Thermoforming Polymers
Design & Technology: AQA GCSE, topic 5.2.2
Thermoforming Polymers
Thermoforming polymers can be reheated, reshaped, and recycled.
Acrylic (PMMA)
- Properties:
- Very clear, good optical quality.
- Very good thermal insulator and chemical insulator.
- Excellent resistance to weathering.
- Scratches easily.
- Brittle - snaps with pressure.
- Examples:
- Car headlights.
- Baths.
- Signs.
High impact polystyrene (HIPS)
- Properties:
- Rigid.
- Cheaper polymer.
- Range of colours.
- Examples:
- Smoke detectors.
- Vacuum forming.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Properties:
- Difficult to bend.
- Resists chemicals.
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio (SWR).
- Good thermal and chemical insulator.
- Examples:
- Pop bottles.
- Buckets.
- Bowls.
- Pipes.
Polypropylene (PP)
- Properties:
- Lightweight.
- Tough - withstands impact.
- Very good thermal and chemical insulator.
- Flexible.
- Good tensile strength - difficult to stretch.
- Example:
- Food packaging.
- Toys.
- Chair seats.
- Bottle tops.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Properties:
- Tough - withstands impact.
- Weather resistant.
- Excellent tensile strength - difficult to stretch.
- Rigid.
- Examples:
- Drain pipes.
- Window frames.
- Guttering.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Properties:
- Lightweight.
- Strong.
- Tough - withstands impact.
- Examples:
- Clothing.
- Clear pop bottles.
Test yourself on Thermoforming Polymers
What thermoforming polymer is used in food packaging?
What thermoforming polymer is used to make smoke detectors?