10 Questions
What are the properties of thermoplastics?
Low cost, lightweight, and flexible
Which classification of polymers is based on the Polymerization mechanism?
Polymerization chemistry
What is a common origin for natural gas-derived polymers?
Animals
Which application is associated with polyethylene terephthalate (PETE)?
Wire insulation
What are the properties of thermosets?
Hard, rigid, and non-recyclable
How are polymers classified based on structure/architecture?
Physical behavior
Where do biopolymers like chitan primarily come from?
Insect & crustacean exoskeletons
What is a key application of polyvinyl acetate (PVA)?
Adhesives
Which family do materials like nylon-6 belong to?
Thermoplastics
What are some common engineering applications of polystyrene?
Toys
Study Notes
Major Functions of Polymers
- Adhesives: superglue, epoxies
- Structural components: polyethylene, polyesters, PPMA or PC transparent sheets, molded ABS or HIPS
- Barriers: polyethylene landfill, garbage bags, Sarah wrap
- Insulation: polyurethane foam, Styrofoam, polyethylene wire coatings, Bakelite (phenol-formaldehyde)
Types of Polymers
- Thermoplastics: soften when heated and harden when cooled, relatively soft
- Thermosetting polymers: network polymers with covalent cross-links between adjacent chains, generally harder and stronger
History of Polymers
- 1868: Cellulose Nitrate
- 1909: Phenol-Formaldehyde
- 1919: Casein
- 1927: Cellulose Acetate, Polyvinyl Chloride
- 1929: Urea-Formaldehyde
- 1936: Acrylic, Polystyrene
- 1938: Polyvinyl Butyrate, Polyvinylidene Chloride, Melamine-Formaldehyde
- 1939: Nylon (Polyamide)
- 1942: Polyester, Polyethylene
- 1943: Fluorocarbon, Silicone
- 1947: Epoxy
- 1948: Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene
- 1954: Polyurethane
- 1956: Acetal
- 1957: Polypropylene, Polycarbonate
- 1964: Ionomer, Polyimide
Classes of Ceramics
- Glasses
- Clay
- Refractories
- Abrasives
- Cements
- Advanced ceramics: optical, whiteware, bricks, sandpaper, composites, high T ceramics, structural ceramics
Why Use Polymers
- Easy to process
- Cheap
- Lightweight
- Tough
- Flexible
- Transparent (sometimes)
- Insulating (generally)
Classification of Polymers
- By origin
- By physical behavior
- By structure/architecture
- By application/function
- By polymerization mechanism
- By polymerization chemistry
- By cost
Origin of Polymers
- Biopolymers: proteins, cellulosic fibers, lignin & cellulose, chitin
- Synthetic Polymers: coal, petroleum, natural gas
Physical Behavior & Architecture
- Thermoplastics: polystyrene, polyvinylchloride
- Elastomers: synthetic rubbers, poly-cis-isoprene
- Thermosets: phenolic resins, melamines, epoxies
Applications/Function
- Structural: nylon-6
- Coatings: poly(vinyl acetate)
- Fibers: poly(ethylene terephthalate)
- Adhesives: poly(vinyl acetate)
Cost: Commodity (Amorphous) Thermoplastics
- Polyethylene (PE): grocery bag, 55-gallon drum, lawn furniture
- Polypropylene (PP): washing machine agitator, carpet
- Polyvinylchloride (PVC): irrigation pipe, wire insulation
- Polystyrene (PS): toys, pipes, packing material (Styrofoam)
Test your knowledge on the major functions and applications of polymers in manufacturing processes. Learn about various types of polymers such as adhesives, structural components, barriers, insulation, and more.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
