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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of UV stabilizers in polymers?
What is the primary function of UV stabilizers in polymers?
What is the main function of flame retardants in polymers?
What is the main function of flame retardants in polymers?
Which of the following is NOT a common type of deterioration in polymers?
Which of the following is NOT a common type of deterioration in polymers?
Which type of polymer is typically flame resistant in its pure form?
Which type of polymer is typically flame resistant in its pure form?
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What is the primary purpose of adding carbon black to polymers?
What is the primary purpose of adding carbon black to polymers?
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Which of the following is a common type of polymer additive?
Which of the following is a common type of polymer additive?
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Which of the following is NOT a common type of polymer composite?
Which of the following is NOT a common type of polymer composite?
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What is the primary function of plasticizers in polymers?
What is the primary function of plasticizers in polymers?
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Which of the following is NOT a common type of particulate filler?
Which of the following is NOT a common type of particulate filler?
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What is the primary function of colorants in polymers?
What is the primary function of colorants in polymers?
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Study Notes
Polymer Additives Overview
- Additives modify mechanical, chemical, and physical properties of polymers beyond what is possible through alteration of the molecular structure.
- Common types of additives include fillers, plasticizers, stabilizers, colorants, and flame retardants, each serving specific functions.
Fillers
- Fillers enhance properties like tensile strength, compressive strength, abrasion resistance, toughness, and thermal stability.
- Common particulate fillers include wood flour, silica flour, sand, glass, clay, talc, limestone, and synthetic polymers.
- Particle sizes of fillers can vary from 10 nm to macroscopic dimensions.
- Polymers with fillers are classified as composite materials, often utilizing inexpensive fillers to reduce the overall cost of the final product.
Plasticizers
- Plasticizers improve flexibility, ductility, and toughness of polymers while reducing hardness and stiffness.
- Typically low molecular weight liquids with low vapor pressures, they increase interchain distance among polymer chains.
- Small plasticizer molecules fit between larger polymer chains, lessening secondary intermolecular bonding.
- Used in inherently brittle polymers like poly(vinyl chloride) and certain acetate copolymers, plasticizers lower the glass transition temperature.
- Applications for plasticized polymers include thin films, tubing, raincoats, and curtains, enhancing pliability and ductility.
Colorants
- Colorants provide specific colors to polymers, available as dyes or pigments.
- Dyes dissolve in the polymer, while pigments remain separate, acting as filler materials.
- Pigments come with small particle sizes and a refractive index close to that of the parent polymer and can impart opacity in addition to color.
Stabilizers
- Stabilizers are additives that prevent the deterioration of polymeric materials under normal environmental conditions.
- Common deterioration factors include exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can compromise the mechanical integrity of the polymers.
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Description
Learn about the purpose and types of additives used to modify the mechanical, chemical, and physical properties of polymers beyond their fundamental molecular structure. Explore how additives can enhance the performance and serviceability of polymers.
