Polymers

Using these general rules will help you answer most questions relating to Polymers:

• Thermoplastics can be reheated and reshaped where as thermosets only burn with heat, this gives them a wide range of appications
• Both types of polymer can be recycled but thermoplastics are easier to recycle
• Thermosetting polymers are heat resistant and more durable, they retain their shape when heated
• Both types of polymers can be easily pigmented (coloured)
• Thermoplastics are prone to UV degradation
• Both polymers are heat and eletrical insulators
• Both polymers are hygenic, easily cleaned and waterproof

Acrylic:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Stiff Hard Durable Good electrical insulator	Very brittle Scratches easily Splinters easily Poor fatigue properties

Uses: CD cases, Car light cases, Baths

Polyethylene (PE):

Advantages	Disadvantages
Good electrical insulator Chemical resistant Flexible	Colour fades over time/damaged by UV light Can break under stress Takes a long time to bio-degrade

Uses: Buckets, bowls, Cable insulation, bottles

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET):

Advantages	Disadvantages
Good alcohol and oil barrier Weather resistant Can be made transparent Inert/non-toxic Stiff/tough/hard Available in a range of colours	Can discolour from UV light Needs to be treated when used for food containers Susceptible to heat degradation

Uses: Fizzy drinks bottles, washing up bottles, fibres for clothing

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC):

Advantages	Disadvantages
Good chemical resistance Weather resistant Stiff/tough/hard Available in a range of colours	Can discolour from UV light Brittle Easily scratched Difficult to recycle

Uses: Pipes, guttering, electrical insulation, floor coverings

Polypropylene (PP):

Advantages	Disadvantages
Lightweight Hard Impact resistant Chemical resistant	Can discolour from UV light Oxidation can cause problems Not heat resistant Difficult to paint

Uses: Medical syringes, carpets, kitchenware

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS):

Advantages	Disadvantages
Good chemical resistance Hard Tough/durable Heat resistant Naturally good finish	Can discolour from UV light Poor solvent resistance

Uses: Mobile phones, safety helmets, pipes

Epoxy resin:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Corrosion resistant Electrical insulator Good bond qualities	Causes health issues/toxic fumes Brittle

Uses: Adhesives, paints and coatings, electronics

Urea formaldehyde:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Strong Hard Heat resistant Good electrical insulator	Can emit toxic vapours during manufacture Brittle

Uses: Electrical fittings, handles, control knobs, domestic appliance components

Polyester resin:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Good electrical insulator Heat resistant Hard Cost effective	Short shelf life Emissions are harmful Brittle unless treated

Uses: Glass reinforced boats and cars, garden furniture, castings

Rubber:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Waterproof Renewable Chemically resistant Elasticity Good electrical insulator Shock absorbent	Expensive Can be disfigured Slow and time consuming to produce

Uses: Car tires, matting/flooring, medical gloves

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