The International Association of Plastics Distributors Amorphous and
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Amorphous and Semi-Crystalline Commodity Thermoplastics Materials, properties and applications. Prepared by the IAPD Education Committee (Module 3) Presented courtesy of Modern Plastics, Inc. The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Amorphous Commodity Thermoplastics Key Characteristics • • • Low cost Low temperature resistance Low strength Good dimensional stability Bonds well Typically transparent The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Amorphous Commodity Thermoplastics Materials • • • Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) Polystyrene (PS) Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) Cellulous acetate butyrate (CAB) The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Acrylic (PMMA) Strengths • Availability of all ranges of optical transparency, including opacity • Rigidity • Surface hardness • Half the weight of glass • Heat resistance The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Acrylic (PMMA) Limitations • • • Grain effect Discolor with high UV exposure Attacked by organic solvents Limited chemical resistance Poor wear and abrasion resistance Low impact strength The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Acrylic (PMMA) Applications • • Protective glazing Windows Toys Point of purchase (POP) displays The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Polystyrene (PS) Strengths • • Inexpensive Easy to bond Quick to bond Easy to decorate The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Polystyrene (PS) Limitations • Low impact resistance • Brittle after UV exposure • Cannot be used at elevated temperatures • Mechanical stress The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Polystyrene (PS) Applications • Refrigeration • Disposable beverage glasses • Medical devices • Disposable laboratory products • Wood replacement products The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Strengths • Good impact resistance • Easily formable • Many different formulations The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Limitations • • Grain effect Will discolor with high UV exposure Attacked by organic solvents Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Applications • • Aircraft interiors Computer housings Cassette holders Mass transit components Wall coverings Consumer electronics Appliances Automotive The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Strengths • • • Low cost Good chemical resistance Versatile Naturally UV resistant Good strength The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Limitations • Heat sensitive • Low impact strength • Poor wear resistance The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Applications • Pipe, valves and fittings • Thermoformed parts for transportation, exhibits and machinery parts • Point of purchase displays • Pollution control equipment parts • Packaging The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) Strengths • Optical transparency • Good toughness • Easy to fabricate • Easy to form • Ability to be sterilized The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) Limitations • Limited UV resistance • Cannot be used above 60°-66°C/140°-150°F range • Low softening point precludes sterilization The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) Applications • Packaging • Graphic arts • Point of purchase (POP) displays The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB) Strengths • Tough at low temperatures • Compounded easily for unique applications The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB) Limitations • Not compatible with other materials • Not self-extinguishing The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB) Applications • • • Cash register keys Tool handles Windshields Thermoformed signs Trim stripping Window well covers The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Semi-Crystalline Commodity Plastics Key Characteristics • • • Low cost, strength and temperature resistance Excellent chemical resistance Low COF Near zero moisture absorption Very good electrical properties Good toughness The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Semi-Crystalline Commodity Plastics Materials • Polyethylene (PE) – High density polyethylene (HDPE) – Low density polyethylene (LDPE), (LLDPE) • Polypropylene (PP) • Polymethylpentene (PMP) The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP) Polymethylpentene (PMP) Key Characteristics • Partially crystalline, partially amorphous • Largest family are the polyolefins • Cost, benefits and limitations are different for each The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Polyethylenes (PE) Key Characteristics • • Classified by density and molecular weight Excellent chemical resistance Zero moisture absorption Light weight (1/8 weight of steel) Excellent insulator Low COF High impact strength The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Polyethylenes (PE) Applications • Packaging • Wire and cable • Industrial The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Key Characteristics • • • Good chemical resistance Very flexible High impact strength Low heat resistance (60 -79°C/140 -175°F) Used extensively in packaging industry and for prosthetic devices The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Key Characteristics • Higher rigidity and tensile strength than low and medium density polyethylenes • Good formability • Slightly lower impact strength than LDPE • Virgin grades are FDA and USDA approved The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Applications • • • Films Industrial trash bags Liners Shipping bags Marine industry Playgrounds Bathrooms Pipe Automotive The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Polypropylenes (PP) Key Characteristics • Excellent chemical resistance • Excellent fatigue strength — referred to as “living hinge” • Lower impact strength than polyethylenes • Available in homopolymer and co-polymer • Co-polymer offers better impact, clarity and cold temperature properties The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Polypropylenes (PP) Applications • • • Packaging Automotive Consumer/durable goods Vacuum formed parts Fiber/carpet The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Polymethylpentene (PMP) Key Characteristics • High transparency, even in thick sections • Very light weight (. 83 specific gravity) • Higher heat resistance than other grades in this group —compares favorably to PTFE up to 148. 89°C/300°F • Good electrical properties • Low-temperature impact strength • Very brittle • Poor UV resistance • USDA compliant The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors Polymethypentene (PMP) Applications • Medical products • Food processing equipment • Microwavable packaging The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
The International Association of Plastics Distributors The IAPD Plastics Primer, Module 3
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