Polymers: Functionality & Aesthetics
Design & Technology: AQA GCSE, topic 5.1.1
Functionality & Aesthetics
With the development of plastics and polymers over the past 40 years, many products are now polymer-based.
Functionality
- Polymers are used for chairs, bottles, plug sockets, and many everyday objects.
- Polymers come in a range of thicknesses and sizes.
- This means polymers can come in complex shapes.
Self-finishing and recyclable
- Polymers are self-finishing.
- This means polymers do not need further treatment after being produced.
- Polymers do not need to be varnished.
- This means polymers allow for quicker manufacturing timescales.
- Polymers such as thermoforming can be recycled many times.
- This makes polymers better for the environment.
Aesthetics
- Most polymers are shiny and bright which makes them aesthetically pleasing.
- Polymers can have pigment added to them during the manufacturing process.
- Adding pigment allows the products to come in a wide range of colours and tones.