Introduction

ANCHANA W.
Introduction
• Polymer materials are widely used in the field of construction,
packaging, agriculture, household appliances, electronics,
automotive components, precision instruments and
aerospace industries.
• Plastic is a “tailor-made material” and a typical “mass-
production material”.
• Plastics are light and exhibit a wide, variable spectrum of
mechanical properties.

• Plastics can be processed simply and economically at low

temperatures into complex parts that often require no
secondary finishing.
• Plastics are often transparent and can be coloured as
desired.
• Plastics have high chemical resistance and are permeable.
• Plastics can be reused and recycled by means of a number of
different methods.
Plastic Materials
• Plastics are man-made materials and are made up of long
chains of large molecules.
• Each molecule consists of many units of organic chemicals,
thus called a polymer (many units) or macromolecules.

Vinyl
Ethylene chloride Propylene
monomer monomer monomer
• The production of plastics is based on three reaction
processes:
Polymerization
Polycondensation
Polyaddition
Polymerization
• Polymerization describes a chain reaction in which
unsaturated molecules are linked to form macromolecules
(polymers). No by-products are formed in the course of the
reaction.
• The low-molecular-weight starting molecules are called
monomers.
• During polymerization, each monomer is converted into a
structural unit of the polymer chain.
• The number of structural units n that form a molecule chain
is called the degree of polymerization. The resulting
molecules form the polymer, i.e., the plastic resin.

H H H H

C C [ C C ]
n
H H

Styrene monomer Polystyrene

• High degree of polymerization is called “high polymers”.

• Low degree of polymerization is called “oligopolymers”

(short chain polymers or oligomers).
• Polymers do not exhibit strength for n < 30.

• Optimum strength of polymer is obtained at n ≅ 600.

• Useful range of n is 200 < n < 2000.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligomer
Polycondensation
• Polycondensation describes a multiple-step reaction during
which macromolecules (polycondensates) are formed while
by-products (e.g. water, ammonia, alcohol) are released.
• The starting materials must have so-called functional
groups, i.e. groups of atoms that are especially reactive, for
instance:

hydroxyl group carbonyl group carboxyl group amino group

• The most important groups of polycondensates are:
melamine resins, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyesters
and silicones.
Polyaddition
• Addition reaction - many monomers bond together via
rearrangement of bonds without the loss of any atom or
molecule under specific condition of heat, pressure or catalyst.
• Starting materials for polyaddition must also contain
particularly reactive functional groups.
• In contrast to condensation, however, no by-products are
formed, but rather only high-molecular-weight polyadducts
are created through the “addition” of the monomers.

• Typical polyadducts include: polyoxymethylenes,

polyurethanes, epoxy resins.
 Monomer Polymer
Polymerization
+ + + +

Polycondensation
+ + + + + xH2O

Polyaddition
+ + + +
Polymer Classification
Based on Source

Natural Semi-synthetic Synthetic

Found in plants and Made by modification Man-made polymers
animals e.g. of the properties of e.g. nylon, epoxy,
protein, cellulose, the natural polymers polyethylene,
starch or rubber. e.g. cellulose acetate polyester, Teflon.
or vulcanized rubber
 Linear:
Consist of long and straight chains.
Based on Structure

Branched:
Contain linear chains having
some branches.

Cross-linked:
Contain strong covalent bonds
between linear polymer chains.
Classification of Plastic
Plastic Materials

Thermoplastic Thermoset
Epoxy,
Melamine,
Semi- Amorphous Phenolics
Crystalline PC, PS, PVC,
PP, PE, PET, ABS, SAN,
PBT, PA, POM PMMA
 Plastic Abbreviations
Abbrev. Plastics Abbrev. Plastics
ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene PMMA polymethyl methacrylate
EPS expanded polystyrene POM polyoxymethylene
HDPE high density polyethylene PP polypropylene
HIPS high impact polystyrene PPE polyphenylene ether
LCP liquid crystal polymer PS polystyrene
LDPE low density polyethylene PSU polysulphone
PA polyamide = nylon PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
PAN polyacrylonitrile PUR polyurethane
PB polybutylene PVC polyvinyl chloride
PBT polybutylene terephthalate SAN styrene acrylonitrile
PC polycarbonate TPE thermoplastic elastomer
PE polyethylene TPO thermoplastic olefin (rubber)
PEEK polyetheretherketone TPR thermoplatic rubber
PEK polyetherketone UHMWPE ultra high molecular weight PE
Thermoplastic
• Thermoplastic polymers are polymers that can be repeatedly
heated and molded without effecting any change in their
chemical or physical properties.
• Linear/branch structure;
molecular chain can slip when
heated (flowable).
• Heat sensitivity (careful about
degrading, decomposing or
igniting the materials.
• Recyclable/ scrap is reusable.
Amorphous
• Amorphous thermoplastics have a shapeless and
disorganized molecular structure, like a plate of spaghetti.
• Amorphous polymers change their rigidity gradually as the
temperature rises. They start in a rigid state at room temperature
and get softer above the glass transition temperature (Tg) until
they become liquid in the higher temperature regions.

‣ Dimensional stability
‣ Isotropy
‣ Transparent (not always)
‣ A more uniform shrinkage
‣ Low post-shrinkage
‣ Low chemical resistance
• Amorphous thermoplastics are always crystal clear in the
unpigmented condition, they are also called synthetic or
organic glasses.
• Properties: Low tendency to creep, Transmitted
good dimensional stability, tendency light
to brittleness and sensitive to
stress cracking.
• Examples: ABS, PC, PS, SAN, PMMA

Incident
light

Amorphous
Semi-crystalline
• Semi-crystalline thermoplastics have an ordered molecular
structure and there is always an amorphous region and a
crystalline region.
• Due to the crystalline areas, the materials are extremely
tough (strong intermolecular forces) and are capable of
withstanding mechanical loads.

‣ Chemical resistance
‣ High mechanical resistance
(especially to fatigue)
‣ Anisotropy: molding differentiated
shrinkage
‣ Lower presence of internal stress
‣ Translucent or opaque
‣ High molding shrinkage
• When heated, it exhibits a distinct melting point (Tm) and
change from rigid plastic to easy-flowing liquid.

• The semi-crystalline thermoplastics are

always somewhat translucent or milky in the Scattered
light
unpigmented state because of the scattering
of light at the boundaries of the crystallites.

• The proportion of the two phases in

semi-crystalline polymers depends on
the cooling rate during molding -
faster cooling rate will result in higher
amorphous content.
Semi-crystalline
• Properties: Opaque, good fatigue resistance, tendency to
toughness, good chemical resistance and wear resistance
• Examples: Nylon, acetal, PET
behavior and a sharp melting point.

1.08

1.04
Specific Volume

1.00

0.96
Amorphous
0.92

0.88 Typical Nylon 6

0.84
100% Crystalline
0.80
0 50 100 150 200 250 300˚C
32 100 200 300 400 500 572˚F
Temperature
Thermoplastic can be classified into four groups based on their
performance as

• Commodity resins
• Intermediate resins
• Engineering resins
• High performance engineering resins
Commodity resins
• Have a large consumption volume, extensive application end
uses, low material cost, and limited property performances.

• The commodity resins include PS, PE, SAN, CN, PB, BMI, UP
and PVC.

PS PVC PE
Intermediate resins
• Have mechanical, thermal, chemical, and electrical properties
generally that are higher than the commodity resins.
• The intermediate resins include acrylics, TPO, PPO, TPV,
MPR, HIPS, MF, PP, ABS, SAN, PPE, PUR, PAK, TPR and
UHMWPE.
PMMA ABS PP SAN
Engineering resins
• They are fundamentally unmodified resins, whose properties
are improved by compounding.
• A tensile strength that is not lower than 7,000 psi with a
minimum modulus of elasticity of 350,000 psi are reasonable
criteria.
• They provide good mechanical characteristics, excellent
machinability and dimensional stability, good chemical
resistance and good wear resistance.

• The engineering resins include PBT,

PET, PC, PEEK, PEI, PSU, PPE
High Performance Engineering resins
• These resins have the highest resistance retaining a high
percentage of their useful mechanical properties at high
temperatures, providing a longer service life of the product.

• They include high temperature nylon (PA), LCP, PSU, PEI,

PEEK, silicone and PMR.

PA Silicone PEEK
Thermoset
• Thermoset materials have a reactive portion between the
chain cross link and the long molecule's network during
polymerization. Once polymerised or hardened, the material
cannot be softened by heating without degrading some
linkages of the material.
• It undergoes an irreversible chemical change during
processing to become permanently insoluble and infusible.
• Cross-linked structure prevents individual chains from slipping
(plastic cannot flow when added heat). Non-recyclable.
• Dimensional stability and can be used at elevated temperature.
1.2 Thermoplastic Polymers
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Advantages
General Properties of ABS • Good impact resistance and rigidity
Specific gravity 1.05 properties, lightweight
Tensile modulus @ 73 °F (Mpsi)
Tensile strength @ yield (Kpsi)
0.3
5.0
• Low creep, good dimensional stability,
high strength properties
Notch Izod impact @ 73 °F (ft-lb/in) 2.50–12.0
Thermal limits Service temp. (°F) 167–185 • Excellent adherence for metal coating
Shrinkage (%) 0.4–0.7
Tg (°F) 185–240 Disadvantages and Limitations
•
Vicat point (°F) 237
Resistant to acids, alkalis, salts,
Process temp. (°F) 410–518
essential oils, and a wide range of
Mold temp. (°F) 122–176
food and pharmaceutical products.
Drying temp. (°F) 176–185
Drying time (h) 2.0–4.0 • It is attacked by many solvents,
including ketone and ester.
Applications
particles, which have a layer of SAN grafted onto their surface. The binding
matrix layer of SAN makes this polymer’s two phases compatible.
The property balance of ABS is controlled by the ratio of the monomers and by
the molecular structure of the two phases. Stabilizers, lubricants, colorants, and
other additives can be added to the system, and while this makes the production
of ABS very complex, it allows great flexibility in product property design. As a
result of the unique morphology of ABS, hundreds of different products have
 Acetal
1.2.4 (POM,
Acetal Polyacetal)
(POM, Polyacetal)
Advantages
General Properties of Acetal Homopolymers • High mechanical properties, glossy
Specific gravity 1.42 moulded surfaces, low coefficient of
Tensile modulus @ 73 °F (Mpsi) 400.00 friction
Tensile strength @ yield (Kpsi)
Notch Izod impact @ 73 °F (ft-lb/in)
10.0
1.30
• Low gas permeability, excellent
chemical resistance
Thermal limits 230 (short)
service temp. (°F) 195 (long) • Retains electrical and mechanical
Shrinkage (%) 1.9–2.3 properties up to 250°F
Tm (°F) 350
Tg (°F) –90
Disadvantages and Limitations
Process temp. (°F) 375–450 • Poor resistance to acids and bases,
Mold temp. (°F) 140–200 high mold shrinkage
•
Drying temp. (°F) N/A or not required
Drying time (h) N/A or not required
Subject to UV degradation, flammable,
violent thermal degradation

Applications
General Properties of Acetal Copolymers
Specific gravity 1.42
Tensile modulus @ 73 °F (Mpsi) 360.00
Tensile strength @ yield (Kpsi) 8.5
Notch Izod impact @ 73 °F (ft-lb/in) 1.20
Thermal limits 200 (short)
service temp. (°F) 175 (long)
Shrinkage (%) 2.0–2.5
Tm (°F) 330
1.2 Thermoplastic Polymers 13
Polymethyl Metacrylate (Acrylic, PMMA) Advantages
General Properties of Generic Unfilled PMMA
• Excellent optical clarity, surface
Specific gravity 1.17 hardness, weatherabilit and resistance
Tensile modulus @ 73 °F (Mpsi) 0.38 to sunlight
Tensile strength @ yield (Kpsi) 7.50
Notch Izod impact @ 73 °F (ft-lb/in) 0.30–0.50 • Rigid with good impact strength,
Thermal limits 190 (short) excellent dimensional stability, low
service temp. (°F) 150 (long) mold shrinkage
Shrinkage (%) 0.3–0.6
Tg (°F) 230
Vicat point (°F) 184
Disadvantages and Limitations
Melt flow rate (g/10 min) 0.8–2.0 • Poor solvent resistance, bombustible,
Process temp. (°F) 410–575 flexible grade unavailable
Mold temp. (°F) 140–190
Drying temp. (°F) 165 • Moisture produces dimensional
Drying time (h) 2–4
variations of the molded articles

Applications
heated with methanol in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid to yield the
monomer. Acrylic monomers polymerize by free-radical processes initiated by
peroxides in the polymerization process. A monomer initiator active at elevated
temperature, this reaction is vigorous and liberates tremendous heat that must
be dissipated.
The formulations differ in molecular weight and in their principle properties
(flow rate, heat resistance, and toughness). Special formulations are available
that provide matte surfaces or that absorb or transmit ultraviolet light, and a
full range of transparent, translucent and opaque color resins.
High Temperature
1.2.6 Nylon
High Temperature Nylon (HTN)(HTN)
Advantages
General Properties of HTN – 30% GR @ 50% R.H.
Specific gravity 1.44
• Low moisture absorption than nylon6,
good dimensional stability, excellent
Tensile modulus @ 73 °F (Mpsi) 1,500
mechanical properties and chemical
Tensile strength @ yield (Kpsi) 32.0
resistance
Notch Izod impact @ 73 °F (ft-lb/in) 1.80
Thermal limits 440 (short) • Low creep characteristics, high
service temp. (°F) 315 (long) temperature performance
Shrinkage (%) 0.2–0.6
Tg (°F) 257
Tm (°F) 570
Disadvantages and Limitations
HDT (°F) @264 psi 510 • Low elongation, problems with
Process temp. (°F) 580–620 predrying the resin
Mold temp. (°F)
Drying temp. (°F)
260–300
175
• Low crystallisation (needs 300°F mold
temperature)
Drying time (h) 2–16

Smart parking sensor Engine cover

Applications
There is a cost and performance gap between the engineering thermoplastic
resins such as polycarbonate, nylon 6/6, acetal, and the ultrahigh performance
polymers such as PEI, PEEK, LCP, and a group of relatively new resins with the
convenient generic name of high temperature nylons. These HTN resins are
chemically related (but not identical). The following types of HTN resins are
commercially available worldwide:
Polyamide
1.2.9 (PA,
Polyamide Nylon)
(PA, Nylon)
Advantages
General Properties of Generic Nylon 6 – 33% GR Resins @ 50% RH
• Excellent toughness, impact
Specific gravity 1.30
resistance, abrasion resistance
•
Tensile modulus @ 73 °F (Mpsi) 0.8
Tensile strength @ yield (Kpsi) 13.0
Low coefficient of friction, high tensile
Notch Izod impact @ 73 °F (ft-lb/in) 3.5
strength creep resistance, excellent
Thermal limits 300 (short) resistance to oil, greases, solvents and
service temp. (°F) 195 (long) bases
Shrinkage (%) 0.2–0.6
Water absorption (%) @ 24h and 73 °F 1.1
Tm (°F) 410 Disadvantages and Limitations
HDT (°F) @ 264 psi 400
• High moisture pick-up causes
Process temp. (°F) 440–550
dimensional changes, requires UV
Mold temp. (°F) 140–200
stabilisation
Drying temp. (°F) 175
Drying time (h) 2–20 • Low impact resistance and poor
finished appearance are caused by
General Properties of Generic Nylon 6/6 – 33% GR Resins @ 50% RH
excessive moisture during processing
Applications
Specific gravity 1.38
Tensile modulus @ 73 °F (Mpsi) 0.9
Tensile strength @ yield (Kpsi) 18.0
Notch Izod impact @ 73 °F (ft-lb/in) 2.5
Thermal limits 390 (short)
service temp. (°F) 265 (long)
Shrinkage (%) 0.2–0.6
Water absorption (%) @ 24h and 73 °F 0.7
1.2 Thermoplastic Polymers 29
Polycarbonate (PC) Advantages
General Properties of generic PC – 30% GR Polymers
• High impact strength, low flammability,
Specific gravity 1.40 wear resistance, good dimensional
Tensile modulus @ 73 °F (Mpsi) 1.25 stability
Tensile strength @ yield (Kpsi) 19.00
Notch Izod impact @ 73 °F (ft-lb/in) 1.7–3.0 • Good electrical properties, process by
Thermal limits 220
all thermoplastic methods
service temp. (°F) 265
Shrinkage (%) 0.15–0.6
Tm (°F) 267–495
Tg (°F) 293–300
Disadvantages
assembly
and Limitations
Figure 1-40 Automotive headlamp

Vicat point (°F) 305–310 • Poor stress cracking resistance, fair

Process temp. (°F) 430–620 solvent resistance
Mold temp. (°F)
Drying temp. (°F)
175–250
250–260
• Its surface is relatively soft and can be
scratched, exhibits crazing in acetone
Drying time (h) 2.0–4.0
and is attacked by bases
Applications
chain stopper. Trifunctional monomers are added for increased melt strength
for extrusion and blow molding applications.
Polycarbonate does not have a true melting point as other crystalline polymers.
It does, however, have a high glass transition temperature of 300 °F.
Polycarbonate is characterized by an exceptionally high notched Izod impact Figure 1-41 PC/ABS alloy – volvo bumper
strength of 12–17 ft-lb/in on a 0.125 in wall thickness. The impact strength,
measured by a falling dart or a Dynatup® (dynamic impact testing equipment), is
retained to temperatures as low as minus 60 °F. The heat deflection temperature
of polycarbonate, at 264 psi, is 260–270 °F, this HDT can be increased to close to
1.2 Thermoplastic Polymers 35
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Advantages
General Properties of Generic PET – 30% GR Polymers • Excellent resistance to water up to
Specific gravity 1.67 120°F, resist most aqueous salt
Tensile modulus @ 73 °F (Mpsi) 1.50 solutions, weak acids and bases,
Tensile strength @ yield (Kpsi) 22.00 cleaning solutions
Notch Izod impact @ 73 °F (ft-lb/in)
Thermal limits service temp. (°F)
1.60
392
• PET is not attacked by most oils and
greases, excellent electrical properties
Shrinkage (%) 0.20–0.90
HDT (°F) @ 66 psi 392–490
@ 264 psi 435
Disadvantages andstator
Figure 1-56 Encapsulated Limitations
motor
Tg (°F) 158 (Courtesy: Du Pont)
Tm (°F) 482–490 • Sensitive to hot water, strong bases
Process temp. (°F) 510–565 above 122°F
Mold temp. (°F) 150–250
• PET requires drying of the resin from
Drying temp. (°F) 250–275
2-4 hours at 275 °F before processing
Drying time (h) 2.0–4.0

Applications
PET is prepared by a reaction of either purified terephthalic acid (PTA) or
dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) with ethylene glycol (EG). The high viscosity
melt is converted into amorphous clear pellets by rapid quenching and cutting
in water.
Thermoplastic polyesters are long chain, unbranched molecules that are pro-
duced by the condensation reaction between a dibasic organic acid or ester and
a glycol. PET has the stiffest polymer chain possible for a thermoplastic polyester
with an outstanding combination of strength, stiffness, and melt flow properties.
These special properties of PET are the basis for its broad application in areas
Polypropylene
1.2.20 Polypropylene(PP)
(PP)
Advantages
General Properties of Generic Unfilled PP Homopolymer
• Lighter or low density polymer, high
Specific gravity 0.90 melting point, end use temperature
Tensile modulus @ 73 °F (Mpsi) 0.17 212°F
Tensile strength @ yield (Kpsi) 4.00
Notch Izod impact @ 73 °F (ft-lb/in) 0.5–18.0 • Good chemical resistance, fatigue
Thermal limits 212 resistance (integral life hinge closures)
r

service temp. (°F)

Shrinkage (%) 0.5–2.0
Vicat point (°F) 320
Disadvantages and Limitations
Tm (°F) 329–338
HDT (°F) @ 264 psi 120–140 • Degraded by UV, flammable, attacked
Process temp. (°F) 390–525 by aromatic solutions
Mold temp. (°F) 85–175
• Several metals accelerate oxidative
Drying temp. (°F) 175 degrading
Drying time (h) 2.0–3.0

Applications
Polypropylene was introduced in the late 1950s and is the fastest growing
commodity thermoplastic in the world. It is a versatile polymer used in
applications from fibers, films, appliances, to automobile bumpers. PP continues
to displace other materials, such as fiber glass, mineral reinforced thermoplastics
and metals, in a variety of applications.
Polypropylene is manufactured by polymerizing propylene monomer with a
titanium based catalyst, a second co-catalyst (triethylaluminum) is added to
initiate the polymerization reaction and hydrogen is used in the reactor to
control polymer molecular weight. This reaction is produced using a slurry or
 Polystyrene
1.2.21 (PS)
Polystyrene (PS)
Advantages
General Properties of General Purpose PS Polymers
Specific gravity 1.05
• Optical clarity, high gloss, low cost,
good rigidity
Tensile modulus @ 73 °F (Mpsi) 0.45
Tensile strength @ yield (Kpsi) 6.0
• Good dimensional stability, FDA
Notch Izod impact @ 73 °F (ft-lb/in) 0.25–0.60 grades are available, processable by
Thermal limits 158 (short) all thermoplastic methods
service temp. (°F) 122 (long)
Shrinkage (%) 0.05–0.80
Vicat point (°F) 200–227
Disadvantages and Limitations
Tm (°F) 212
HDT (°F) @ 264 psi 190 • Flammable, poor solvent resistance,
Process temp. (°F) 390–480
poor thermal stability
Mold temp. (°F) 50–175
• Subject to stress and environmental
Drying temp. (°F) 160–200 cracking
Drying time (h) 2.0–3.0

Applications
Polystyrene (PS) has been known for well over 100 years, but its molecular nature
was not clarified until about 1920, when the work of Staudinger described the
material’s molecular structure. Polystyrene has been commercially produced
since the late 1930s. PS is one of the most popular commodity amorphous
thermoplastic resins; it has a broad range of balanced properties and an attractive
price.
Polystyrene is divided into semi-crystalline (general purpose) polystyrene
(GPPS), rubber modified medium and high impact polystyrene (MIPS and
HIPS), and expandable polystyrene (EPS).
 Polyvinyl
1.2.23 Chloride
Polyvinyl (PVC)
Chloride (PVC) Figure 1-91 Industrial boots
Advantages
General Properties of Generic Rigid PVC Polymers
• Wide range of flexibility, relatively low
Specific gravity 1.38 cost, not flammable, dimensional
Tensile modulus @ 73 °F (Mpsi) 0.35 stability
Tensile strength @ yield (Kpsi) 6.00
Notch Izod impact @ 73 °F (ft-lb/in) 0.40–20.0 • Good resistance to weathering,
Thermal limits 221 (short)
excellent resistance to water and
service temp. (°F) 140 (long) aqueous solutions, processable by all
Shrinkage (%) 0.10–2.50 thermoplastic methods
Vicat point (°F) 179–216
Disadvantages and
Figure 1-92 Structural Limitations
window frames
Tm (°F) 360–390
HDT (°F) @ 264 psi 140–170 • Limited thermal capability, thermal
Process temp. (°F) 365–400
degradation of the polymer generates
HCl acid
Mold temp. (°F) 85–140
Drying temp. (°F) 160–180 • Stained by sulfur compounds, higher
Drying time (h) 2.0–3.0 density than many other plastics

Applications
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was introduced in the early 1930s to become a very
popular material in the building and construction industry because of its
properties, its competitive cost, wide processing capability, and because it can Figure 1-93 Garage door
be recycled.
The two major categories of PVC resins are available: the homopolymer
suspension resins and the dispersion resins. Suspension resins account for
more than 90% of the total PVC market. They are produced as white powders
containing coarse porous particles. When mixed with additives, the suspension
resin becomes a powder blend. Suspension resins can be produced as either
 Styrene
1.2.24 Acrylonitrile
Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN) (SAN) Advantages
•
General Properties of Generic Unreinforced SAN Polymers
Specific gravity 1.06–1.08
Optically clear, hard and rigid with
Tensile modulus @ 73 °F (Mpsi) 0.40–0.56
excellent dimensional stability and good
environmental stress cracking resistance
Tensile strength @ yield (Kpsi) 9.0–12.0
Notch Izod impact @ 73 °F (ft-lb/in) 0.40–0.60 • Superior outdoor weathering
Thermal limits 175 (short) characteristics and surface stability
service temp. (°F) 190 (long)
Shrinkage (%) 0.30–0.50
Vicat point (°F) 219–235
Tg (°F) 212–250 Disadvantages and Limitations
HDT (°F) @ 66 psi
@ 264 psi
165–200
170–205
• Hygroscopic polymer requires
Process temp. (°F) 360–550
predating, low thermal capability
Mold temp. (°F) 30–175
(175°F)
Drying temp. (°F) 160–190 • Highly susceptible to the effects of
Drying time (h) 2.0–4.0 structure orientation
Applications
Styrene acrylonitriles (SAN) are random, amorphous, linear copolymers,
produced by copolymerizing styrene and acrylonitrile.
The characteristics of SAN copolymers are: transparency, excellent thermal
properties, good chemical resistance, hardness, dimensional stability, and load
bearing capabilities. Two rubber-modified versions of SAN are olefin-modified
SAN (OSA) and acrylic styrene acrylonitrile (ASA). Both polymers are softer
than unmodified SAN; they are ductile and opaque materials. The two-phase
terpolymers are commonly known as weatherable polymers.
OSAs are produced by combining with a grafted SAN, saturated elastomeric
Plastic Resin Codes
 Water Test
Sink Float
PET/PVC/PS/Others HDPE/LDPE/PP

Copper Wire Test Scratch Test

Green Orange No
flame flame Scratch
Scratch
PVC PET/PS/Others PP

MEK Test Oven Test

Dissolve Doesn’t No Melt
Dissolve Change
Heat Test
PS HDPE LDPE
Soft No
Deform Change
PET Others
Additives
• The physical, mechanical, and optical properties of plastics
can be modified through the admixture of additives.

Additive Function

Soluble additives Stabilizers, lubricants, plasticizing additives

Coloring, reinforcing, stiffening and

Insoluble additives
hardening, impact-modifying additives

Insoluble gases Volume-increasing blowing agents

 Additives

Fillers Reinforced fiber Others

• Glass spheres • Glass fiber • UV stabilizer
• Carbon black • Carbon fiber • Plasticizers
• Ceramic powder • Aramid fiber • Colorants
• Metal powder (Kevlar) • Flame retardants
• Natural fiber • Antistatic
• Mica flakes
• Smoke suppressants
• Viscosity modifiers
• Foaming agents
• Impact modifiers
Fillers
Carbon Black
• From incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum used as a
reinforcing filler in tires and other rubber products.
• Used as “color pigment” in plastic paints and inks.

Mica Flakes
• Increases tensile and flexural strength;
improve notched impact strength and
reduces thermal expansion.
Reinforcing Fibers
Carbon fiber (CF)
• Fibers with 5-10 µm in diameter composed mostly of carbon
atoms. It has high stiffness, high tensile strength, low weight,
high chemical resistance, high temperature tolerance and low
thermal expansion.
• Used in aerospace, military and competition sports.
 Automotive parts

Aerospace applications

Sport equipments
Aramid fiber/Kevlar
• It is synthetic fiber having high strength, good resistance to
abrasion and organic solvents, non-conductive, low
flammability.
Applications of aramid fiber/kevlar
Glass Fibers
• They are used extensively as a reinforcement fiber for
polymeric resins such as epoxy and unsaturated polyester.
• The stiffness of glass fiber is lower than that of other
reinforcement fibers, but it possesses the distinct advantage
of combining a very high strength with low density and a
very reasonable cost.
Applications of Glass fibers
Other Additives
UV Stabilizer
• Protect substance from long term UV degradation effects
from UV radiation.
Plasticizers
• Produce/promote plasticity and flexibility and to reduce
brittleness.
Colorants
• Cause a change in color (masterbatch or pigment)
Flame retardants
• Inhibit or delay the spread of fire by suppressing chemical
reaction in the flame or form a protective layer on the
surface of materials.
Antistatics
• To reduce or eliminate building up of static electricity.

Smoke suppressants
• Suppress formation of smoke.

Foaming Agents
• Activate or generate gas bubbles which turn into fine foam
forming cells in the expanded products.