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Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics
Thermosetting plastics
Thermosetting
plastics undergo a
chemical change during moulding and
hardening and, therefore, cannot be
softened again by heating.
Plastic additives
Pigment
gives colour
Stabilisers prevent degradation
Lubricants makes moulding easier
Fillers add strength to plastic eg wood
flour, glass fibre, cotton, etc.
Plasticiser increases flexibility.
Polymer structure
The molecular structure of plastics can be;
Linear chain,
Branch chain,
Cross-links.
Cross links
Primary bonding occurs with cross linking of adjacent
molecules. This results in a rigid, non-reversible
structure.
Polymerisation
The process of chemically producing plastics
Addition
ADDITION POLYMERISATION
Condensation polmerisation
The
Two
Co-polymerisation
Thermoplastics
Can
Common thermoplastics
Low
Polystrene.
Polyvinyl
Acrylic.
Nylon.
Produced by condensation
polymerisation, Nylon is hard wearing and
resistant to chemicals. Used for clothing,
nets, ropes, gears.
Thermosetting plastics
Will
Common thermosets
Polyester
Epoxy
Polyurethanes.
Phenol
Elastomers
Produced
by addition polymerisation.
Long chain structure, which is coiled,
giving elastic properties.
Natural rubber is produced from trees. It
can be vulcanised (cross-linked) by
adding sulphur.
Synthetic rubbers are manufactured with
a range of properties, eg neoprene.
Glass transition temperature below room
temp. changes from flexible to rigid solid.
Processing plastics
Calendaring
shape.
Lamination
Foaming
Extrusion
Injection Moulding
A split mould
B heater
C hopper
D hydraulic
ram
E torpedo
(spreader)
Blow Moulding
Blow moulding
Compression Moulding
Transfer Moulding
Thermoset polymers can be formed when a preset
amount of material is placed in a separate cavity
and heated. A plunger moves the material into the
shaped mould with high pressure.
Rotational Moulding
A
Rotational moulding
Vacuum Forming