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This document provides information on plastics and polymers. It discusses the two main processes for producing plastics - polymerization and polycondensation. Polymers are large molecules made of repeating structural units connected by covalent bonds into linear, branched or network structures. Plastics are composed of polymers along with various additives that impart specific properties. There are two main types of plastics - thermoplastics, which can be remelted and reshaped, and thermosets, which set irreversibly. Common processing methods for shaping polymers into products include extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and compression molding.

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63 views24 pages

Const

This document provides information on plastics and polymers. It discusses the two main processes for producing plastics - polymerization and polycondensation. Polymers are large molecules made of repeating structural units connected by covalent bonds into linear, branched or network structures. Plastics are composed of polymers along with various additives that impart specific properties. There are two main types of plastics - thermoplastics, which can be remelted and reshaped, and thermosets, which set irreversibly. Common processing methods for shaping polymers into products include extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and compression molding.

Uploaded by

Acee
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GOOD DAY HUMANS!!!

Sit! Listen! Watch! Learn! :)))


PRODUCTION OF PLASTICS
There are two main processes used to
produce plastics – polymerisation and
polycondensation – and they both require
specific catalysts. In a polymerisation reactor,
monomers such as ethlyne and propylene are
linked together to form long polymer chains.
WHAT ARE POLYMERS???
A substance that has a molecular
structure consisting chiefly or entirely of a
large number of similar units bonded
together, e.g., many synthetic organic
materials used as plastics and resins.
POLYMERIZATION
It is the process of uniting
monomers to form polymers and is
accomplished by either a
condensation or a addition process.
POLYMERIZATION: HOW
PLASTIC MATERIALS
ARE MADE
PLASTICS
The term “plastics” includes materials
composed of various elements such as
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen,
chlorine, and sulfur. Plastics typically have
high molecular weight, meaning each
molecule can have thousands of atoms
bound together.
Examples of material properties in plastic
product applications are:
•Hot-filled packaging used for products such
as ketchup
•Chemical-resistant packaging used for
products such as bleach
•Impact strength of car bumpers
The Structure of Polymers
Polymers can be homopolymers or
copolymers. If the long chains show a
continuous link of carbon-to-carbon atoms,
the structure is called homogeneous. The
long chain is called the backbone.
Examples of polymers with homogeneous
carbon structure in the backbone:
•Polypropylene
•Polybutylene
•Polystyrene
•Polymethylpentene
Additives
When plastics emerge from reactors, they may have the
desired properties for a commercial product or not. The inclusion
of additives may impart to plastics specific properties. Additives
are incorporated into polymers to alter and improve basic
mechanical, physical or chemical properties. Additives are also
used to protect the polymer from the degrading effects of light,
heat, or bacteria; to change such polymer processing properties
such as melt flow; to provide product color; and to provide special
characteristics such as improved surface appearance, reduced
friction, and flame retardancy.
Types of Additives:
• Antioxidants: for plastic processing and outside application where weathering
resistance is needed
• Colorants: for colored plastic parts
• Foaming agents: for expanded polystyrene cups and building board and for
polyurethane carpet underlayment
• Plasticizers: used in wire insulation, flooring, gutters, and some films
• Lubricants: used for making fibers
• Anti-stats: to reduce dust collection by static electricity attraction
• Antimicrobials: used for shower curtains and wall coverings
• Flame retardants: to improve the safety of wire and cable coverings and
cultured marble
The Two Plastic Types,
Based on Processing
1. Thermoset
2. Thermoplastic
THERMOSET
A polymer that solidifies or “sets” irreversibly when
heated or cured. Similar to the relationship between a raw and
a cooked egg, a cooked egg cannot revert back to its original
form once heated, and a thermoset polymer can’t be softened
once “set”. Thermosets are valued for their durability and
strength and are used extensively in automobiles and
construction including applications such as adhesives, inks,
and coatings. The most common thermoset is the rubber truck
and automobile tire.
Examples of thermoset plastics and their product applications are:
Polyurethanes: Epoxies:
• Mattresses • Adhesive glues
• Cushions • Coating for electrical devices
• Insulation • Helicopter and jet engine blades

Unsaturated Polyesters: Phenol Formaldehyde:


• Boat hulls • Oriented strand board
• Bath tubs and shower stalls • Plywood
• Furniture • Electrical appliances
• Electrical circuit boards and switches
THERMOPLASTIC
A polymer in which the molecules are held
together by weak secondary bonding forces that
soften when exposed to heat and return to its
original condition when cooled back down to room
temperature. When a thermoplastic is softened by
heat, it can then be shaped by extrusion, molding,
or pressing.
Examples of thermoplastics are:
Polyethylene: Polypropylene:
• Packaging • Carpet fibers
• Electrical insulation • Automotive bumpers
• Milk and water bottles • Microwave containers
• Packaging film • External prostheses
• House wrap
• Agricultural film Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC):
• Sheathing for electrical cables
• Floor and wall coverings
• Siding
• Automobile instrument panels
Thermoplastic and Thermoset Processing Methods

There are a variety of different


processing methods used to
convert polymers into finished
products. Some include:
EXTRUSION
This continuous process is used to produce films,
sheet, profiles, tubes, and pipes.

CALENDARING
Calendering is used for high output and the ability to
deal with low melt strength.
FILM BLOWING
This process continuously extrudes vertically a ring of semi-
molten polymer in an upward direction, like a fountain.

INJECTION MOLDING
This process can produce intricate three-dimensional parts of
high quality and great reproducibility. It is predominately used for
thermoplastics but some thermosets and elastomers are also
processed by injection molding.
BLOW MOLDING
Blow molding is a process used in conjunction with
extrusion or injection molding. This process is used to
manufacture hollow plastic products and its principal
advantage is its ability to produce hollow shapes
without having to join two or more separately injection
molded parts. This method is used to make items such
as commercial drums and milk bottles.
Rotational Molding
This process is used to make hollow configurations. Common
rotationally molded products include shipping drums, storage tanks
and some consumer furniture and toys.

Compression Molding
Compression molding can be automated or require considerable hand
labor. Transfer molding is a refinement of compression molding. Transfer
molding is used to encapsulate parts, such as for semi-conductor
manufacturing.
THANKS HUMANS!!!
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