AIM:-

To study the properties of various types of plastics.

INTRODUCTION & THEORY :-

A group of synthetic organic materials that become

plastic by application of heat and are capable of being formed to shape under pressure
are known as plastics.

Classification of Plastics:- Plastics and synthetic resins may be broadly classified as-

(i) Thermosetting Plastics

(ii) Thermoplastic Plastics

Those plastics that are formed to shape under pressure and heat, resulting in an article
which is permanently hard, are known as thermosetting plastics.
Those plastics which undergo no chemical change during moulding and do not become
permanently hard with the application of heat and pressure, are known as thermoplastics

1.Thermosetting Plastics (Thermosets)

Properties

Once set by heat/chemical action, cannot be softened or reshaped.

Hard, rigid, and brittle.

High thermal stability and resistance to deformation.

Good mechanical strength and dimensional stability.

Resistant to solvents and chemicals.

Applications

Electrical fittings (switches, plugs, circuit boards).

Adhesives and coatings.

Automotive and aerospace components (heat-resistant parts).

Kitchenware handles, brake pads, laminates

1.Thermosetting Plastics (Thermosets)

Thermosets are classified mainly by the type of resin or cross-linking structure:

(a) Phenolic Resins

Made from phenol and formaldehyde.

High thermal stability, electrical resistance.

Example: Bakelite (used in switches, handles).

(b) Amino Resins

Derived from urea-formaldehyde or melamine-formaldehyde.

Hard, scratch-resistant, good electrical properties.

Examples: Melamine (laminates, crockery), Urea-formaldehyde (adhesives, electrical

fittings).

(c) Epoxy Resins

Strong adhesion, chemical and heat resistance.

Used with fiberglass and carbon fiber composites.

Applications: Coatings, adhesives, aerospace components.

(d) Polyurethanes

Formed by reaction of polyols with isocyanates.

Can be rigid or flexible depending on formulation.

Applications: Foams, coatings, insulation, automotive parts.

(e) Unsaturated Polyesters

Cross-linked with styrene.

Good mechanical and chemical resistance.

Applications: Fiberglass-reinforced plastics, boat hulls, pipes.

PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS OF THERMOSETS :

(1) Phenol Formaldehyde:- This is made by reaction of phenol with formaldehyde. Its
chief properties are hardness, high strength, high heat and water resistance and good
electrical insulating properties. Its uses include making of coating materials, grinding
wheels, laminated products, metal and glass bonding materials and casting into many
useful articles like electrical components, cases, dials, radio cabinets etc.

(2) Urea Formaldehyde:- It is a colourless resin formed by the chemical combination of

urea and formaldehyde. Its chief properties are good bonding quality, good
hardness and strength , high water resistance and high dielectric strength . its uses
include tableware, buttons, light fixtures, instruments dials, binder for core in
moulding forhigh metals, veneer bonds. Etc.

(3) Phenol Furfural:- It is obtained by processing waste farm products like corncobs and
hubs from rice and cotton seeds with certain acids. Its chief quantities are water
resistance, excellent electrical insulation and dark colour. Its commercial products
include instrument housings, electric parts. Brake lining, binder for abrasive wheels and
varnish for impregnating laminates.

(4) Melamines:- These are principally melamine formaldehyde and are made from carbon
, hitrogen and hydrogen. Their chief properties are excellent, shock and water
resistance, arc resistance and dielectric strength. These are used for parts of telephone
sets, circuit breakers, terminal blocks, laminated products, table ware and enamel.

(5) Epoxides:- These are cross-linked polythers. Their chief properties are excellent
chemical resistance, adhesion to glass and metals, resistance to wear and impact and
electrical insulation. These are used in manufacture of laminates, panels for printed
circuits, jigs and press dies for metal forming operations, etc

(6) Polyesters:- These are made by reacting a dihydric alcohol with an unsaturated
diabasic acid. There is a wide range of resins which can be tailor-made for special
purposes. These are used mainly in the glass reinforced industry for car bodies, boat
hulls, etc; and for applications like surface coatings, castings, flooring etc;

(7) Silicones:- Silicone-base polymer differ much from other polymers which are based on
carbon atom. Their outstanding properties include stability. Resistance to high temp.
over long periods of time, good low temp. and high electric characteristics, and water
repellence. These may be used for mouldings, laminated products, coating, and
formingfoam sheets and blocks.

2.Thermos Plastics (Thermoplasts)

Properties

Soften when heated and harden when cooled (reversible).

Can be remoulded multiple times.

Generally lightweight and corrosion-resistant.

Good electrical insulation, some are transparent.

Lower thermal resistance compared to thermosets.

Applications

Packaging materials (bottles, films, containers).

Household goods (toys, kitchenware).

Electrical insulation (wires, cables).

Automotive parts and pipings.

2. Thermoplastics (Thermoplasts)

Thermoplastics are broadly classified into two categories based on their molecular
structure:

(a) Amorphous Thermoplastics

Random molecular arrangement, no definite crystalline structure.

Soften gradually over a temperature range.

Usually transparent and dimensionally stable.

Examples: Polystyrene (PS), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA),

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
(b) Semi-crystalline Thermoplastics

Contain both crystalline and amorphous regions.

Have a sharp melting point.

Usually tougher, stronger, and more chemical resistant than amorphous ones.

Examples: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyamide (Nylon), Polyethylene

terephthalate (PET), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS OF THERMOPLASTS :

(1) Polystyrene:- Styrene can be polymerized to give polystyrene. Its chief properties are
high resistivity, resistance to water and most chemicals, and availability in colours
from clear to opaque. It is an excellent rubber substitute. Its uses include such
products as battery boxes, dishes, radio parts, lenses, wall tiles and electrical
insulation.

(2) Polyethylene:- It is a vinyl resin. It is very flexible, tough and moisture resistant, and
possesses good electrical insulation properties. Its applications include products like
ice-tube trays, developing trays, fabrics, film for packaging, collapsible nursing bottles,
co-axial cable etc.

(3) Polyvinyl Chloride:- It is a vinyl resin. Its chief properties are a high degree of
resistance to many solvents, low flammability and toughness, and electrical
insulation.It is used for cable jackets, lead wire insulation, fabric coating.

(4) Polyvinyl Butyral: - It is a vinyl resin. It is a clear, tough resin with resistance to
moisture, great adhesiveness, and stability towards light and heat. It is used for inter-
layers in shatter less (safety) glass, raincoat and sealing fuel tanks.

(5) Acrylics:- The acrylic resin commonly used is methyl-methacrylate, but is commonly
known as Plexiglas, Lucite, etc. its applications include aero plane windows, shower
doors, gauge covers, transparent models, toilet articles etc.

(6) Cellulose Nitrate: - It is a cellulose compound. It is highly inflammable. Its applications

include fountain pens, handles for tooth brushes, ping-pong balls and jewellery, etc.

(7) Cellulose Acetate:- It is a more stable cellulose compound. Fabricated into sheets or
moduled articles. Its applications include display packaging, toys, knobs, radio panels,
flash light cases, bristle coating for paint brushes and extruded strips.

(8) Cellulose Acetate-Butyrate:- This cellulose derivative has low moisture absorption,
toughness, dimensional stability and ability to be continuously extruded. Its
applications include steering wheels, goggle frames, football helmets, trays, belts,
furniture trims and insulation foil.

(9) Ethyl Cellulose:- It is lightest of cellulose derivates. Its other outstanding properties
are surface hardness, good electrical insulation properties and mechanical strength. It
is used as a base for coating materials.

(10) Cellophane:- It is regenerated cellulose. It is produced in thin sheets by an

extruding process and is useful for packaging materials. This material is also being
usedfor curtains etc.