Major factors affecting the properties of Plastics

Molecular View point

Intra molecular bonding (primary bonding) Inter molecular bonding (Secondary bonding) Functional Groups Bi functional Tri functional Tetra functional
Microstructure View Point Crystalline / Amorphous Molecular Weight Molecular Weight distribution Shape/Steric effects Thermal effects

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Polymers Structures
Bonding monomers are linked together by covalent bonds, forming a polymer chain (primary bonds). The polymer chains are held together by secondary bonds. The strength of polymers comes in part from the length of polymer chains. The longer the chain, the stronger the polymer. More energy is needed to overcome the secondary bonds.

Linear polymers

Branched polymers

A sequential structure resulting in thermoplastics like nylon, acrylic, polyethylene(HDPE). A linear polymer may contain some branched and cross-linked chains resulting in change in properties.
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Side branch chains are attached to the main chain which interferes with the relative movement of the molecular chains. This results in an increase in strength, deformation resistance and stress cracking resistance. Lower density than linear chain polymers. Polyethylene(LDPE,LLDPE)
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Polymers Structures
Cross-linked polymers
Three dimensional structure, adjacent chains are linked by covalent bonds. Polymers with cross-linked chains are called thermosetting plastics (thermosets), epoxy Phinolics and Silicones. Cross-linking is responsible for providing hardness, strength, brittleness and better dimensional stability.

Network polymers
A three dimensional network of three or more covalent bonds. Thermoplastic polymers that have been already formed could be cross-linked to obtain higher strength. Polymers are exposed to high-energy radiation.
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Classification of polymers
There are two major classifications of polymers
Thermoplastics As the temperature is raised above the melting point, the secondary bonds weaken, making it easier to form the plastic into any desired shape. When polymer is cooled, it returns to its original strength and hardness. The process is reversible. Polymers that show this behavior are known as thermoplastics.

Thermosetting Plastics (thermosets) Thermosetting plastics are cured into permanent shape. Cannot be re-melted to the flowable state that existed before curing, continued heating for a long time leads to degradation or decomposition. This curing (cross-linked) reaction is irreversible. Thermosets generally have better mechanical, thermal and chemical properties. They also have better electrical resistance and dimensional stability than do thermoplastics.

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Mechanical Properties of Various Plastics

Brass: 200 to 850 MPa Steel: 350 to 1900 MPa Aluminum: 100 to 550 MPa
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What decides the properties of a polymer?

Stronger attractive forces between chains = stronger, less flexible polymer. Chains able to slide past each other = flexible polymer . In poly(ethene) attractive forces are weak instantaneous dipole - induced dipole, - it will be flexible Nylon has strong hydrogen bonds, - It makes a strong fibre
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Thermoplastics (80%)

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No cross links between chains. Weak attractive forces between chains broken by warming. Change shape - can be remoulded. Weak forces reform in new shape when cold.

Thermosets

Extensive cross-linking formed by covalent bonds. Bonds prevent chains moving relative to each other. When heated the molecule disintegrate before secondary bonds break
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The structure of polymers

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Crystalline polymers
Areas in polymer where chains packed in regular way. Both amorphous and crystalline areas in same polymer. Crystalline - regular chain structure - no bulky side groups. More crystalline polymer stronger and less flexible.
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Crystalline/Amorphous
Crystalline

Amorphous
Broad softening range Usually transparent Low shrinkage High Chemical resistance Low fatigue and wear resistance Low strength Low density PE,Polyamide(nylon), Teflon

Sharp Melting point Usually opaque High shrinkage High chemical resistance High fatigue and wear resistance High strength High density PVC,PS,PC,Acrilic

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Longer chains make stronger polymers.

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Critical length needed before strength increases. Hydrocarbon polymers average of 100 repeating units necessary but only 40 for nylons. Tensile strength measures the forces needed to snap a polymer. More tangles + more touching!!!
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Shape/Steric Effects
Bulky pendent groups hinder rotations/flexibility Expected to raise Tg (PVC with PE) Bulky groups make more amorphous Bulky group in back bone increase strength, impact toughness and Tg (aramids(kevlar,Nomex),LCP(Xydar,vec tra)
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Time Temp Dependence

Plastic deformation of polymers involves chain uncoiling and chain sliding Increasing temperature increases relative space between chains and makes uncoiling easier. Slowing the strain rate means there is more time for chain reconfiguration.

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T and Strain Rate: Thermoplastics

Decreasing T...

s(MPa)
80 60 40 20 60C 0 0 0.1 0.2 to 1.3 0.3 4C 20C 40C

-- increases E -- increases TS -- decreases %EL

Increasing strain rate...

Data for the semicrystalline polymer: PMMA (Plexiglas)

-- same effects as decreasing T.

Adapted from Fig. 15.3, Callister 7e. (Fig. 15.3 is from T.S. Carswell and J.K. Nason, 'Effect of Environmental Conditions on the Mechanical Properties of Organic Plastics", Symposium on Plastics, American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA, 1944.)

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Effects of Strain Rate and Temperature

stress Increasing strain rate

Increasing temp

strain

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Melting vs. Glass Transition Temp.

What factors affect Tm and Tg?
Both Tm and Tg increase with increasing chain stiffness Chain stiffness increased by 1. Bulky sidegroups 2. Polar groups or sidegroups 3. Double bonds or aromatic chain groups Regularity effects Tm only

Adapted from Fig. 15.18, Callister 7e.

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Tg and Tm

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Effect of Temperature: Glass Transition Temperature

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Applications of Thermoplastics
Design requirement: strength Applications: Valves, gears, cams, pistons, fan blades, Plastics: nylon, acetal (delrin), polycarbonate, phenolic

Design requirement: wear resistance

Applications: bearings, gears, bushings, wheels, .

Plastics: nylon, acetal (delrin), polyurethane, phenolic, polymide

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Applications of Thermoplastics
Design requirement: functional and decorative Applications: knobs, handles, cases, moldings, pipe fittings,

Plastics: ABS, acrylic, polyethylene, phenolic, polypropylene, polystyrene

Design requirement: functional and transparent

Applications: lens, goggles, signs, food processing equipment,

Plastics: acrylic, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polysulfone

Design requirement: hollow shapes and housings Applications: pumps, helmets, power tools, cases,
Plastics: ABS, polyethylene, phenolic, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate
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Popular Plastics
Polyethylene (LDPE (low density) and HDPE (high density)
Properties: good chemical and electrical properties, strength depends on composition Applications: bottles, garbage cans, housewares, bumpers, toys, luggage

Acetal (Delrin)
Properties: good strength, good stiffness, good resistance to heat, moisture, abrasion and chemicals Applications: mechanical components; gears, bearings, valves, rollers, bushings, housings

ABS
Properties: dimensionally stable, good strength, impact and toughness properties, good resistance to abrasion and chemicals Applications: automotive components, helmets, tool handles, appliances, boat hulls, luggage, decorative panels
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Popular Plastics
Polycarbonates
Properties: very versatile and has dimensional stability, good mechanical and electrical properties, high resistance to impact and chemicals Applications: optical lenses, food processing equipments, electrical components and insulators, medical equipments, windshields, signs, machine components

Nylons
Properties: good mechanical and abrasion resistance property, selflubricating, resistant to most chemicals but it absorbs water, increase in dimension is undesirable Applications: mechanical components; gears, bearings, rollers, bushings, fasteners, guides, zippers, surgical equipments,
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Applications of Thermosetting Plastics

Epoxies
Properties: good dimensional stability, excellent mechanical and electrical properties, good resistance to heat and chemicals
Applications: electrical components requiring strength, tools and dies, fiber reinforced epoxies are used in structural components, tanks, pressure vessels, rocket motor casing

Phenolics
Properties: good dimensional stability, rigid, high resistance to heat, water, electricity, and chemicals Applications: laminated panels, handles, knobs, electrical components; connectors, insulators

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Applications of Thermosetting Plastics

Polyesters (thermosetting, reinforced with glass fibers)
Properties: good mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties, good resistance to heat and chemicals
Applications: boats, luggage, swimming pools, automotive bodies, chairs

Silicones
Properties: excellent electrical properties over a wide rang of temperature and humidity, good heat and chemical properties

Applications: electrical components requiring strength at high temp., waterproof materials, heat seals

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Website: www.ge.com/plastics
Plastics

Stress vs. Strain curve

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Structural and mechanical Appl. Light duty mechanical & decorative Gears, cams, pistons, rollers, fan Handles, knobs, steering wheel, blades, rotors, pump impellers, tool handles, pipe fittings, camera cases, eyeglass frames washing machine agitators ABS X Acetal (Delrin) X Acrylic X Cellulosics X
Fluoroplastics Nylon Phenylene Oxide Polycarbonate Polyester Polyethylene Polyimide Polyenylene sulfide Polypropylene Polystyrene Polysulfone Polyurethane Polyvinyl chloride

Thermoplastics

X X

X X X
X X

Thermosets

Phenolic Polyester Polyurethane

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Parts for wear applications Gears, bearings, bushings, tracks, wheels, ware strips
ABS Acetal (Delrin) Acrylic Cellulosics Fluoroplastics Nylon Phenylene Oxide Polycarbonate Polyester Polyethylene Polyimide Polyenylene sulfide Polypropylene Polystyrene Polysulfone Polyurethane Polyvinyl chloride Phenolic Polyester Polyurethane
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Optical and transparent parts Lenses, safety glasses, signs, refrigerator shelves, windshields X X

X X X X X X X X X

Thermoplastics

Thermosets

X X
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ABS Acetal (Delrin) Acrylic Cellulosics Fluoroplastics Nylon Phenylene Oxide Polycarbonate Polyester Polyethylene Polyimide Polyenylene sulfide Polypropylene Polystyrene Polysulfone Polyurethane Polyvinyl chloride

Small housing & hollow shapes Phone and flashlight cases, helmets, housings for power tools, pumps, small appliances X X X X X X

Large housing & hollow shapes Boat hulls, large appliance housings, tanks, tubs, ducts, refrigerator liners X

Thermoplastics

X X X

X X

X X
X

Thermosets

Phenolic Polyester Polyurethane

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X X

X X
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Plastic

Structural & Light Mechanical duty mech & deco X

Small housing & hollow shapes X

Large Parts for Optical and housing wear transparent & hollow applications parts shapes X X

ABS Acetal (Delrin) X Acrylic Cellulosics Fluoroplastics X Nylon Phenylene Oxide Polycarbonate Polyester Polyethylene Polyimide Polyenylene sulfide X Polypropylene Polystyrene Polysulfone Polyurethane Polyvinyl chloride

X X

X X X X X X X X

X X

Thermoplastics

X X X X X X

X X X X

X X

X X X X

X X

Thermosets

Phenolic Polyester Polyurethane

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X X

X X

X X
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