Thermoplastics can be classified into 8 broad categories based on their chemical structure and properties. These include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, vinyl and related polymers like polyvinyl chloride, polyamides known as nylons, acrylics including polymethyl methacrylate, cellulosics, styrenics like polystyrene, fluoropolymers with examples being polytetrafluoroethylene, and plastics with special chain structures such as polyoxymethylene and polycarbonate. Each category contains polymers with different applications based on their characteristics such as chemical resistance, strength, and processability.
Thermoplastics can be classified into 8 broad categories based on their chemical structure and properties. These include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, vinyl and related polymers like polyvinyl chloride, polyamides known as nylons, acrylics including polymethyl methacrylate, cellulosics, styrenics like polystyrene, fluoropolymers with examples being polytetrafluoroethylene, and plastics with special chain structures such as polyoxymethylene and polycarbonate. Each category contains polymers with different applications based on their characteristics such as chemical resistance, strength, and processability.
Thermoplastics can be classified into 8 broad categories based on their chemical structure and properties. These include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, vinyl and related polymers like polyvinyl chloride, polyamides known as nylons, acrylics including polymethyl methacrylate, cellulosics, styrenics like polystyrene, fluoropolymers with examples being polytetrafluoroethylene, and plastics with special chain structures such as polyoxymethylene and polycarbonate. Each category contains polymers with different applications based on their characteristics such as chemical resistance, strength, and processability.
Thermoplastics can be classified into 8 broad categories based on their chemical structure and properties. These include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, vinyl and related polymers like polyvinyl chloride, polyamides known as nylons, acrylics including polymethyl methacrylate, cellulosics, styrenics like polystyrene, fluoropolymers with examples being polytetrafluoroethylene, and plastics with special chain structures such as polyoxymethylene and polycarbonate. Each category contains polymers with different applications based on their characteristics such as chemical resistance, strength, and processability.
Thermoplastics can be further classified into 8 broad categories listed below - based on family characteristics. The characteristics and typical use/application of each class is briefly described:
A. Polyolefins B. Vinyl & Related C. Polyamides D. Acrylics E. Cellulosics F. Styrenics (Aromatic hydrocarbon) G. Fluoropolymers H. Plastics with Special Chain Structures.
A. POLYOLEFINS A group of important commercial plastics with carbon (C) and hydrogen repeat units with no ring structures. Examples: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyisobutylene (PIB), Polymethylpentene (PMP). Ethylene-propylene copolymers, PVC is a hylogenated polyolefin, and PTFE a fluorinated polyolefin belong to other polymer families.
Polyethylene Tg ~ -100C (-20 to -180C); Tm ~ 120C (105 - 138C). Probably the largest volume plastic. There are three main types - classified according to density, melt viscosity or melt index (reflecting molecular weight). 1. Low density Polyethylene (LDPE)
(long-chain, branched, high pressure polymerization).
* Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).
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linear with MW 3x10 6 x10 ; difficult to process; has excellent impact resistance (toughness); excellent fatigue resistance; very low friction and antistatic properties, mostly machined from stock shapes into mechanical parts that require wear and abrasion resistance.
Polypropylene Tg ~ -20 C (-5 to -24 C); Tm ~ 175 C. One of four very high low cost volume thermoplastic is similar to PE in many respects. Its S.G. 0.88 - 0.91. Excellent resistance to stress cracking, flexure fatigue and many chemicals (not hydrocarbons).
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Notable applications: lawn/patio furniture, integral hinges, air ducting, air cleaners, parcel shelves, many automobile components, many domestic appliances (e.g. washing machine tanks), biaxially oriented packaging films, fibers, and tapes (ribbons) made from slit film subsequently oriented and often woven for bag fabrication.
B. VINYL AND RELATED POLYMERS (VINYLICS)
The major polymer in this group is polyvinylchloride (PVC). Others include polvinylfluoride (PVF), polyvinylidenechloride (PVDC), Polyvinylalcohol (PVAL), and polyvinylacetate (PVAC).
Polyvinylchloride (PVC) Tg ~ 70 C Good chemical resistance, excellent weatherability, self-extinguishing (flame retardant), good insulation properties. Uses uPVC (rigid): pressure pipe, ducting, fume hoods, house siding, window sash, rain gutters, sheets. PVC (flexible): garden hose, electric wire insulation and jacket, shower curtains, clothing fabrics, shoe soles. PVF (Tg = -20 C; Tm = 198 C): High tensile strength; resistant to UV, staining, abrasion. Used only as protective film over wood panels, furniture, upholstery, metal finish. PVAL (Tg = 80 C; Tm = 240 C): Highly polar, water soluble. used as strippable or washable coating. PVDC (Tg = - 18 C; Tm = 190 C): Has outstanding barrier properties for oxygen, CO2 and H2O. co-polymerized with vinylchloride to obtain "cling film" saran. Used for packaging films and film products such as sterizable pouches; coating, fibers for textiles.
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POLYAMIDES (PA) Aliphatic Polyamides Tg and Tm vary according to C atoms in the chain. By far the most common, and are of referred to simply as "polyamides" or "nylons". Typical examples are nylon 4 through nylon 12. They have affinity for polar molecules, such as water. Water absorption characteristics results in poor electrical properties, dimensional stability. High ductility, high degree of crystallinity. Mechanical properties in high range - dependent on water content. Very good fatigue and creep resistance. Impact strength is generally very good although considered to be notch-sensitive. Excellent frictional properties (self-lubrication), good wear and abrasion resistance. Applications: a wide range of mechanical components where mechanical properties, moldability, and self-lubrication are essential factors. Examples include slides and guides, gear trains, bearings, valves, propellers, and housings. Also used for automotive gas tubing and gas tanks. Used extensively as fibers. Monofilaments are used for ropes, tire cords, fishing lines, tennis strings, surgical sutures, brush bristles, and artificial hair and fur. Good resistance to oxygen permeation as well as oils or greases. Hence used for film packaging for food products (cheese, bacon, meats); boil-in bags or pouches.
Aromatic Polyamides Relatively new class of PA, complex and proprietary. Examples are PMPI (poly m-phenylene isophthal amide) and PPPT (poly p-phenylene terephthal amide). Aromatic rings in the backbone correspond to high chain rigidity and high glass transition temperature. Uses: produced as fibers by unconventional spinning processes associated with liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Examples are nomex and kevlar used in products such as tire cord, ropes, cables.
D. ACRYILICS Best known example in this class is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (Plexiglas)
Tg = 105 C
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Excellent transparency, good rigidity, acceptable impact and abrasion, outstanding weatherability, good chemical resistance except for a number of organic solvents. Uses: Used in clear or colored and transparent or translucent forms. Diverse objects: contact lenses, automotive tail-light lenses, safety and security glazing, skylights, illuminated signs, air craft glazing, optical fibers. Also used for coatings, such as floor waxes and emulsion (latex) paints, acrylates are more common in this latter application.
E. CELLULOSICS Cellulose (CEL) A carbohydrate polymer, major constituent of wood (50%) and cotton fibers (100%). Examples: Cellulose acetate (CA), Cellulose-acetate-butyrate (CAB), Cellulose nitrate (CN), Cellophane, Methyl cellulose, Cellulose-acetate-propionate (CAP). CA is used for photographic films and adhesive tapes.
Cellulose nitrate (CN)
Considered first synthetic plastic. Good toughness, water repellency, and surface appearance. Highly flammable and difficult to process by modern methods. Uses: mainly small articles, dice, table tennis balls.
Cellulose-acetate-butyrate and Cellulose-acetate-propionate
Mechanically tougher than CA. Uses: armrests, automobile steering wheels, telephone bases, ball point pens, tool handles, glass frames, blister packages.
F. STYRENICS Well-known example from this class is polystyrene (PS)
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Polystyrene (PS) Tg = 100 C One of the four major thermoplastics. Very stiff but brittle and highly transparent below Tg, low intrinsic resistance to weathering, and UV radiation causes yellowing and further embrittlement. Not particularly good fire resistance. Properties and stability affected by moisture or water. Uses: Many uses: low-cost disposable service ware, cabinets, toys etc., profiles, sheets, cellular material for insulation or packaging; not for structural uses.
G. FLUOROPOLYMERS A family of carbon chain polymers which features fluorine toms that form very strong bonds with carbon atoms (C-F). Two categories: Fluoroplastics have plastic-like behavior; fluoroelastomers have rubber-like behavior.
Fluoroplastics Excellent resistance to a variety of chemical attack over a wide range of temperatures. Example: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (Teflon).
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (Teflon).
Tg = -130 C (-150 to -112 C); Tm = 327 C (327 - 330 C) Typifies properties of whole class. Highly crystalline. Has highest chemical resistance over a wide range of temperatures. Has the lowest coefficient of friction of any polymer; often referred to as "self-lubricating", "antistatic", "nonadhesive". Can have low resistance to wear abrasion. Uses: 'non-stick' pans. Used extensively in chemical process industry as liners for reactors, variety of components (pipes, seals, gaskets).
Most of the plastics listed so far, except cellulose, have been based on carbon - carbon (C-C) chain with various side groups. In general, polymers based purely on C-C chain of ethylene have limited temperature resistance. Introduction of Oxygen or Sulfur into the chain results in polymers with increased temperature resistance and increased toughness. Two outstanding polymers of this kind are acetal (polyoxymethylene) and polycabonate - with wide applications. Also in this class: Polyethylene glycol (PEG), chlorinated polyester, polypropylene glycol (PPEG), polyurethane (PU) and polyehtyleneterephthalate (PET), polysulfones (PS), polyimide (PI), ketone polymers
Acetal (Polyoxymethylene, POM): has [- C - O - ] linkage in the backbone. Strong, hard,
dimensionally stable, creep and fatigue resistance. Good chemical and hot water ressistant, lowfriction and high wear resistance. Uses: plastics gears and bearings, auto fuel parts, plumbing parts, catches for zippers.
Polyurethanes (PU) (can be thermoplastic or thermoset)
Often feature other chemicals that play a role in the complex and varied chemical reactions. Properties can vary widely depending on the exact system considered. Uses: several uses depending on whether foamed or unfoamed. Products from unfoamed PU: pump liners, gears, sprocket wheels, bushing, shock mounts, Orings, seals and gaskets, sports boots (ski, hockey), conveyor belts etc., etc.
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Examples of products from foamed PU: in cushions in home/office furniture, automobile seat cushions,.
Polyehtyleneterephthalate (PET) Tg = 70 C (60-81 C); Tm = 265 C (245-271 C) Semi -crystalline Uses: fibers, photographic and x-ray films, magnetic tapes, electrical insulation, drafting sheets, food packaging, alcoholic and beverage bottles etc., etc.
Polycarbonate (PC) Tg = 150C; Tm = 230C: Chemically, this a thermoplastic polyester. Amorphous, transparent. Highest impact resistance of any transparent thermoplastic. Rigid, good outdoor stability, good creep and fatigue resistance. Wide variety of compositions available at moderate cost. Uses: CDs, safety shield, glazing to replace glass in lighting fixtures.
