THERMOPLASTICS

Its Properties and Applications

By Kenneth Chaw (A13KM0053)

SKMM 2713 Manufacturing Process

THERMOPLASTICS
A type of polymers
Branched chain polymer obtained by addition or condensation
polymerization
Can be heated and formed & reheat and reform repeatedly - Recyclable
Heating Softened & Melted
Cooling Shape formed & Solidified.
Shape of polymer molecules :
1) Linear 2) Branched

Advantages & Disadvantages of using

Thermoplastics
Advantage
Disadvantage
Processing is easy to be Temperature rise causes the
monitored only a physical modulus retention decreases
transformation
Do not release gases or Creep and relaxation behavior
water vapour when drying
is poorer than thermosetting
plastics
The wastes
reusable

are

partially Start
deformation
when
exposed to organic solvents

General Characteristics
Ductile
High fracture energy
More easily repaired than thermosets
Good environmental resistance
High melt viscosities
No chemistry during fabrication
Potential for recycling
Indefinite shelf life
Anisotropic

Partially
Crystalline
Classifications of
Thermoplastics

Amorphous

Nearly linear
polymer
structure

Bulkier molecular
polymer structure

Tend to be
flexible and
folded up to form
crystal areas

Tend to be stiffer,
will not fold up to
form crystals

High shrinkage :
opaque, good
chemical
resistance, low
friction good
wear resistance

Low shrinkage :
good
transparency, high
friction, low wear
and chemical
resistance

Properties and Application Table of

Thermoplastics
Crystalline materials
Thermoplastic

Properties

Applications

Polypropylene (PP)

Good chemical resistance

Packaging, Containers

Polyethylene (PE LDPE &

HDPE)

Good chemical resistance,

flexible or semi rigid.
Weatherproof, good low
temperature performance, non
toxic and low cost.

Low Density Packaging and

containers
High Density Kitchenware,
chemical drums

Nylon/ Polyamide (PA)

Rigid, tough, hardwearing

Gears, automotive- bonet part,

power tool housing.

Acetal (POM)

Springlike, good wear,

Aerosol valves, clock parts,

computer printer components

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Rigid or flexible grades,

weatherprooof, non-flammable,
good impact strength and
electrical insulation

Drainpipes and guttering, cable

insulation, flooring, roofing,
hosepipes

Properties and Application Table of

Thermoplastics
Amorphous materials
Thermoplastic

Properties

Applications

Polycarbonate (PC)

Transparent, Rigid, good

weather resistance and
dimensional stability

Crash helmet visors, car head

lamp lenses, safety helmets,
babies bottles.

Acrylic (PMMA)

Rigid, clear, glossy, good

weather resistance

Lenses, signs, light diffusers,

point of purchase displays

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

(ABS)

Rigid, opaque, tough, good

gloss, texture possible, high
impact strength

Computer casing, car chasis

(automotive industry)

Polystyrene (PS)

Brittle, transparent, poor UV

stability

Toys, packaging, cosmetic

packaging, refrigerator linings