CHEMISTRY OF

ENGINEERING
MATERIALS: POLYMERS
PART 2/ FINALS/ CHEMISTRY FOR
ENGINEERS
ENGINEERING
MATERIALS

Motivatio
nal
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R P A C A O
S G L E T I
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P L A S T I C
R P A C A O
S G L E T I
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R B Q C R O
U G L E I B
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R UB B E R
R B Q C R O
U G L E I B
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V N A C E O
R G L S I I
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R E S I N
V N A C E O
R G L S I I
ENGINEERING
MATERIALS
OBJECTI
 Describe the composition, properties and
VES
manufacturing methods of the three
groups of polymers: thermoplastics,
thermosets, and elastomers.
 Compare the physical and mechanical
properties of polymers with those of
metals.
ENGINEERING
MATERIALS

POLYME
RS
 The word polymer is derived
from the Greek words poly
(many) and mer (parts).
Polymers are substances whose
very large molecules
(macromolecules) are made up
of many repeating subunits or
sections called monomers.
Polymerization is the mechanism by
which small molecules composed of one
unit (known as a monomer) or a few
units (known as oligomers) are
chemically bonded together to form
these giant macromolecules.
Polymerization usually starts with the
development of long chains in which
the atoms are tightly bound by covalent
bonding.
 PLASTI
Plastics are
CS
Plastics are high-polymer
materials materials which can be
consisting mostly formed or shaped into
various shapes by the
of polymers.
controlled application of
Plastics are heat and strain. Resins
classified as are simply the binders
thermoplastics, used in plastics and these
thermoset resins two terms are sometimes
and elastomers used synonymously.
 Compared with most metals
and ceramics, plastics have
low strength, stiffness, and
melting temperatures;
however, they also have low
density and good chemical
resistance.
There are three
classes of
plastics or
resins.
 Thermoplastic
resinssoften
These plastics
when heated and They are made of
harden when cooled. long chains of
This change is molecules that may
physical, NOT be tangled
CHEMICAL, so they (amorphous) or
can be reheated and partially organized
reshaped multiple (crystalline).
times without Thermoplastics are
changing their flexible and easy to
structure. recycle.
 Thermoset
resins
These plastics
They have a strong,
harden permanently
tightly connected
when heated during
(cross-linked)
molding. Once
structure, making
hardened, they
them stronger but
cannot melt or be
more brittle than
reshaped; heating
thermoplastics.
them again will make
Recycling them is
them decompose
very difficult.
instead.
THERMOPLASTIC VS. THERMOSET

[Link]
osets/
Elastomers
Elastomers are more They can be either
commonly referred thermoplastics or
to as rubber. These lightly cross-linked
materials can stretch thermosets.
a lot (over 200%) and Their structure is
return to their like coiled springs
original shape. that stretch under
force and snap back
when released.
A.
COMPOUNDI
NG
- The process of mixing additives to
virgin plastics is called compounding.

Additives and their functions:

1. Resin - The main ingredient that holds everything
together in plastic.
2. Filler/s – added to improve the properties of plastics,
such as strenghth, hardness, and durability.
Example: Fibrous fillers (like wood flour or cotton) make
plastics stronger.

3. Plasticizers – small molecules that make plastics more

flexible and easier to shape.

4. Lubricants - Help improve the finish of the plastic and

prevent it from sticking to molds during shaping. (e.g.,
waxes, oils, soaps)

5. Coloring materials - Add color to plastics and

sometimes protect them from UV light.
 B. PROCESSING OF
PLASTICS
1. Calenderin
- gPlastic is shaped into thin - Commonly used
sheets or films by passing for making
it between two polished continuous plastic
rollers that spin in films or sheets.
opposite directions.
- The thickness of the sheet
depends on the gap
between the rollers.
 Calendering Process

[Link] [Link]
[Link]/en/calendering ics-knowing-its-principles-and-application/
 B. PROCESSING OF
PLASTICS
2. Die Casting
- A cost-effective method - The heat causes a
for shaping plastics like chemical reaction
acrylics, polyesters, and (cross-linking)
urethanes. that hardens the
- Plastic material is placed material into the
into metal or plaster mold's shape.
molds and heated.
 Die Casting Process

[Link]
 B. PROCESSING OF
PLASTICS
3. Film
Casting
- A liquid plastic solution is
poured onto a moving
belt.
- As the solvent evaporates,
thin films are formed.
- Used to produce items
like cellophane and
photographic film. Film casting process
 B. PROCESSING OF
PLASTICS
4. Compression
Moulding
- Plastic material is placed - Once hardened,
into a heated mold under the material
high pressure. retains the
- The heat melts the mold's shape.
material, and pressure - Common for
ensures it fills the mold. making vehicle
parts and small
electrical
casings.
Compression Molding Process
B. PROCESSING OF
PLASTICS
5. Injection Molding
- Liquid plastic is - Often used for
blended and injected making
into a heated mold. intricate
- The shape forms and designs and
hardens while still small, detailed
inside the mold. items
Injection Molding Process
B. PROCESSING OF
PLASTICS
6. Blow Molding
- A hollow plastic form - Used for
(parison) is placed in making hollow
a mold and inflated objects like
with gas to expand bottles, cans,
and fit the mold. and fuel tanks.
Blow Molding Process
B. PROCESSING OF
PLASTICS ;
7. Extrusion
- Plastic is melted and - Also used for
pushed through a die mixing
opening by a screw additives
mechanism. before further
- Creates long, shaping.
continuous shapes like
pipes, tubes, and
sheets.
Extrusion Process
 IMPORTANT THERMOPLASTICS
1. Polyethylene (PE)
- Polymerized ethylene; also called polythene.
- There are two types:
a) Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) - Flexible and tough
(branched structure).
b) High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) - Rigid, higher resistance,
and better heat tolerance (linear structure).
- Properties: Good chemical resistance; non-polar; good insulator.
- Uses: Bags, bottles, toys, insulated wires, and cables.

2. Polypropylene (PP)
- Properties: Stronger and more chemical-resistant than polyethylene.
Moisture-proof and hard.
- Uses: Ropes, carpets, packaging, sterilizable medical equipment,
furniture, and luggage.
3. Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Properties: Rigid, chemically resistant, non-flammable, but brittle.
Resistant to water, light, and oils.
- Uses: Pipes, cables, hoses, raincoats, floor coverings, and industrial
components.

4. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE/Teflon)
- Properties: Extremely tough, high heat resistance, low friction, non-
reactive, and chemically resistant.
- Uses: Non-stick cookware, gaskets, motor insulation, chemical
industry pipes, and coatings.

5. Polyurethane
- Properties: Soft, spongy, low thermal conductivity, versatile.
- Uses: Insulation, mattresses, pillows, leather coatings, and
comfortable footwear.

6. Nylon-66
 IMPORTANT THERMOSETTING RESINS
1. Phenolic resins - are hard, rigid, and water-resistant,
ideal for making durable household and industrial items
like electrical parts and adhesives.

2. Epoxy resins - are strong and versatile, often used for

bonding, coatings, and insulation. Excellent adhesion,
chemical resistance, heat stability, flexibility, toughness,
and low shrinkage when hardened.

3. Polyesters – are strong, wrinkle-resistant, durable, and

water-resistant used in making fabrics and strong
composites for industrial and safety applications.
 ELASTOMERS
Elastomers are stretchy materials that can expand a lot (more than
200%) under stress and return to their original shape when the stress
is removed. Examples include rubber bands, car tires, O-rings, hoses,
and insulation for electrical wires. They are also called rubbers
because natural rubber is an example of an elastomer.

1. NATURAL RUBBER
- It is flexible, elastic, and resistant to electricity but can soften or
oxidize when exposed to air or heat.
- Made from the sap of certain trees and is composed of polymerized
isoprene.
- Vulcanization of Rubber -A process discovered by Charles
Goodyear where sulfur is added to natural rubber to make it tougher
and more durable by forming cross-links between the molecules.
2. SYNTHETIC RUBBERS
- Synthetic rubbers are artificially manufactured elastomers which
can be stretched to twice its length and still retain its original
shape.
- Man-made elastomers designed to mimic or improve upon natural
rubber. Additives are often mixed in to improve their properties.
Common types include:

a) Polybutadiene (butadiene rubber or Buna-S):

- A low-cost rubber used to strengthen other elastomers.
- Used in tires, shoe soles, adhesives, and wire insulation

b) Butadiene-Styrene Rubber (BSR or BS):

- Mainly used in automobile tires.

c) Butyl Rubber:
- Butyl rubber, or polyisobutadiene, is used to make the inner tubes
d) POLYCHLOROPRENE or NEOPRENE (GR-M)
- Is a common material for hoses and electrical
insulation.
- Resistant to oils and chemicals.

e) Other synthetic rubbers such as: Styrene

rubber (GR-S), nitrile rubber (GR-A), thiocol (GR-P),
Hypalon, polyurethane, etc.
Just as polymers can be reformed, recycled, and
repurposed, they mirror the potential for
renewal and transformation in our lives.

Romans 12: 2
“Be transformed by the
renewing of your mind.”
ENGINEERING
MATERIALS

Thank
You!
QUIZMERS!!!
POLY-ACTIVITY
In this activity,
you are going to
answer the
following
questions based
on your
understanding of
1. What is the origin of the word polymer, and what does
it mean?
2. What are the subunits called that make up polymers?
3. What is the purpose of compounding in plastics
manufacturing?
4. What is the most commonly used method for
manufacturing thermoplastics?
5. What is calendering, and what type of plastic
products does it create?
6. Elastomers are also referred as _________?
7. How do thermoplastics differ from thermosetting
resins?
8-10. Give the three important thermosetting resins
Answers:
1. Greek, "poly" (many) and "mer" (parts).
2. monomers, oligomers
3. Mixing additives
4. Extrusion
5. is a manufacturing process used to produce
continuous plastic sheets or films.
6. Rubber
7. Thermoplastics can be reshaped multiple times with
heat, while thermosetting resins harden permanently
and cannot be reshaped once set.
8-10. Phenolic resins, Epoxy resins, Polyesters