Polymer

Properties
Chapter I
Two General Classifications of Plastic
Materials

Thermoplastic
Thermoset
Molecular chains are not connected (slide by each other)

When heated (thermo) they become soft (plastic)

Once processed (heated), the material
is set. The name implies this.
Materials can be reheated and reprocessed repeatedly.
Materials cam be recycled Heat causes a chemical reaction
There are two types of molecular structures in thermoplastic (crosslinking). Like cakes, thermosets
materials cannot be reprocessed.
Amorphous Chains have no order
(spaghetti like), Normally clear unless
additives are used Relatively high heat tolerance
Crystalline Areas of highly oriented
molecules. Opaque or Translucent
Cannot be recycled
Most plastic parts are thermoplastic. The materials used in this
course will only be thermoplastic materials.
Products include knobs, fiberglass
bathtubs, fiberglass ladders, and bike
frames
Material Selection

Material selection is not a simple task.

Wide variety of materials

Many with similar traits
New resins are introduced regularly
Additives change polymer properties
These questions need to be
answered before choosing a resin.

What is the resin cost per pound? Per piece?

What are the requirements for chemical resistance?

What temperatures will the material be exposed to?

What is the impact resistance of the material?

How about flame resistance and resistance to

Ultraviolet rays?
Ozone?
Does it need FDA approval?

Is the resin readily available?

Common Polymer Materials

Commodity Resins Engineering Grade Resins

Higher Cost
Relatively
inexpensive Higher Heat Resistance
Common Resins
Improved Properties

Not available from all

manufacturers
Commodity Resins
Polyethylene Polypropylene

Most used resin if low, linear, and high Number 2 resin in US

density are combined. Alone, low is 5th,
linear is 4th, and HDPE is 3rd)
Naturally translucent
Very common (packaging, toys, milk
bottles) Higher chemical and solvent resistance
than polyethylene
Relatively inexpensive ($0.50 / lb?)
High heat resistance
Excellent outdoor use, chemical resistant,
tough (gas cans, sporting goods) Applications include office equipment,
material handling containers
Easily processed by nearly every type of
plastic processing equipment
Commodity Resins
PVC (Polyvinyl
Chloride) Polypropylene
Number 3 in US Number 2 resin in US
Clear, flexible, rigid, opaque,
depends on chemical make up at Naturally translucent
polymerization.
Flex film and sheet (inflatable Higher chemical and solvent resistance
boats, water toys) than polyethylene

High heat resistance

Clothing like rain wear, handbags
Applications include office equipment,
Extruded into seals (weather material handling containers
stripping) gaskets, hose, and pipe
Engineering Grade Resins
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene
Styrene) (one of the first alloys, not
Nylon
that common)

Alloy of three materials Available in several grades

and combinations
listed above
Translucent, easily colored
High strength Known for toughness

Used in sporting goods, Used in industrial applications

(bushings, slides, etc.)
electrical equipment,
furniture
Engineering Grade Materials
Polycarbonate Acetal
High temperature resistance
Used where toughness
(approaches 200 degrees F) and chemical
resistance is required
Tough

Naturally transparent (used for

safety guards, safety glasses, light Self lubricating
fixtures)

May be alloyed with other resins Used for gears,

(See geplastics.com)
push/pull cable liners
Engineering Grade Resins
Polyester
Chemical resistance
Food grade properties
Used for soda bottles (PETE)
Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE)
and Thermo Plastic Rubber
(TPR)

Includes various generic resins such as urethane

and butadiene-styrene

Excellent elongation properties

General overall toughness

Used in place of rubber

Common Additives Used in
Plastics
Colorants Flame Retardants
Reinforcements Antistatic Agents
Antioxidants Glass Beads
Antiozants Wood Flour
Fillers (for strength or to
Ultraviolet Light reduce cost)
Inhibitors
Impact modifiers
Foaming (Blowing) Processing Aids
Agents
Plasticizers