Lecture#08

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Plastics
A synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as polyethylene,
PVC, nylon, etc., that can be moulded into required shapes
Classification
Plastics are classified into two categories as thermoplastics and thermosets.
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics soften when heated. Thermoplastics are the plastics that do not undergo chemical
change in their composition when heated and can be moulded again and again.
Thermoplastics include
i. Acrylic
It is also called plastic glass. It is more transparent than even glass. It is tough and strong and
does not shatter under impact. It cracks before breaking, it is unaffected by light acids and
moisture. Its compressive strength is 1600 to 2400kg/cm2 and the tensile strength is 450kg/cm2 to
700kg/cm2
ii. Cellulose acetate
Cellulose Acetate is a natural plastic, which is manufactured from purified natural cellulose.
Properties
High transparency and aesthetic appeal(architectural look)
High impact and mechanical strength
High dielectric constant
Good resistance to a variety of chemicals
Uses: it is extensively used for insulating electric cables, for lighting fittings, for door plates and
for hand rails.
iii.
Cellulose nitrate
It is obtained by treating cotton with sulphuric acid and nitric acid by a process called nitration
Cellulose nitrate is tough and durable. These are unaffected by moisture or solvents.
Uses: these are used in making set squares, slide rules and fountain pens etc.

iv. Polyethylene
Also known as polythene, is made of polymerization of ethylene. Two varieties of polythene are
made, high density and low density.
Polyethylene has an excellent resistance to most solvents and chemicals and is tough and flexible
over a wide temperature range.
Uses:
The principal uses of polythene are for electrical insulation, domestic kitchenware, and thin film
and sheet for packaging.
By Engr. Asghar Hussain Shah

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v. Polystyrene
Polystyrene are produced by the addition and polymerization of styrene. It is a transparent and
brittle material.
At ordinary temperature it is in glass condition. It is an excellent electrical insulator. It can be
easily expanded into rigid foam. The major uses of polystyrene are in electrical equipment,
refrigerator parts, CD and DVD cases and food containers.
vi. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

It is a product obtained from vinyl chloride (

) and acetates.PVC has a tendency to
decompose when heated or exposed to sun light. It resists attacks of acids and alkalis and is
unaffected by moisture. It is light in weight and can be cut easily. It is a bad conductor of
electricity. It withstands wear and tear well.
Uses: it is used in the manufacture of drainage pipes for sanitation, as insulation for electric
wires.
vii. Polyvinyl acetate (PVA)
It is a product obtained by the polymerization of vinyl acetate. Its properties and uses are very
much similar to those of polyvinyl chloride.
Properties of plastics
The general and engineering properties of plastics are enumerated(listed) below
i.
These are available in a variety of shades, textures and finishes to meet all the possible
aesthetic requirements in building construction.
ii.
these can be moulded to any shape and size
iii.
These are easy to work upon
iv. These offers high resistance to weathering and corrosion
v. These are quite light in weight( these have high strength to weight ratio)
vi.
These are not attacked by insects or fungi
vii.
These have good electrical insulation properties
viii.
Some varieties of plastics have good optical properties
ix.
These have good sound and heat absorption properties
x.
These withstand moisture, oil and greases well
xi.
These are easy to install
xii.
These have lower strength and elastic modulus values as compared to those of metals
xiii.
Coefficients of thermal expansion is relatively high
Thermosets
The property of material becoming permanently hard and rigid after cooling when heated above
the melting temperature is called thermosets. The solidification process of plastics is known as
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Lecture#08
curing. The transformation from the liquid state to the solid state is irreversible process, further
heating of thermosets result only in the chemical decomposition. It means that the thermosets
cant be recycled. During curing, the small molecules are chemically linked together to form
complex inter-connected network structures (figure 2). This cross-linking prevents the slippage
of individual chains. Therefore, the mechanical properties (tensile strength, compressive
strength, and hardness) are not temperature dependent, as compared to thermoplastics. Hence,
thermosets are generally stronger than the thermoplastics.
Figue2 Molecular structure of thermosets
The joining of thermosets by thermal processes like ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and gas
welding is not possible, but mechanical fastening and adhesive bonding may be used for low
strength applications.
The different types of thermosets are Alkyds, Allylics, Amine, Bakelite, Epoxy, Phenolic (PF),
Polyester, Silicone, Polyurethane (PUR), and Vinyl Ester.
Applications
Thermosets are commonly used for high temperature applications. Some of the common
products are electrical equipments, motor brush holders, printed circuit boards, circuit breakers,
encapsulation, kitchen utensils, handles and knobs, and spectacle lenses.
Difference between thermoplastics and thermo sets
THERMOSETTING PLASTICS
S.NO
thermoplastics
Formed
by
addition
Polymn.
Formed by condensation Polymn.
01
Long chain linear polymers
Three dimensional network
02
03
04
05
06

Soften on heating and stiffen on

cooling
Can be remoulded
Usually soft, weak & less brittle
Can be reclaimed from wastes
Soluble inSoluble in organic solvents
organic solvents

By Engr. Asghar Hussain Shah

structure joined by strong covalent

bonds
Do not soften on heating

Cannot be remoulded
Usually hard, strong & more brittle
Cannot be reclaimed from wastes
Insoluble in organic solvents

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