Chapter 1- Introduction

Course Learning Outcome

 Describe the type of properties, structure-properties, processing-properties,

additives-properties and properties-application relationship.

It is expected that students will be able to:

 Identify the important types of polymer properties and justify their importance
 Explain how polymer structure, processing and additives can influence polymer
properties
 Describe the important applications of polymers and explain how they are being
influenced by the polymer properties.

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 Type of Properties

• Mechanical Properties
• Chemical Resistance
• Electrical Properties
• Weathering Properties
(Polymer Degradation)
• Flammability Properties
There are a whole bunch of different ways that we can describe polymers - what they look like, how they feel,
how they smell, how they act, what they sound like when you drop them on the floor (ping! or splat!) They
can be hard or soft, stiff or bendy, strong or weak, smooth or rough, shiny or dull - and lots more!
SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction
 The study of polymer properties is important:

 To determine the suitable application for the material.

 To select the most suitable material for each application.
 To establish the specialty and weakness of the material.
 To relate the properties with structure.
 To improve the existing properties.

Anybody knows what

polymer is this and
its applications?

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 The study of polymer properties
is important :

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 Biomedical Application

• UHMWPE is used as:

– an insert for one of the load-bearing
– articulating surfaces in orthopaedic implants
• acetabular cup in the hip or
• tibial tray insert in the knee
• Why?
– Excellent biocompatibility
– Has a lower wear rate
– Better coefficient of friction than other polymers

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 The advantages of polymeric
materials are:

 Cost
 Easy to process
 Low density (strength to weight ratio, lightweight)
 Good corrosion and chemical resistance
 Easy to modify the properties
 Good electrical properties (insulator,
semiconductor)

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 Polymer properties are influenced by:

1. Structure - type of bonding, crystallinity

content, Tm and Tg

2. Processing Technique

3. Additives

4. Conditions of Application/Testing

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 Structures

Factors influencing the structure of polymers are:

1. Chemical constituent of the monomer

2. Arrangement of atoms in the repeating units
3. Arrangement of repeating units
4. Molecular weight and molecular weight distribution
5. Chain structure

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 Structures

Structure of polymers will influence the following:

 Type of bonding
 Crystalline content
 Tm and Tg

The type of bonding, crystalline content,

Tm and Tg will then influence the polymer properties

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 General Overview

Arrangement
of repeating
unit
Arrangement MW and
of Atom MWD

Chemical Structure Chain

Constituent Structure

Structure Crystallinity

Processing Tm , Tg
Polymer Technique

Properties Additives

Conditions
of Testing
SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction
 General Overview

Arrangement
of repeating
unit
Arrangement MW and
of Atom MWD

Chemical Structure Chain

Constituent Structure

Polymer
Crystallinity, Tm and Tg Properties

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 General Overview…..PBL

PBL_C1_Q3

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 i) Chemical constituent of the monomer

(a) Monomer identity

 The identity of the monomers comprising the polymer is generally the

first and most important attribute of a polymer.

 The repeat unit is the constantly repeated unit of the chain and is
also characteristic of the polymer.

 Polymer nomenclature is generally based upon the type of

monomers comprising the polymer.

 Polymers that contain only a single type of monomer are known as

homopolymers, while polymers containing a mixture of monomers
are known as copolymers.
SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction
 i) Chemical constituent of the monomer

(b) Intermolecular Forces / Forces of Attraction

 The chemical composition of a polymer influences the forces of attractions between

polymer chains (secondary bonding) and how closely the chains can pack.

 These can have an important effect on the properties of the polymer.

 The intermolecular forces for polymers are the same as for small molecules.

 Because polymer molecules are so large, the magnitude of their intermolecular

forces can vastly exceed those between small molecules.

 The presence of strong intermolecular forces is one of the main factors leading to
the unique physical properties of polymers.

Forces : Hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole forces, dispersion forces

(Secondary
SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction
 Details…

Intermolecular Forces / Forces of Attraction

• Intermolecular attractions are attractions between one molecule

and a neighbouring molecule. The forces of attraction which hold an
individual molecule together (for example, the covalent bonds) are
known as intramolecular attractions.

• More Details……………

• More references…..keywords…hydrogen bonding etc

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 i) Chemical constituent of the monomer

(b) Forces of Attraction

(i) Hydrogen Bonding

 Hydrogen bonding can take place when the polymer molecule contains -OH or -NH
groups.

 Hydrogen bonding is the strongest of the intermolecular forces. Polymers such as

poly(vinyl alcohol) and polyamides are hydrogen bonded.

 Polymers containing amide groups can form hydrogen bonds between adjacent
chains; the positive hydrogen atoms in N-H groups of one chain are strongly
attracted to the oxygen atoms in C=O groups on another.

 These strong hydrogen bonds result in, for example, the high tensile strength and
melting point of kevlar.

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 Details…
Hydrogen Bonding

• A type of attractive (dipole-dipole) interaction between an electronegative atom and

a hydrogen atom bonded to another electronegative atom. This bond always
involves a hydrogen atom. Hydrogen bonds can occur between molecules

• A hydrogen bond tends to be stronger than van der Waals forces, but weaker than
covalent bonds or ionic bonds.

• Hydrogen bonds can vary in strength from very weak (1-2 kJ mol−1) to extremely
strong (>155 kJ mol−1), as in the ion HF2−. Typical values include:
F—H...:F (155 kJ/mol or 40 kcal/mol)
O—H...:N (29 kJ/mol or 6.9 kcal/mol)
O—H...:O (21 kJ/mol or 5.0 kcal/mol)
N—H...:N (13 kJ/mol or 3.1 kcal/mol)
N—H...:O (8 kJ/mol or 1.9 kcal/mol)
HO—H...:OH3+ (18 kJ/mol or 4.3 kcal/mol)
SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction
 i) Chemical constituent of the monomer

(b) Forces of Attraction

Hydrogen Bonding - Extended zig-zag structures for (a) nylon 6,6 and
(b) nylon 7,7 showing the allowed hydrogen bonding

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 i) Chemical constituent of the monomer

(b) Forces of Attraction

(ii) Dipole-Dipole Forces

• Dipole-dipole forces result from the attraction between polar groups, such as those
in polyesters and vinyl polymers with chlorine pendant groups.

• Polyesters have dipole-dipole bonding between the oxygen atoms in C=O groups
and the hydrogen atoms in H-C groups.

• Dipole bonding is not as strong as hydrogen bonding.

• Keywords: Dipole-dipole….

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 Details…
Dipole-Dipole Forces
• Dipole-dipole forces are attractive forces between the positive end of one polar molecule and the negative end of another
polar molecule. Dipole-dipole forces have strengths that range from 5 kJ to 20 kJ per mole. They are much weaker than
ionic or covalent bonds and have a significant effect only when the molecules involved are close together (touching or
almost touching).
• The figures show two arrangements of polar iodine monochloride (ICl) molecules that give rise to dipole-dipole
attractions.

Note:
• Polar molecules have a partial negative end and a partial positive end.
• The partially positive end of a polar molecule is attracted to the partially negative end of another.
• In a ICl molecule the more electronegative chlorine atom bears the partial negative charge; the less electronegative
iodine atom bears the partial positive charge.
• The partially positive iodine end of one ICl molecule is attracted to the partially negative chlorine end of another ICl
molecule.
• A dashed line is used to represent an intermolecular attraction between molecules because these forces are NOT as
strong as chemical bonds.

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 i) Chemical constituent of the monomer

(b) Forces of Attraction

(iii) Dispersion Forces (one type of van der Waals forces)

• Dispersion forces are due to instantaneous dipoles that form as the charge clouds in
the molecules fluctuate.

• Dispersion forces, the weakest of the intermolecular forces, are present in all
polymers. They are the only forces possible for nonpolar polymers such as
polyethylene.

• Ethylene - has no permanent dipole. The attractive forces between polyethylene

chains arise from weak van der Waals forces.

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 i) Chemical constituent of the monomer

(b) Forces of Attraction

(iii) Dispersion Forces

 Dispersion forces depend on the polarizability of a molecule. Larger molecules
generally are more polarizable, so large polymers with high molecular weights can
have significant dispersion forces.

 Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which has a molecular

weight in excess of 3,000,000 g/mole, is used to make bulletproof vests.

 Molecules can be thought of as being surrounded by a cloud of negative

electrons. As two polymer chains approach, their electron clouds repel one
another. This has the effect of lowering the electron density on one side of a
polymer chain, creating a slight positive dipole on this side.

 This charge is enough to actually attract the second polymer chain. Van der Waals
forces are quite weak, so polyethylene melts at low temperatures.
SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction
 i) Chemical constituent of the monomer

(c) Pendant/Side Groups (size)

 A group attached to the polymer backbone and present in the repeating unit is
called a pendant group. Examples of pendant groups are the methyl group in
polypropylene and the benzene ring in polystyrene.

 Bulky pendant groups, such as a benzene ring, can catch on neighboring chains
like a "fish hook" and restrict rotational freedom. This increases Tg.
Atactic Polypropylene Tg = -20oC, Atactic Polystyrene Tg = 100oC

 Flexible pendant groups, such as aliphatic chains, tend to limit how close chains
can pack. This increases rotational motion and lowers Tg.
Poly(methyl methacrylate) Tg = 105oC, Poly(butyl methacrylate) Tg = 20oC

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 i) Chemical constituent of the monomer

Typical Polymers
Benzine Ring Polystyrene

Polypropylene
Methyl

Vinyls
Chlorine

Fluorine Fluorocarbons
Hydrogen Polyethylene
SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction
 i) Chemical constituent of the monomer

(d) Pendant/Side Groups (size) Stiffening Groups

 As an example, poly(ethylene terephalate) is a stiffer molecule than

poly(ethylene adipate) because a benzene ring is not as flexible as a
chain of CH2 groups.

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 i) Chemical constituent of the monomer

(d) Pendant/Side Groups (size) Stiffening Groups

 As an example, poly(ethylene terephalate) is a stiffer molecule than poly(ethylene
adipate) because a benzene ring is not as flexible as a chain of CH2 groups.

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 ii. Arrangement of atoms in the
repeating units
(a) Configuration
Cis or Trans eg : 1,4 - polyisoprene
1,4 - polyisoprene residues in cis-
configuration (caoutchouc). The main source
is Hevea brasiliensis.

Gutta-percha consists of 1,4 - polyisoprene

residues in trans-configuration. Its molecular
weight is far below that of rubber. The main
source is Palaquium gutta.

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 ii. Arrangement of atoms in the
repeating units
• The difference between the properties of the cis- and trans-isomers is apparent
for naturally-occurring polyisoprenes.

• Natural rubber is cis-1,4-polyisoprene,

which has a less symmetrical structure
that does not allow easy crystallization.
• Natural rubber is an amorphous rubbery
Natural Rubber (cis-1,4-polyisoprene) material.

• Gutta percha is predominantly trans-1,4-

polyisoprene, which has a regular
structure that allows crystallization.
Gutta Percha (trans-1,4-polyisoprene) • As a result, gutta percha is hard and rigid.

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 ii. Arrangement of atoms in the
repeating units

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 iii. Arrangement of repeating units

(b) Stereoisomerism

 Polyethylene is a simplest linear chain

 By replacing one H atom by side-group or radical R→ a vinyl group of

polymers. Example: R=Cl (Polyvinyl chloride) or R=CH3
(polypropylene)

 But R also gives asymmetry to the mere unit thus it is more than one
way they can be linked to form a chain – stereoisomerism.

 Stereoregularity is the term used to describe the configuration of

polymer chains

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 iii. Arrangement of repeating units

Linear

Isotactic configuration:
all R-groups are situated on the same
side of the chain

Syndiotactic configuration:
R-groups are situated on alternate sides
of the chain

Atactic configuration:
R-groups are arranged in a random
position

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 iii. Arrangement of repeating units

isotactic

syndiotactic

atactic

 Stereochemistry can have an important effect on chain packing.

 Isotactic polypropylene (PP), for instance, is highly crystalline because the

regular chains can pack closely together. Isotactic PP has a melting point of 160oC

 Atactic PP, on the other hand is a soft non-crystalline polymer with a melting point
of only 75oC
SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction
Degree of Polymerization

• The degree of polymerization is the number of monomer units that

polymerized to form the polymer @ no. of monomer unit in a chain @
chain lenghth. If 50 ethylene monomers polymerize, the polymer (PE)
chain has a degree of polymerization of 50.

• For commercial examples of polyethylene, HDPE (high density

polyethylene) may have a degree of polymerization between 700 and
1800. For UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene), the
degree of polymerization may be 100,000 to 250,000.

• The degree of polymerization is used in the Carothers Equation.

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

• The facts…we will never finds a sample of Typical distribution
a synthetic polymer in which all the chains of molecular weight
have the same molecular weight. Instead,
we usually have a bell curve, a distribution
of molecular weights.

• Some of the polymer chains will be much

larger than all the others, at the high end of
the curve. Some will be much smaller, and
at the low end of the curve. The largest
number will usually be clumped around a
central point, the highest point on the
curve.

• Anybody can explain the

differences between Mn and
Mw?
SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction
There are several ways to define molecular weight:

Mn- Number Average Molecular Weight,

Mw - Weight Average Molecular Weight

Mz - average Molecular Weight

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

Example:
Molecular weight calculations are provided for a system where there are:
• 4 molecules with degree of polymerization 2
• 3 molecules with degree of polymerization 3
• 2 molecules with degree of polymerization 7

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

Number Average Molecular Weight

Example numbers: 2,2,2,2,3,3,3,7,7

From this it should be obvious that the numbers 2,3, and 7

correspond to "molecular weights" which are represented by the
variable M(i), and the numbers 4,3 and 2 correspond to "number
average counts", which are represented by the variable N(i).
SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction
Weight Average Molecular Weight

Example numbers: 2,2,2,2,3,3,3,7,7

It should be clear that M(i) and N(i) are the same as for the Number
Average Molecular Weight example.

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 Molecular Weight 1

Molecular Weight 2

Calculating Molecular Weight

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 Anybody can give
comments for each
system?

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 iv. Relationship of polymer properties
to molecular weight (cont.)
 A narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD) - contains molecules that are
nearly the same in molecular weight. It will crystallize at a faster, more uniform
rate. This results in a part that will have less warpage.

 A broad MWD - a broader range of chain lengths, from short to long. Resins
with this type of distribution have good Environmental Stress Crack Resistance
(ESCR), good impact resistance and good processability.

 A bimodal shaped distribution - seem to depict a blend of two different

polymer populations, each with its particular average and distribution. Resins
having a bimodal MWD contain both very short and very long polyethylene
molecules, giving the resin excellent physical properties while maintaining good
processability.

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 iv. Relationship of polymer properties
to molecular weight (cont.)

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 iv. Relationship of polymer properties
to molecular weight (cont.)
 Polymer properties (Tg, modulus, tensile strength, etc.) follow a peculiar pattern with
increasing MW.

 Small molecules have small values, then there is a sharp rise in properties as the chains
grow to intermediate size (oligomers), and then the properties level off as the chains become
long enough to be true polymers.

 However, a few properties important for polymer processing, like melt viscosity and solution
viscosity, increase monotonically with MW. This means that the goal of polymer synthesis is
not to make the largest possible molecules, but rather, to make molecules large enough to
get onto the plateau region. Increasing the MW beyond this does not improve the physical
properties much, but makes processing more difficult.

 A few properties are dictated by the repeat units alone, and therefore these are not changed
much by MW. Examples: color, dielectric constant, and refractive index.

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 iv. Relationship of polymer properties
to molecular weight (cont.)
 MW and MWD have significant
effect to mechanical properties.
Higher MW – Better mechanical
properties

 Example:Tensile strength, Impact

strength (toughness)

 Commercial Polymer Range

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 iv. Relationship of polymer properties
to molecular weight (cont.)
 Beyond the critical degree of polymerization, as molecular weight grows larger polymer
strength increases rapidly. Eventually, as is shown in the diagram at the right, the strength
levels off.

 The threshold molecular weight is a lower limit for the molecular weight required for a given
commercial application.

 As the molecular weight increases the chains also entangle more, which increases the
viscosity of the polymer melt. In most industrial applications a polymer is melted as it is
processed so that it will flow into a mold or through an orifice. Eventually the viscosity gets
so high that the polymer cannot be processed easily, establishing an upper molecular weight
beyond which it is prohibitively expensive to process the polymer.

 Thus we see that for a particular application only a certain molecular weight range is
practical for a given polymer. This range is a compromise between optimum properties and
ease of processing. Most of the practically useful polymers have a DP between 200 to 2000,
corresponding to a molecular weight range from 20,000 to 200,000.

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 iv. Relationship of polymer properties
to molecular weight (cont.)

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 v. Chain structure
Copolymers…
 Random copolymer contains a random arrangement of
the multiple monomers.
 Block copolymer contains blocks of monomers of the
same type.
 Graft copolymer contains a main chain polymer
consisting of one type of monomer with branches made up
of other monomers..

Can anyone give an example of polymer with different type

of branching?
SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction
 v. Chain structure

A branched polymer…
• A branched polymer is formed
when there are "side chains"
attached to a main chain.
• There are, however, many
ways a branched polymer can
be arranged.
• Can anyone give an
• Polymers with a high degree of
example of polymer
branching are called
with different type of
dendrimers
branching?

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 Crystallinity, Tg, Tm
Behaviour of polymers as a function of temperature and
(a) degree of crystallinity (b) cross-linking

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 Crystallinity, Tg, Tm
• In its glassy state, the mechanical behavior of the polymer is relatively stable.
The material is very hard and brittle, and the properties don’t change
significantly with temperature --- modulus remains high and impact strength
is almost nil.

• However, as the temperature rises, there will be a point where the behavior of
the polymer will fairly rapidly change from glassy to a very tough and
leathery behavior. This change in behavior is evidenced by a sharp decline
in modulus (stiffness), or increase in impact strength as the ambient
temperature is increased. This region is termed the glass transition region.

• The temperature at the midpoint of the transition from glassy to rubbery, the
glass transition region, is defined as the glass transition temperature, Tg

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 Crystallinity, Tg, Tm

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 Crystallinity, Tg, Tm

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 Further info…

http://www.ides.com/

http://www.specialchem4polymers.com

http://www.intota.com

http://www.youtube.com/

SKV 3513 - C1-Introduction

 2. Types of polymer processing

EXTRUSION

BLOW EXTRUSION

INJECTION MOULDING
Hope to see you again….
SKV 3523 – Polymer Processing
BLOW MOULDING

ROTATIONAL MOULDING

COMPRESSION MOULDING

SKV 3523-C1-Introduction
 2. Types of polymer processing
EXTRUSION
Hot molten plastic is squeezed through a nozzle to make long lengths of special shapes like pipes, spouting and
wallboard joining strips. It is also used to make large thick sheets of plastic for fabrication.
BLOW EXTRUSION
This is used for making plastic films and bags. While it is still hot, an extruded tube is blown up like a balloon, with
compressed air. This stretches the plastic and makes it thin. The balloon is made long enough to allow the plastic to
cool. The end of the balloon is pinched together by rollers, to hold the air in and make it flat. The flat tube is then wound
on to a big roll. You can see continuous rolls of plastic bags in a fruit shop.
INJECTION MOULDING
Hot molten plastic is squeezed into a mould to make lots of objects all the same. They can be very small like a washer
or quite large, like a bowl or a clothes basket. Lots of everyday articles are made this way.
BLOW MOULDING
A little bit of hot soft plastic is squeezed into the end of a mould. Compressed air is used to blow a big bubble inside the
plastic. The plastic swells out like a balloon until it fills up the whole mould. Many bottles, toys and money boxes are
made this way.
ROTATIONAL MOULDING
Plastic powder is scooped into a mould. The mould is rotated over a big gas burner. As the mould gets hot, the plastic
melts and sticks to the mould. This method is used for making big hollow things like water tanks and barrels.
COMPRESSION MOULDING
This is used for thermoset resins. Dry powder is put in a mould which is squeezed and heated until the plastic is cured.
This is used for making ashtrays, cups and plates, and some electrical switches.

SKV 3523-C1-Introduction
 2. Types of polymer processing

Variable that can effect on polymer properties during processing are:

• Melt temperature
• Melt pressure
• Mould temperature
• Screw speed

SKV 3523-C1-Introduction
 2. Types of polymer processing

SKV 3523-C1-Introduction
 2. Types of polymer processing

Task……….

Literature search on the effect of processing technique @

Mixing sequence on any polymer blend, rubber toughened
or polymer nanocomposites.

Examples 1
Examples 2

SKV 3523-C1-Introduction
 3. Additives

 A chemical or other material added to a polymer formulation in order to change the

end property or properties of the polymer product.

 Additives are added to modify and enhance certain properties of polymer.

 The most widely used additives may be divided into following classes:
1. Fillers and reinforcements
2. Antioxidants
3. Colorants
4. Flame retardants
5. Heat stabilizers
6. UV stabilizers / light absorbers
7. Blowing agents
8. Lubricants
9. Plasticizers

SKV 3523-C1-Introduction
 3. Additives

• http://www.ides.com/

• http://www.specialchem4polymers.com

• http://www.intota.com

• How can you improve polymers

SKV 3523-C1-Introduction
 3. Additives
Example 1

SKV 3523-C1-Introduction
 3. Additives
Example 2

SKV 3523-C1-Introduction
 3. Additives
Effect of structure and additives on properties
Property HDPE LDPE LLDPE PP PP (40% talc)

Melting Point (Tm oF) 275 200 122 170 165

Glass transition temp (Tg oF ) - 20 - - -
Processing temp 450 400 450 450 450
Moulding Pressure(103 psi) 15 10 10 15 15
Mould shrinkage 25 30 20 20 12
Heat deflection temp under (oF)
190 110 - 130 175
flexural load of 264 psi (oF)
Maximum Resistance to
175 110 130 125 160
continuous heat (oF)
Coefficient of linear expansion 40 150 125 40 30
Compressive strength (103psi) 30 - - 65 75

Impact Strength Izod (ft.lb/in of notch) 2 No break No break 1 0.5

Tensile strength (103psi) 35 30 33 50 45

Flexural strength (103psi) 30 - - 60 80
% elongation 200 300 400 400 5
Tensile Modulus (103psi) 155 35 45 50 45
Flexural Modulus (103psi) 150 30 50 200 500
Shore Hardness D70 D50 D55 R90 R100
 3. Additives

SKV 3523-C1-Introduction
 Comparison of structural foams based on various grade of polypropylene with some
traditional materials.
30% coupled
Unfilled 40% talc-filled
glass
Mild
Chip- Pine Alum
Steel
copolymer homopolymer reinforced board

Solid Foam Solid Foam Solid Foam

Flexural Modulus
1.4 1.2 4.4 2.5 6.7 3.5 2.3 7.9 70 207
(MN/m2)

Specific gravity 0.905 0.72 1.24 1 1.12 0.9 0.65 0.641 2.7 7.83
Relative
thickness
1 1.05 0.68 0.81 0.59 0.74 0.85 0.56 0.27 0.19
at equivalent
rigidity
Relative weight
1 0.84 0.94 0.9 0.74 0.73 0.61 0.4 0.81 1.65
at equivalent
rigidity
 Balance between stiffness and ductility in
thermoplastics
Effect on
Modulus Ductility
Reduced temperature increase decrease
Increased straining rate increase decrease
Multiaxial stress field increase decrease
Incorporation of plasticizer decrease increase
Incorporation of rubbery phase decrease increase
Incorporation of glass fibers increase decrease
Incorporation of particulate filler increase decrease
 Material Type Characteristics
Acrylonitrile-butadiene- Dimensionally stable; low water absorption; transparent;
styrene very good impact resistance and ductility; chemical
(ABS) resistance not outstanding.

Acrylics Outstanding light transmission and resistance to

(polymethyl methacrylate) weathering; only fair mechanical properties.

Fluorocarbons Chemically inert in almost all environments, excellent

electrical properties; low coefficient of friction; may be
(PTFE or TFE)
used to 260C; relatively weak and poor cold-flow
properties.
Polyamides Good mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, and
(nylons) toughness; low coefficient of friction; absorbs water and
some other liquids.
 Material Type Characteristics
Chemically resistant, and electrically insulating; tough and
Polyethylene relatively low coefficient of friction; low strength and
poor resistance to weathering.

Resistant to heat distortion; excellent electrical properties

Polypropylene and fatigue strength; chemically inert; relatively
inexpensive; poor resistance to UV light.

Polystyrene Excellent electrical properties and optical clarity; good

thermal and dimensional stability; relatively inexpensive.
 Material Type Characteristics

Good low-cost, general-purpose materials; ordinarily rigid,

Vinyls but may be made flexible with plasticizers; often
copolymerized; susceptible to heat distortion.

Polyester One of the toughest of plastic films; excellent fatigue and

tear strength, and resistance to humidity, acids, greases,
(PET or PETE)
oils, and solvents.

Excellent combination of mechanical properties and

corrosion resistance; dimensionally stable; good
Epoxies
adhesion; relatively inexpensive; good electrical
properties.
 Material Type Characteristics

Excellent thermal stability to over 150C (300F); may

Phenolics be compounded with a large number of resins,
fillers, etc.; inexpensive.

Excellent electrical properties and low cost; can be

Polyesters formulated for room or high-temperature use;
often fiber reinforced.
 4. Conditions of Application/Testing
 The loading rate (or the strain rate) and temperature can significantly affect
the stress-strain behavior of plastics.

SKV 3523-C1-Introduction
 4. Conditions of Application/Testing

 In general, at higher loading rates or lower temperatures, plastics materials appear

to be more rigid and brittle. On the other hand, at lower loading rates or higher
temperatures, materials appear to be more flexible or ductile because of their
viscous characteristics.

 An increase in loading rate significantly increases the ultimate and yield strength,
whereas an increase in temperature leads to decreases in ultimate and yield
strength and in proportional limit.

 If the material is semi-crystalline and the glass transition temperature is crossed

when raising the temperature, these rate- and temperature-dependent effects can
be very large, resulting in entirely different behaviors.

 If the material is amorphous and the softening range is crossed, the material will
undergo viscous flow when loaded.

SKV 3523-C1-Introduction