Chloe Zhang
Thermoplastics are polymer materials that become soft when heated and hard when cooled. They are used extensively in construction, education, medicine, and leisure, among other industries. Thermoplastics are popular with manufacturers because they are versatile and can be easily moulded and recycled. Some common thermoplastics include nylon, polystyrene, and PMMA, which is also known as Lucite, Perspex, Plexiglas, and acrylic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Polyoxymethylene (POM), acetal, polyacetal, polyformaldehyde, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Lexan, Makrolon, Makroclear, arcoPlus, Delrin, Celcon, Ramtal, Duracon, Kepital, Hostaform, Teflon |
| Composition | Plastic polymer material, made up of monomers |
| State Change | Becomes pliable or molten when heated and solidifies upon cooling |
| Molecular Weight | High |
| Molecular Structure | Open-chain |
| Recyclability | Easily recyclable due to ability to melt and remould |
| Uses | Mechanical parts, coatings, bearings, construction materials, electronic components, data storage devices, automotive and aircraft parts, protective apparel, medical devices, renewable energy |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon
- Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal, polyformaldehyde, Delrin, Celcon, Ramtal, Duracon, Kepital and Hostaform
- Nylon, a synthetic material
- Polycarbonate (PC) thermoplastics, known under trademarks such as Lexan, Makrolon, Makroclear, and arcoPlus
- PMMA, also known as Lucite, Perspex, Plexiglas, and Acrylic
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), better known by the brand name Teflon, is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. It is a fluorocarbon solid and a polymer consisting wholly of carbon and fluorine. PTFE is hydrophobic, meaning that neither water nor water-containing substances wet the material. This property, along with its low coefficient of friction, makes it ideal for use in non-stick coatings for cookware. PTFE is also chemically inert, which is why it is often used in containers and pipework for reactive and corrosive chemicals.
PTFE was accidentally discovered in 1938 by Dr. Roy Plunkett, a scientist working for DuPont in New Jersey. Plunkett was attempting to develop a new refrigerant when he noticed that the TFE gas had escaped from the bottle he was using, yet the bottle was not empty. Upon inspecting the interior of the bottle, he found it coated with a waxy, slippery, and unusually strong substance—which we now know as Teflon. Chemours, a spin-off from DuPont, trademarked the name Teflon in 1945 and began selling products treated with this non-stick, heat-resistant material in 1946.
PTFE has a wide range of applications due to its unique properties. For instance, it is commonly used in the sole plates of clothes irons, as well as in musical instrument lubrication products such as valve oil. It is also used in some aerosol lubricant sprays and in the manufacture of waterproof, breathable fabric for outdoor apparel. PTFE is further employed in the creation of body jewellery, as it is much safer than materials like acrylic, which release toxins into the body.
PTFE is stable at lower temperatures but begins to deteriorate at temperatures of about 260°C (500°F). It decomposes above 350°C (662°F), and pyrolysis occurs at temperatures above 400°C (752°F). PTFE's high melting point, combined with its low coefficient of friction, makes it suitable for bearings and supporting moving mechanical parts.
PTFE and the chemicals used in its production are some of the best-known and widely applied per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While PTFE itself has no known ecotoxicological effects, one of the chemicals previously used in its production, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, or C8), was discontinued due to its detrimental environmental and health impacts.
Knot Your Average Friendship: Plastic Bracelet DIY
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal, polyformaldehyde, Delrin, Celcon, Ramtal, Duracon, Kepital and Hostaform
Polyoxymethylene (POM), also referred to as acetal, polyacetal, and polyformaldehyde, is an engineering thermoplastic. It is used in precision parts that require high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability.
POM is a type of synthetic polymer that is produced by various chemical firms, each with slightly different formulas and brand names. These brand names include Delrin, Celcon, Ramtal, Duracon, Kepital, and Hostaform.
As with all thermoplastics, POM can be melted and recast multiple times without affecting its physical qualities. When heated, thermoplastics become molten and then harden upon cooling. This process is reversible, allowing the material to be reheated, reshaped, and cooled repeatedly.
Thermoplastics, also known as thermosoftening plastics, are a type of plastic polymer material that becomes pliable or moldable at elevated temperatures and solidifies upon cooling. They have a molecular structure characterized by open-chain polymers that associate through intermolecular forces. When heated, these forces weaken, resulting in a decrease in viscosity.
POM, under its various names, is a versatile engineering thermoplastic with a range of applications due to its unique properties, such as high stiffness and low friction.
The Magic of Pet Materials in Plastics
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Nylon, a synthetic material
Thermoplastics, also known as thermo-softening plastics, are plastic polymer materials that become pliable or moldable at elevated temperatures and solidify upon cooling.
Nylon is a synthetic fibre made up of polymers that contain carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen. It is derived from petrochemicals and is among the most widely used engineered thermoplastics globally. Nylon is a versatile material offering several advantages over naturally occurring fibres, including superior strength, lightweight, elasticity, toughness, abrasion resistance, and washing capabilities. These benefits make nylon an ideal choice for a wide range of products, from apparel to consumer goods and mechanical parts.
In the context of fabrics, nylon is often blended with other textiles such as polyester, spandex, or cotton to enhance its desirable attributes and eliminate undesirable ones. However, nylon fabric has faced criticism due to its environmental impact, as it is non-biodegradable and requires a significant amount of energy and water for its production, often leading to the pollution of surrounding water sources.
Despite these concerns, nylon continues to be a significant synthetic material, with around 12% of the world's synthetic fibre production consisting of nylon fabric as of 2008. Nylon has influenced various applications, including clothing, mechanical parts, heat-resistant composite materials, and consumer goods.
Tim Hortons Cups: Plastic-Lined or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Polycarbonate (PC) thermoplastics, known under trademarks such as Lexan, Makrolon, Makroclear, and arcoPlus
Thermoplastics, also known as thermosoftening plastics, are plastic polymer materials that become pliable or mouldable at certain high temperatures and solidify upon cooling. They differ from thermosetting polymers, which form irreversible chemical bonds during the curing process and do not melt when heated.
Polycarbonate (PC) thermoplastics are a specific type of thermoplastic known under trademarks such as Lexan, Makrolon, Makroclear, and arcoPlus. They are easily worked, moulded, and thermoformed for a wide range of applications. They are adaptable, durable, and pliable, making them valuable in prototyping applications where transparent or electrically non-conductive parts are needed. Polycarbonate can undergo large plastic deformations without cracking or breaking, which sets it apart from most other thermoplastics.
Lexan, a widely recognised brand of polycarbonate, was first produced by GE Plastics in 1960. Makrolon, another well-known polycarbonate brand, has been commercially produced by Bayer since 1958. These brands are often used when an impact-resistant alternative to glass is required, such as in lenses for eyeglasses, safety glasses, and sunglasses.
Polycarbonate is extensively used in 3D FDM printing, producing strong plastic products with a high melting point. It is a popular choice in professional 3D printing communities. Polycarbonate is also commonly used in the production of compact discs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs through injection moulding.
One of the notable characteristics of polycarbonate is its ability to be processed and formed at room temperature using sheet metal techniques, such as bending on a brake. This makes it a versatile material for various applications, including electronic components, construction materials, automotive and aircraft parts, check sockets in prosthetics, and security glazing.
The Ultimate Guide to Sterilizing Plastic Body Jewelry
You may want to see also
Explore related products
PMMA, also known as Lucite, Perspex, Plexiglas, and Acrylic
PMMA was discovered in the early 1930s by British chemists Rowland Hill and John Crawford at Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in the United Kingdom. ICI registered the product under the trademark Perspex. It was commercialized in the late 1930s. PMMA is a transparent thermoplastic polymer with a wide range of applications. It is commonly used as an alternative to glass due to its lower density, higher impact strength, and shatter resistance. It is often used in sheet form for applications such as eyeglass lenses, transparent airplane domes, protective barriers, light signs, and lighting components.
PMMA is also used in the production of certain lighthouse lenses and has been utilized in the roofing of structures such as the compound in the Olympic Park for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. It is a popular choice for decorative and functional elements in architecture and design due to its transparency, recyclability, and ease of processing. Additionally, it can be used as a casting resin, in inks and coatings, and for laser cutting.
PMMA is a safer alternative to polycarbonate (PC) as it does not contain potentially harmful bisphenol-A subunits. It is also more economical when tensile strength, flexural strength, transparency, polishability, and UV tolerance are more important than impact strength, chemical resistance, and heat resistance. PMMA behaves in a brittle manner when under load, especially under impact force, and is more prone to scratching than conventional inorganic glass. However, it can be easily polished to restore cut edges to full transparency.
Finding the Plastic Moment: A Simple Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
PMMA is also known as Lucite, Perspex, Plexiglas, and Acrylic.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is commonly known as Teflon. Polyoxymethylene (POM) is also known as acetal, polyacetal, and polyformaldehyde. Nylon is also a thermoplastic.
Delrin, Celcon, Ramtal, Duracon, Kepital, and Hostaform.
Teflon.
