Polymer Types
Design & Technology: AQA GCSE, topic 1.6.5
Polymer Types: Thermoforming
Thermoforming plastics are commonly used in everyday objects such as water bottles. They could even be used in some of your GCSE projects.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
- These polymers are clear or coloured with a smooth finish.
- These polymers are easily blow moulded, can be recycled and have good chemical resistance.
- They are commonly used in products such as food wraps, bottles and food packaging.
- Triangular recycle logo number 1.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- These polymers are opaque, coloured or textured.
- These polymers are lightweight, chemical resistant and rip-resistant.
- They are commonly used in products such as milk bottles, hard hats, wheelie bins and pipes.
- Triangular recycle logo number 2.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- PVC polymers can be coloured with a gloss finish.
- They are available in sheets or a rigid shape such as a pipe.
- PVC polymers are chemically resistant, flexible, tough and easily extruded.
- They are commonly used in products such as pipes, insulating tape, air mattresses and raincoats.
- Triangular recycle logo number 3.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
- LDPE polymers can be coloured with a smooth finish.
- They are available in sheets or a clear thin to a thick film.
- These polymers have excellent strength to weight ratio.
- They are very flexible and can be blow moulded and extruded easily.
- They are commonly used in products such as carrier bags, bin liners, plastic food wraps and pipes.
- Triangular recycle logo number 4.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Polymer Types: Thermoforming
Thermoforming plastics are commonly used in everyday objects such as water bottles. They could even be used in some of your GCSE projects.
Polypropylene (PP)
- These polymers can be coloured in sheets or shapes.
- They are very flexible, tough, lightweight, food safe and easily cleaned.
- They are commonly used in products such as medical products, kitchen products and rope.
- Triangular recycle logo number 5.
Polypropylene (PP)
High Impact Polystyrene Sheet (HIPS)
- These polymers can be flat, clear or coloured sheets.
- They are very flexible, tough, impact-resistant, lightweight, food safe and vacuum forms well.
- These polymers give off a toxic fume when burnt.
- They are commonly used in products such as food containers, chocolate box in-trays, egg boxes and yoghurt pots.
- Triangular recycle logo number 6.
High Impact Polystyrene Sheet (HIPS)
Acrylic – Poly-methyl Meth Acrylate (PMMA)
- These polymers are very versatile, coloured with a smooth finish.
- They are tough but brittle when thin, easily scratched, formed and joined.
- These polymers are in sheet, tube or bar form.
- They are commonly used in school workshops for laser cutting and line bending.
- Other products include car lights, display stands, modern bathtubs, hats and gloves.
- Triangular recycle logo number 7.
Acrylic – Poly-methyl Meth Acrylate (PMMA)
Polymer Types: Thermosetting
Thermosetting plastics are commonly used in everyday objects such as electrical fittings. They could even be used in some of your GCSE projects.
Epoxy Resin (ER - Araldite)
- These resins are made up of two parts: resin and a hardener, which are mixed together.
- These polymers set clear with a smooth finish.
- This resin is stronger than other adhesives, can join multiple materials and has a good chemical and heat resistance.
- They are commonly used for bonding materials together, electric circuit boards and waterproof coatings.
Melamine Formaldehyde (MF)
- These polymers are smooth, available in a variety of shapes and in many colours.
- These polymers are food safe, hygienic, lightweight but brittle.
- They are commonly used for kitchenware, worktops and flat-pack furniture.
Urea Formaldehyde (UF)
- These polymers are mainly white, versatile and smooth.
- These polymers are heat resistant, good electrical insulators, hard, brittle and easily moulded.
- They are commonly used for electrical fittings, casings, handles and buttons.
Polyester Resin (PR)
- These resins are made up of two parts: resin and a hardener, which are mixed together.
- These polymers set clear with a smooth finish and can be coloured.
- This resin is strong, heat resistant and a good electrical insulator.
- They are commonly used for flooring, fibreglass lamination and paperweights.
Phenol Formaldehyde (PF)
- These polymers have a limited colour range with a high gloss finish.
- These polymers were formerly known as Bakelite.
- They are very rigid, hard and brittle.
- They are excellent electrical insulators with good chemical resistance.
- They are commonly used for electrical components, mechanical parts, castings and old Bakelite electrical products.
Test yourself on Polymer Types
Which thermoforming polymer has triangular recycle logo number 3?
Which thermoforming polymer is commonly used in raincoats?
Which thermoforming plastic has recycle logo number 6?
Which thermoforming plastic gives off toxic fumes when burnt?
What is another name for Poly-methyl Meth Acrylate (PMMA)?