Unit R014 - Engineering Manufacture - Topic Area 2 - Retrieval C

Engineering Polymers -

Polymers are commonly known as?

• Plastics

• Metals

• Ceramics

• Polo's

Engineering Polymers -

Thermo-plastics and thermosetting plastics are separated by there chemical bond once formed and moulded. Which category has the preferred end of life options?

• Thermo-Plastics

• Thermosetting Plastics

Answer explanation

Thermosets form strong cross linked chemical bonds once cured (after they have been formed into the end shape).

This isn't the case with thermo-plastics.

When thermoplastics are reheated at end of life, as the chemical bonds are not cross linked, the bonds separate and return the plastic to its original form. This allows it to be reshaped.

Thermoset's when heated are unable to break down the cross links and rather than soften the plastic wilol burn and charr.

Engineering Polymers -

At present the most common end of life option for thermoset's is ​ (a)   . This gives off significant fumes and many negative ​​ (b)   impacts. When selecting thermoset's as a material choice designers need to ensure the design has a ​ (c)   lifecycle in order to reduce the amount of items being disposed of and replaces.

• land fill/incineration
• environmental
• prolonged
• thermal recycling
• comments
• reduced

Engineering Polymers -

Typically what properties and characteristics do thermo-plastics have?

• Relative low cost

• Electrical Insulator

• Easily Recyclable

• Good Creep Strength

Answer explanation

Generally thermoplastics suffer from creep failure.

If they are exposed to prolonged loads or stresses the material can relax and weaken.

Engineering Polymers -

What are the general properties of thermosetting plastics?

• Excellent Heat Resistance

• Excellent Chemical Resistance

• Easily Recyclable

• Excellent Durability

• Good Surface Hardness

Engineering Polymers -

Select the list of thermosetting plastics.

• ABS

  HIPS

  Acrylic

  Polycarbonate

  PLA

• Urea Formaldehyde

  Melamine Formaldehyde

  Epoxy Resin

  Polyester Resin

Engineering Polymers -

Select the list of thermoplastics.

• Urea Formaldehyde

  Melamine Formaldehyde

  Epoxy Resin

  Polyester Resin

• ABS

  HIPS

  Acrylic

  Polycarbonate

  PLA

Engineering Polymers -

Match the product to the appropriate thermo-plastic.

• HIPS

• 
• PLA

• 
• ABS

• 
• Polycarbonate

• 
• Acrylic

• 

Answer explanation

ABS - Car interior plastics

HIPS - Signage for shops

Acrylic - Plane passenger windows

Polycarbonate - CD's

PLA - Plastic bottles

Engineering Polymers -

Match the product to the appropriate thermo-plastic.

• PLA

• 
• ABS

• 
• HIPS

• 
• Acrylic

• 
• Polycarbonate

• 

Answer explanation

ABS - Appliance casings such as vacuums and hairdryers

HIPS - Yogurt pots

Acrylic - LCD screens

Polycarbonate - Bullet proof glass

PLA - Disposable food storage containers.

Engineering Polymers -

Match the product to the appropriate thermosetting plastic.

• Epoxy Resins

• 
• Urea Formaldehyde

• 
• Melamine Formaldehyde

• 
• Polyester Resin

• 

Answer explanation

Melamine - Laminated worktops

Urea - Expanding Foam

Epoxy Resins - Glues and Adhesives

Polyester Resins - Used in GRP (glass reinforced plastic) applications such as boat hulls.