By: Prof.

Huzaifa Fidvi
 Plastic Process
Monomer Molecules of C, H2, O2 & other non metallic
substance

linking together of Monomers

Polymerization Process

Chain Formation of Monomers

Polymers

Fillers, Plasticizers, stabilizers etc.

Additives

Synthetic Polymers
Plastics
 POLYMERIZATION PROCESS
Linking together of monomers to form polymers
 Mono means ‘one’ Mer means ‘unit or part’
 Poly means ‘many’ macromolecule by linking of monomers
 POLYMERIZATION
PROCESS

Addition Condensation
Polymerization Polymerization
 Addition Polymerization
 Formed by adding a second monomer(ethene) to
the first, then a third to this dimer and so on………
 LONG chain of monomers e.g, polyethylene
 Growth of chain is linear - 2Dimensional
Condensation Polymerization
 Two or more reacting compounds are involved
 Continuous elimination of smaller molecules which
form a byproduct. e.g Bakelite (phenol formaldehyde)
 Growth is perpendicular to the direction of chain.
 3Dimensional chain formation

Cross
links
 TYPES OF PLASTICS
THERMO PLASTICS THERMO SETTING PLASTICS

1. Formed by Addition 1. Formed by condensation

polymerization only polymerization process.

2. Long Chain LINEAR polymers 2. CROSS linked structure

3. 2D Structure 3. 3D structure
Chain / Links in Plastic
 THERMO PLASTICS
4. Soften on heating
5. By Reheating they can be
softened, Reshaped and
Reused
6. Usually soft, weak and less
brittle.
7. Can be reclaimed from waste
8. Soluble in organic Solvents
9. They are expensive
e.g. Acrylics, PVC, PTFE,
Polyethylene, Nylon
Applications: Toys, Photographic
Films, hoses, sheets
THERMO SETTING PLASTICS
4. Do not soften on heating
5. They retain their shape on
heating and cannot be reshaped
and reused
6. Usually hard, strong and more
brittle.
7. Cannot be reclaimed
8. Insoluble in Organic Solvents
9. They are cheap
e.g. Alkyds, epoxies, melamine,
Bakelite, Polyesters
Applications: Electric Plugs, TV
cabinets, automobile parts, circuit
 Properties of Plastic
Advantages Limitations
Light in Weight Deformation due to heat
Silent in Operation (Noiseless) Scratches as it has soft surface
Easy Workability Mechanical Strength is poor
Low Melting point Attacked by few Solvents
Highly resistant to Abrasion Disposal is difficult
Corrosion Resistant
Good Damping Capacity
Good Surface Finish
Good Electrical Insulation
Good Strength and Rigidity
Resistant to Most Chemicals
Good Dimensional Stability
Impermeable to water
ADDITIVES used in Plastics
 ADDITIVES in Plastics
% USE
ADDITIVE TYPE FUNCTION
Substance
Accelerate the Chemical
CATALYST OR
Reaction during
ACCELERATORS
polymerization
They reduce cost, increase Up to 25%,
- Stiffness, dimensional Wood flour,
FILLERS
stability, thermal mica, quartz,
resistance asbestos
Up to 75%, Oily
Act as Internal compounds,
Lubricants, improve flow, organic solvents,
PLASTICIZERS
prevent crystallization by resin and
separating the chain sometimes even
 ADDITIVES in Plastics
ADDITIVE TYPE FUNCTION % USE Substance

Help in starting the reaction Hydrogen

INITIATORS
in polymerization Peroxide H2O2

Prevent deterioration due to Up to 25% Fire

STABILIZERS
heat and sunlight Retardants
DYES AND
Impart colour and shades Coloring Agents
PIGMENTS
Improve Mechanical
MODIFIERS
Properties of base resin
BLOWING Nitrogen, Inert
Create Porous Interiors
 Plastic Production Methods
1. Compression Moulding
2. Transfer Moulding
3. Injection Moulding
4. Extrusion Moulding
5. Blow Moulding
6. Calendaring
7. Laminating
8. Thermo Forming
Plastic Products
Thank You