THERMOPLASTIC MATERIALS (plastics that are softened by
heating, can be formed and melted as many times as we like)
POLYRTHYLENE (PE) most common type of plastic. Offers good
chemical resistance. Non-toxic, sustainable for food packaging
POLYSTYRENE (PS) very lightweight, transparent plastic.
Expanded polystyrene is widely used in packiging and for heat
insulation.
PVC (POLYNINYL CHLORIDE) highly resistant to abrasion and
impact
POLYPROPYLENE (PP) plastic easy to model and dye. Resistant
to solvents and splintering
PET (POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE) sustainable for
food use, this plastic is completely recyclable,
transparent and easy to dye
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TEFLON highly resistant to chemicals and high
temperatures. Excellent non-stick properties.
POLYCARBONATE (PC) highly resistant to impact and
heat. Good optical transparency.
NYLON: exceptionally strong and elastic. Excellent toughness,
abrasion resistance, easy to wash and to dye
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THERMOSERS (CRISS-CROSSED POLYMER CHAINS)
STRUCTURE
THERMOSET MATERIALS (plastics can be shaped using heat, but once
they've been formed they can't be re-melted to create different forms)
MELAMINE resistant to high temperatures and chemicals. Easy to
clean.
BAKELITE a hard and brittle, dark plastic that withstands heat
very well
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POLYESTER RESINS rigid and brittle, usually strenghned with fibreglass
PHENOLIC: superior mechanical strenght, heat resistance.
Resistance against various solvents, acid and water.
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ELASTOMERS (coiled polymer chains)
STRUCTURE
ELASTOMER MATERIALS (very flexible materials thet recover their shape and dimensions when external forces
stop acting on the them. They degrade easily with the heat and can't be re-melted once they've been once
formed)
RUBBER: can be natural or synthetic. It's elastic.
NEOPRENE: flexible, insulated and waterproof.
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SILICON: heat resistant
POLYURETHANE: resistant to water, electrical
properties