Sunday, September 29, 2013

Theory one/notes

Alex Bennett-Ford


Polymers

.Polymers come from crude oil, crude oil is a non renewable source 
.Plastics are manufactured using a process called polymerisation. Polymerisation occurs when monomers join together to form long chains of molecules called polymers. 

General summary of plastics
.Good electrical and thermal insulators 
.Good strength to weight rati
.Generally good resistance to atmospheric and chemical erosion
.Low melting point
. Lightweight 
Available in a wide range of colours and transparency
.Two main categories: thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics  

Fillers: These are added to the polymer powder to give the material some more bulk
Flame retardants: These are used to reduce the risk of combustion
Anti static agents: Reduce the effects of static charges that can build up in a product 
Plasticisers: These make the material less brittle 
Stabilisers: Reduce the effects of ultra violet light found in sunlight 







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