Polymers

Engineering Studies
Preliminary Course

Polymers
General information
Polymers (Better known as plastics) are generally solid
materials made up of long molecular chains that are
created by adding or connecting similar molecules together.

Polymers
General information
The word polymer comes from poly(many) and -mer (part). A polymer
may be a natural or synthetic
macromolecule comprised of
repeating units of a smaller
molecule (monomers). While many
people use the term 'polymer' and
'plastic' interchangeably, polymers
are a much larger class of molecules
which includes plastics, plus many
other materials, such as as
cellulose, amber, and natural
rubber.
Copland (2012)

Polymers
General properties of plastics
Resistant to atmospheric & chemical corrosion
Have a relatively low density
Generally reasonably tough & strong
Not as strong as metals, but since less dense,
generally have high specific strength
Thermoplastics generally soften at reasonably low
temperatures
Pleasing appearance
Some plastics are transparent and colourless
Can be coloured

Polymers
Polymer Structures
When polymers form they generally fall into two general
categories, thermoplastics and thermosets. Whichever
category the polymer falls into has a great impact on its
behavior and subsequently its uses.

Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNS7TwWmlrg

Polymers
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics are plastics which soften when they are
heated. Most common plastics such as polythene or PVC
can be softened and moulded by heat and pressure. Most of
these polymers are made up of long chains which can
easily move past each other when they are heated.

Polymers
Types of Thermolastics
Types of thermoplastics include polyethylene (PE),
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS), which often
are used for packaging. Other groups of thermoplastics are
acrylics, fluoropolymers, polyesters, polyimides and nylons.
All of these types can be melted down many times and reshaped into different forms.
For example, a foam cup is a thermoplastic material that
can be heated and turned into a dish.

Polymers
Examples of Thermoplastics

Polymers
Thermoset
Thermosets are materials such as the urea-formaldehyde
plastics, can be formed without heat and can not be resoftened. These plastics have many cross links that hold
the polymer chains firmly. During the hardening chemical
reactions occur.

Polymers
Thermoset
Typical types of thermosetting plastics are epoxies,
polyesters, silicones and phenolics. Vulcanized rubber is also
an excellent example of a thermosetting plastic; anyone who
has ever driven an automobile can attest to the properties of
a superheated tire it burns but does not mold into a new
shape.

Polymers
Examples of Thermosets:

Polymers
Processes
Polymers can be easily made into a large number of plastic
items. Some processes used to do this are by:

Polymers
Injection molding
soft heated plastic is forced under pressure into a mould
and then cooled. Plastic wheel barrow, plastic cups and
chilly bins are examples of materials made by injection
molding.

Polymers
Extrusion molding
Soft heated plastic is forced out of a mould in a continuous
shape

Polymers
Blow molding
A cylinder of soft heated plastic is placed in a mould and
high pressure air blows the plastic outwards to fill the
mould. Drink bottles, eg for milk , juice, water etc are
examples.

Polymers
Watch:

Blow moulding of plastic bottles (4:50)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T01i_vp2mJE

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Polymers
Investigation Task:
Locate 6 Polymers that are found in your home and;
1. State which type of polymer it is
and;

(thermoplastic/ thermoset)

2. State why this type of polymer was chosen (justify your reason)

Submission Method:
Email Word document to Mr Jacob at; scott.jacob1@det.nsw.edu.au

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Polymers
References:
Copeland, P. (2012). Engineering Studies: The Definitive
Guide Volume 1 (2nd Edition). Anno Domini, Helensburgh,
ISBN 978-0-9804001-7-5

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