Some Engineering Plastics:

Name of Monomer/ Properties Applications

polymer preparation
Vinyl chloride / -Colorless, odorless, inflammble; Rigid PVC- Sheets, tank
emulsion of syndiotactic, lining, safety helmets, fridge
PVC/polyvi monomer in -chemically inert; resistant to components, tyres, cycle,
nyl chloride presence of oxygen; motor cycle mud guard.
hydrogen -high softnening point(148 C); Plasticised PVC in cable
peroxide under -greater rigidity and stiffness but insulation, continuous sheets
brittle; of different thickness,
-can be made flexible with conveyor belts, thermal
plasticisers(tricresyl phophate) insulating foam
-Beyond 2000C – discoloration
occurs - stabilizers are added (alk.
Earth oxides)
Polytetraflu Tetrafluoroethy -High softening point(350 C) - In insulating materials (in
oroethylene( lene / due to strong attractive force wire & cable, in motors,
PTFE) Polymerization between chains; generators, coils,
of water -Slippery & waxy to touch; transformers:
emulsion of -Extreme toughness; - In chemical carrying pipes,
tetrafluoroethyl -Chemical resistant to acids, tank linings, gaskets;
ene under P in alkalis & salts; - For coating & impregnating
benzoyl -Low coefficient of friction; glass fibres, asbestos fibre
peroxide - Good electrical & mechanical -In non-lubricating bearings,
properties stop-cocks for burettes,
kitchen utensils etc;
Polycarbona Diphenyl -High impact & tensile strength -In moulded domestic ware;
tes(PC) carbonate & over wide T range; -Plugs, sockets, switches;
Lexan, bis-phenol - A -Possess good dimensional -As electrical insulator in
Merlon stability, stiffness & transparency electrical industries;
- In sterilisable transparent
containers ;
 1,6-hexane - Less stable than polyamides at - As coatings, films, foams,
Polyurethan diisocyanate & elevated T; adhesives;
e (perlon-U) 1,4--butanediol - Resistant to abrasion & solvents - As fibres(spandex) in swim
except moisture(diisocynate suits;
decomposes in moisture to - As leather
produce amine & CO2 ); substitute(corfoam)
Polyurethane elastomers –
enhance life of tyre treads
due to excellent hardness,
resistant to abrasion, good
elasticity, resistance to oils/
greases.
Thermocole: a foamed
plastic of polyurethane is an
ideal packaging material

● Thermo plastic ● The first engineering

Nylon 6:6: Adipic acid ● Softening 250C resin- used in
polyamide and ● High temp stability and applications ranging
(polyhexam hexamethylene high intermittent temp use from electronic,
ethylene diamine ● good abrasion resistance marine, and
adiptimide) ● high mechanical strength automotive, to fibers
and superior resistance to used to make carpet.
wear and organic socks, ladies hoses,
chemicals. under garments,
● Insoluble in common org dresses, carpets etc
solvent slike sprit, ● Synthetic replacement
benzene, actone of silk. It replaces silk
in military
● Soluble in phenol and applications such as
formic acid They absorb
parachutes and flak
little moisture
vests, and used in
● Fire Retardant many types of vehicle
tires.
Excellent resistance to flame
and fire ( Very low rate of Reinforced nylon:
flame propagation) Non- The addition of glass
burning/self extinguishing. fibre to nylons leads
to very significant
increases in strength,
stiffness, heat
distortion
temperatures,
abrasion resistance
and dimensional
stability
PET: Dimethyl
Polyethylene terephthalate ● Recyclable
terephthalate and diethylene ● Thermoplastics
glycol
in presense of ● Have excellent
Mn acetate as transparency, strength and
catalyst at temp gas barrier property,
140-250C ● Very low gas permeability
and water vapor
transmittance
● Excellent chemical
resistance and anti-
hydrolysis characteristics
● Less resistant to alkalis
● Zero flavor adsorption
● Blockage of ultraviolet-rays
provides good protection
for contents
● With excellent barrier
(CO2 permeation) and
mechanical properties
PET is becoming the
polymer of choice for
food and beverage
packaging applications
for soft drink and
some milk bottles,
oven safe plastic wrap
● Used as engineering
resins often in
combination with glass
fiber.
● The most important
raw materials used in
man-made fibers
● Trade names of PET
products are Dacron,
Diolen, Terylene,