IGCSE Design & Technology

3P​ lastic
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3. Plastic
● Plastic​ ​refers to the property of a material to have its shape or form changed
● Polymer​ are materials formed by molecules in long chains
○ Elastic state: heated to shapeable consistency, can be shaped, well return to
original shape if stress not removed (line bending, vacuum forming, dome
blowing)
○ Plastic state: softer than elastic state and more malleable (injection moulding)
● Thermoforming plastic​ are polymers that can be reheated and reformed for reshaping
within the temperature band
○ Elastic state​ (soft consistency and malleable but will not retain shape): Line
bending, vacuum forming, dome blowing or blow moulding
○ Plastic state ​(softer than elastic state): rotational moulding and injection moulding

Name Description Uses

Nylon ● Used as fibre in clothing and Mechanical components

tectel
● Common engineering plastic
(TP) in rod, tube, sheet and
powder
● Resist abrasion, low friction
characteristics and good
chemical resistance
like gears bushes
Fibre from like ropes,
fabric, toothbrush
bristles and waterproof
coating

Low and high ● Most common TP Bottles and container,

density ● LDPE is less expensive waste bins, packaging
polyethylene (LDPE ● HDPE is more expensive and films, electrical

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 and HDPE) in more density insulator, toys and
● Resistance to chemical and bullet proof vest
and some float

Polyethene ● Hard, stiff strong, stable ● Sign, drink bottle

terephthalate (PET) ● Chemical resistance (except and bank smart
alkali), and gas barrier card
property

Polyvinyl Chloride ● Resistance to chemical and ● Rain, water and

(PVC) solvents sewage pipes, toy
● Good tensile strength, clothing, foot wear,
impact resistance and adhesive tape,
flexible medical goods and
● Resistance to water and fire packaging
● Comes in variety of colour

Acrylic (PMMA) ● Hard, reasonable tensile ● Bathroom furniture,

strength and good aircraft canopies,
resistance to UV light and headlight lenses
weather and kitchen product
● Comes in range of colour
(transparent and opaque)
● Extruded and cast can be
cemented with solvent

Polystyrene ● High impact PS have better ● Computer case,

impact resistance but poor food packaging,
resistance to UV light domestic appliance
eg hair dryer

Acrylonitrile ● Durable, weather and ● Boat, telephone,

Butadienestyrene chemical resistance garden tools
(ABS) ● Rigid, rubber like for good
impact resistance

● Thermosetting plastic​ are plastic that harden when heat is applied and are one way
reaction so they cannot return to original shape once heated. It can be shaped by casting,
resin encapsulating glass fibre, carbon fibre and compression moulding.
●

Name Description Uses

Melamine ● Clear, hard and chemical ● Electrical plugs,

Formaldehyde (MF) resistant switches and socket

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 Urea ● High tensile strength and ● Button, toilet seats
Formaldehyde (UF) surface hardness electrical fittings,
● Low water absorption and adhesives
mould shrinkage

Polyester resin ● Stable, low cost, easy to use ● Car body panel,
● Good mechanical, chemical adhesive coating,
resistance and electrical printed circuit boards
properties

Epoxy Resin ● High adhesive strength and ● Adhesive, sealant,

mechanical properties coating, mould/die for
● Electrical insulation and thermoforming plastic
chemical resistance
● Oil based plastic​ usually don’t biodegrade so international symbol that indicate the status
of plastic helps to create a sustainable use of plastic (reuse, reduce & recycle)