid and resistant to heat and fire
• Can thermosetting polymers be re-formed?

  No, they cannot be re-formed
• Are thermosetting polymers recyclable?

  No, they are not recyclable
• What does ER stand for in the context of thermosetting polymers?

  Epoxy Resin
• What are the properties of Melamine Formaldehyde (MF)?


  Hard, brittle, and durable; a good electrical insulator
• What are common uses for Melamine Formaldehyde (MF)?


  Adhesives, castings, and circuit boards
• What does PF stand for?

  Phenol Formaldehyde
• What are the properties of Phenol Formaldehyde (PF)?


  Hard, strong, and highly resistant to heat, light, chemicals, fire, and wear
• What are common uses for Phenol Formaldehyde (PF)?


  Tableware and kitchen worktops
• What does PR stand for?

  Polyester Resin
• What are the properties of Polyester Resin (PR)?

  A good electrical insulator; hard and highly resistant to heat and chemicals
• What are common uses for Polyester Resin (PR)?

  Electrical fittings and saucepan handles
• What does UF stand for?

  Urea Formaldehyde
• What are the properties of Urea Formaldehyde (UF)?

  Hard and brittle but becomes tough when mixed with glass strands to create glass-reinforced plastic (GRP)
• What are common uses for Urea Formaldehyde (UF)?


  Boat hulls, kayaks, and car panels
• What are the properties of Urea Formaldehyde (UF) when mixed with glass strands?

  It becomes tough and creates glass-reinforced plastic (GRP)
• What are the properties of thermosetting polymers in terms of heat resistance?

  They are resistant to heat and fire
• What is a common characteristic of thermosetting polymers regarding their structure after formation?

  They become permanently rigid
• What is the general characteristic of thermosetting polymers regarding their recyclability?

  They are not recyclable
• What are the main differences between thermoforming and thermosetting polymers?

  • Thermoforming polymers:
  • Few cross-linkages
  • Easily melted and moulded
  • Recyclable
  • Thermosetting polymers:
  • Undergo a chemical change
  • Permanently rigid and resistant to heat
  • Not recyclable
• What are the properties and uses of the following polymers?

  • Acrylic (PMMA):
  • Properties: Hard, shiny, resistant to weathering, scratches easily
  • Uses: Baths, signage
  • High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE):
  • Properties: Hard, rigid, lightweight, suitable for vacuum forming
  • Uses: Food pots, casings
  • Polypropylene (PP):
  • Properties: Tough, strong, flexible, good chemical resistance
  • Uses: Buckets, bins, drinks bottles
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC):
  • Properties: Tough, lightweight, flexible, strong chemical resistance
  • Uses: Stationery, food packaging, rope
  • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET):
  • Properties: Rigid or flexible, cheap, durable, resistant to weathering
  • Uses: Guttering, raincoats, window sills
  • Thermosetting Polymers:
  • Properties: Permanently rigid, resistant to heat and fire
  • Uses: Various applications including electrical fittings and kitchen worktops