UNIT 1-16 MARKS

15..(a)(i).Explain the following terms with respect .to poIYI:De~. 1. Mechanical behavior
2. Thermal behaviour 3. Electrical behaviour.
1. Mechanical behaviour A molten polymer is amorphous and possesses random chain
orientation. If the molecules are linear, their structure may be compared with that of a ball of cotton. This structure
of the molecules at higher
temperatures, can be preserved at lower temperatures through a quench in fig. Tension on such a mass produces
most ofthe initial deformation
and improves the alignment of the molecules .As a result ,the stressstrain relationsh ips are not Iike those of
metals ,because the modulus of
elasticity is increased when the stress is applied directly against the polymer chain after alignment has occurred
Deformation of linear polymers. (a) Thermal and deformation treatments. (b)Comparative stress-strain relationships.
[The numbers
in (b) correspond to the structures in[a] The stress-strain relation behaviours shown in fig. Suggest means
where by polymers have their properties enhanced. For example, the drawing process which is used in making
artificial fibers provides an added benefit of increased strength
Through molecular orientation. Of course the strength at right angles to the axis of the drawn fiber would be
exceptionally weak in the absence
of cross linking, because 'only vanderwaals bonds are operatJ~e, fortunately, we never load a fiber in that direction;
however,the problem
is real in a plastic film or sheet. The production of plastic film requires the simultaneous drawing of the product in
two directions at same time.
This is achieved through blowing procedures or through roiling operations which increase the width as the length is
increased.
Thermal behaviour Thermoplastic (linear) and thermosetting polymers differ in that
thermoplastic polymers actually melt and lose all semblance of crystallinity at high temperatures .further more,
thermosetting plastics
,after the completion of polymerization, can eventually lose strength if they are exposed to high temperatures,
because degradation occurs.
The most critical effect of increased temperature is an increased . rate of chemical reaction. The temperature is an
increased rate of
chemical reaction .The temperature at which polymers become highly susceptible to chemical reaction corresponds
closely to the temperature
at which mechanical strength drops off .This is below the melting temperature in linear polymers. and corresponds
to start of degradation
in framework polymers Electrical behaviour
There is considerable use ofplastics in electrical insulation. Plastics have obvious advantages .such as their ability,
when they are applied on
wire as unpolymerized or partially polymerized liquid, to forma uniform coating which can then by polymerized in
place. Some plastics lend
themselves to film formation; these are particularly useful as electrical materials. Awide choice of flexible or rigid
plastics is avai lab Ie.

UNIT 5-16 MARKS

1. (a) (ii).What are the special properties of plastics that make them suitable for engineering applications.
PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS OF SOME THERMOPLASTICS
Some of the important thermoplastics. their trade names, properties, and typical applications are given in Table
Following are some comments about several thermoplastics listed in Table

Hydrocarbon Plastics
The major hydrocarbon thermoplatic polymers are polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene.

Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene. also known commonly as polyrhene, is made by the polymerisation of ethene i.e. ethylene (CHt~CH).
The properties and application of PE vary over wide ranges
Polythylene is made from petroleum or natural gas feed stocks,
depending 011 the molecular weight, the method of manufacture, and differences in structure and density.

Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is formed from the monomer propene i.e., propylene (CH,=CH-CK)
It is similar to high-density polyethylene (HOPE), but its mechanical properties make it more suitable for moulded
parts than polyethylene.

Characteristics of PPs
I. They are stiffer, harder, and often stronger than polyethylene's.
2. They have excellent fatigue resistance and a higher use temperature.
3. They are lighter in weight
4. They have good chemical and thermal resistance. But they, have poor resistance.
5. They are relatively low cost to ultra-violet light.

Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene is made from ethyl-benzene. It accounts for about 20% of all thermoplastics in commercial use.

Characteristics of polystyrenes
1. They are low cost, brittle, glassy: transparent polymers.
2. They are easy to process; have excellent mold ability.
3. They have good dimensional stability
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chlorides(PVC)ismadeby polymerisationof the monomer vinylchloride (CH 2=CHCI).

PVC is one of the most widely used plastics in terms of volume produced.
Typical applications of PVC include pipes. valves, fittings, floor tiles, wire insulations, toys, phonograph
records, vinyl automobile roofs, etc.
Polyurethanes (PUR)

Polyurethane is a family name given to a series of polymers that are produced by the reaction between
aromaticdi-isocyanates and low molecular weight polymer molecules. Depending on the degree of
formulation. the urethanes behave as thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers. or elastomers.
PROPERTIES AND APPLrCATIO~S OF SOME THERSETMOTING PLASTICS

Some of the important thermosetting plastics. their trade names. properties, and typical applications are
given Table Following are somecommentsaboutseveral thermosettingplastics listed in Table
Phenolics

Phenolics, also known as Bakelites, are the oldest family of thermosetting plastics. The most important
phenolic materials is the polyformaldehydes.
1. Polyformaldehyde (PF)

Phenolics are based on phenol and formaldehyde, that's why they are also termed as phenol
foormalaldehydes (PF).
Amino-Formaldehyde Materials

These thermoset high polymers contain an amino group (-NH") condensed with aldehydes. The most
important of amino-formaldehyde polymers are urea formaldehyde and melamine formaldehyde.
1. Urea formaldehyde (UF)
Urea formaldehydeis producedbycondensing urea monomerswith formaldehyde.
2. Melamine formaldehyde (MF) Melamine formaldehyde is produced by condensing melamine
monomerswith formaldehyde. Characteristics of MFs : The general properties of Inelamine
formaldehyde(MF) materials are similar to those of urea formaldehyde (UF) materials. But the MFs have
a better resistance to heat and can be used at temperatures of upto 95C. Polyurethanes (PUR)

Polyurethane is a famiIy name given to a series of polymers that are produced by the reaction between
aromatic di-isocyanates and low molecular weight polymer molecules. Depending on the degree of
formularion, the urethanes behave as thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers, or elastomers