Polymers
Types of polymers and their uses
Most polymers are formed by processing crude oilMixture of hydrocarbons, mainly alkanes, formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient dead marine organisms.. Rubber is a plastic that is found naturally.
Thermoforming polymers
thermoformingAlso called ‘thermoplastic’. Can be reformed when heated, and therefore can often be recycled. polymers can be heated and formed repeatedly. They are pliableFlexible and easy to bend. and recyclableThe ability to process into something else., which is one of the biggest advantages of thermoforming polymers.
| Thermoforming polymer | Physical properties | Working properties |
| Acrylic (PMMA) - used for car lights, visors and baths | Hard, brittle, shiny, available in a wide range of colours | Resists weather well, can be cut, folded and polished well, scratches easily |
| High impact polystyrene (HIPS) - used for CD cases and yoghurt pots | Rigid, cheap, available in a lot of colours | Can be cut and vacuum formed easily, food safe but toxic when burned |
| Biodegradable polymers (biopol) - used for disposable cups | Can come in fibres or sheets | Lightweight, degrades over time so can safely be sent to landfill |
| Thermoforming polymer | Acrylic (PMMA) - used for car lights, visors and baths |
|---|---|
| Physical properties | Hard, brittle, shiny, available in a wide range of colours |
| Working properties | Resists weather well, can be cut, folded and polished well, scratches easily |
| Thermoforming polymer | High impact polystyrene (HIPS) - used for CD cases and yoghurt pots |
|---|---|
| Physical properties | Rigid, cheap, available in a lot of colours |
| Working properties | Can be cut and vacuum formed easily, food safe but toxic when burned |
| Thermoforming polymer | Biodegradable polymers (biopol) - used for disposable cups |
|---|---|
| Physical properties | Can come in fibres or sheets |
| Working properties | Lightweight, degrades over time so can safely be sent to landfill |
Thermosetting polymers
thermosettingAlso called ‘thermoset’. Can only be formed once as it cannot be reheated and therefore cannot be recycled. polymers are brittleIf something is brittle it is easily broken. and can only be formed once. They are hard to recycle. They are good insulatorMaterial that is a poor conductor of electricity or heat. and are resistant to heat and chemicals.
| Thermosetting polymer | Physical properties | Working properties |
| Polyester resin (PR) | A resin and a hardener, sets clear and smooth | Strong, heat resistant and good insulator, used as waterproofing and for encapsulating items |
| Urea formaldehyde (UF) | Smooth finish, available in limited colours | Heat resistant, hard, brittle and easily injection moulded, used for electrical fittings |
| Thermosetting polymer | Polyester resin (PR) |
|---|---|
| Physical properties | A resin and a hardener, sets clear and smooth |
| Working properties | Strong, heat resistant and good insulator, used as waterproofing and for encapsulating items |
| Thermosetting polymer | Urea formaldehyde (UF) |
|---|---|
| Physical properties | Smooth finish, available in limited colours |
| Working properties | Heat resistant, hard, brittle and easily injection moulded, used for electrical fittings |
More guides on this topic
- New and emerging technologies - Edexcel
- Energy generation and storage - Edexcel
- Developments in modern materials - Edexcel
- Electronic systems - Edexcel
- Mechanical devices - Edexcel
- Design contexts - Edexcel
- Environmental, social and economic challenges - Edexcel
- Investigating past work - Edexcel
- Design strategies - Edexcel
- Communication of ideas - Edexcel
