Commodity Thermoplastics_ LDPE,

HDPE, PP, PVC, PS

Professor Joe Greene

CSU, CHICO

1
 Polyolefin Definition
• Olefins: Unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbons made from ethylene gas
• Ethylene is produced by cracking higher hydrocarbons of natural gas
or petroleum
• Olefin means oil forming
• Historically given to ethylene because oil was formed when ethylene
was treated with Cl.
• Now applies to all hydrocarbons with linear C::C double bonds (not
aromatic C::C double bonds)
• Polyethylene discovered around 1900, though using an expensive
process
• LDPE commercialized in 1939
• HDPE commercialized in 1957

2
 Principal Olefin Monomers

• Ethylene Propylene
H H H H

C C C C
H H CH3 H

• Butene-1 H H 4-Methylpentene
H H C C

C C C5H6 H

C2H5 H CH3 3
 Several Olefin Polymers

• Poly Ethylene Poly Propylene

H H H H
C C
C C
H H n
CH3 H
n

• PolyisoButene H H PolyMethylpentene
H H C C

C C C5H6 H
n
C2H5 H CH3 4
n
 Polymers Derived from Ethylene Monomer
X Position Material Name Abbreviation
H Polyethylene PE
Cl Polyvinyl chloride PVC
Methyl group Polypropylene PP
Benzene ring Polystyrene PS
CN Polyacrylonitrile PAN
OOCCH3 Polyvinyl acetate PvaC
OH Polyvinyl alcohol PVA
COOCH3 Polymethyl acrylate PMA
F Polyvinyl fluoride PVF

Note: |
Methyl Group is: H–C–H
|
H
Benzene ring is:

X Position Y Position Material Name Abbreviation

F F Polyvinylidene fluoride PVDF
Cl Cl Polyvinyl dichloride PVDC
CH3 (Methyl group) CH3 Polyisobutylene PB
COOCH3 CH3 Polymethyl methacrylate PMMA 5
 Addition Polymerization of PE
• Polyethylene produced with low (Ziegler) or high pressure (ICI)
• Polyethylene produced with linear or branched chains
H H H H H H H H H H
C C C C C C C C C C
H H H H H H H H H H
n

OR
H H H H H H H H H H
C C C C C C C C C C
H H H H H H H H H
H

n
H
C
H

6
C
n
H
 Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene
• Type 1: (Branched) Low Density of 0.910 - 0.925 g/cc
• Type 2: Medium Density of 0.926 - 0.940 g/cc
• Type 3: High Density of 0.941 - 0.959 g/cc
• Type 4: (Linear) High Density to ultra high density > 0.959
Mechanical Properties
Branched Low Medium High Linear High Density
Density Density Density
Density 0.91- 0.925 0.926- 0.94 0.941-0.95 0.959-0.965

Crystallinity 30% to 50% 50% to 70% 70% to 80% 80% to 91%

Molecular 10K to 30K 30K to 50K 50K to 250K 250K to 1.5M

Weight
Tensile 600 - 2,300 1,200 - 3,000 3,100 - 5,500 5,000 – 6,000
Strength, psi
Tensile 25K – 41K 38K – 75 K 150K – 158 150K – 158 K
Modulus, psi K
Tensile 100% - 650% 100%- 965% 10% - 1300% 10% - 1300%
Elongation, %
Impact Strength No break 1.0 – no 0.4 – 4.0 0.4 – 4.0
ft-lb/in break 7
Hardness, Shore D44 – D50 D50 – D60 D60 – D70 D66 – D73
 Physical Properties of Polyethylene
Physical Properties of polyethylene
Branched Low Medium Density High Linear High Density
Density Density
Optical Transparent to Transparent to Transparent to Transparent to opaque
opaque opaque opaque
Tmelt 98 – 115 C 122 – 124 C 130 – 137 C 130 –137 C

Tg -100 C -100 C -100 C -100 C

H20 Absorption Low < 0.01 Low < 0.01 Low < 0.01 Low < 0.01

Oxidation Low, oxides Low, oxides Low, oxides readily Low, oxides readily
Resistance readily readily
UV Resistance Low, Crazes Low, Crazes Low, Crazes readily Low, Crazes readily
readily readily
Solvent Resistant Resistant below Resistant below 60C Resistant below 60C
Resistance below 60C 60C
Alkaline Resistant Resistant Resistant Resistant
Resistance
Acid Oxidizing Oxidizing Acids Oxidizing Acids Oxidizing Acids
Resistance Acids

8
 Processing Properties of Polyethylene

Processing Properties
Branched Low Medium Density High Linear High Density
Density Density
Tmelt 98 – 115 C 122 – 124 C 130 – 137 C 130 –137 C

Recommended Temp I: 300F – 450F I: 300F – 450F I: 350F – 500F I: 350F – 500F
Range E: 250F – 450F E: 250F – 450F E: 350F – 525F E: 350F – 525F
(I:Injection, E:Extrusion)
Molding Pressure 5 – 15 psi 5 – 15 psi 12 – 15 psi 12– 15 psi

Mold (linear) shrinkage 0.015 – 0.050 0.015 – 0.050 0.015 – 0.040 0.015 – 0.040
(in/in)

9
 Special Low Versions of Polyethylene
Produced through catalyst selection and regulation of reactor conditions

• Very Low Density Polyethylene (VLDPE)

– Densities between 0.890 and 0.915
– Applications include disposable gloves, shrink packages,
vacuum cleaner hoses, tuning, bottles, shrink wrap, diaper
film liners, and other health care products
• Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
– Densities between 0.916 and 0.930
– Contains little if any branching
– Properties include good flex life, low warpage, and improved stress-
crack resistance
– Applications include films for ice, trash, garment, and produce bags

10
 Special High Versions of Polyethylene
Produced through catalyst selection and regulation of reactor conditions

• High Molecular Weight- High Density Polyethylene

(HMW-HDPE)
– Densities are 0.941 or greater
– MW from 200K to 500 K
– Properties include improved toughness, chemical resistance,
impact strength, and high abrasion resistance.
– High viscosities
– Applications include trash liners, grocery bags, industrial pipe,
gas tanks, and shipping containers

11
 Special High Versions of Polyethylene
Produced through catalyst selection and regulation of reactor conditions

• Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)

– Densities are 0.96 or greater
– MW from 3M to 6M
– Properties include improved high wear resistance, chemical inertness,
and low coefficient of friction.
– High viscosities result in material not flowing or melting.
– Processed similar to PTFE (Teflon)
– Ram extrusion and compression molding are used.
– Applications include pump parts, seals, surgical implants, pen tips, and
butcher-block cutting surfaces.

12
 Copolymers of Polyethylene
• Ethylene-ethyl acrylate (EEA)
– Properties range from rubbery to tough ethylene-like properties
– Applications include hot melt adhesives, shrink wrap, produce bags, bag-
in-box products, and wire coating.
• Ethylene-methyl acrylate (EMA)
– Produced by addition of methyl acrylate monomer (40% by weight)with
ethylene gas
– Tough, thermally stable olefin with good elastomeric characteristics.
– Applications include food packaging, disposable medical gloves, heat-
sealable layers, and coating for composite packaging

13
 Copolymers of Polyethylene
• Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
– Repeating groups is ethylene with an acetate functional
– Part of the pendent group are highly polar.
– Vinyl acetate reduces crystallinity and increases chemical reactivity because
of high regions of polarity.
– Result:flexible polymer that bonds well to other materials
– Excellent adhesive (Elmers Glue)
– Other applications include flexible packaging, shrink wrap, auto bumper
pads, flexible toys, and tubing

H H H H
C C C C
H H n H O
m
C=O 14
C
 Copolymers of Polyethylene
• Ethylene-Propylene (EPM)
– Ethylene and propylene are copolymerized in random manner and
causes a delay in the crystallization.
– Thus, the copolymer is rubbery at room temp because the Tg is
between HDPE (-110C) and PP (-20C).
– Ethylene and propylene can be copolymerized with small amounts
of a monomer containing 2 C=C double bonds (dienes)
– Results in a ter polymer, EPDM, or thermoplastic rubber, TPO

H H H H

C C C C

H H CH3 H 15
n m
 Mechanical Properties of PE Blends

Mechanical Properties of PE Blends

Ethylene-vinyl Ethylene-vinyl Ethylene- Ethylene-methyl
acetate alcohol ethyl acrylate acrylate
Density 0.922 – 0.943 1.14 – 1.19 0.93 0.942 – 0.945

Tensile 2,200 – 4,000 8,520 – 11,600 1,600 – 2,100 1,650

Strength, psi
Tensile 7K – 29K 300 K – 385 K 4K – 7.5 K 12 K
Modulus, psi
Tensile 300% - 750% 180%- 280% 700% - 750% 740%
Elongation, %
Impact Strength No break 1.0 – 1.7 No break
ft-lb/in
Hardness, Shore D17 – D45 D27 – D38

16
 Processing Properties of PE Blends

Processing Properties
Ethylene-vinyl Ethylene-vinyl Ethylene-ethyl Ethylene-methyl
acetate alcohol acrylate acrylate
Tmelt 103 – 108 C 142 – 181 C 83 C

Recommended Temp C: 200-300F I: 365F – 480F C: 200 – 300F E: 300F – 620F

Range (C: Compression) I: 300F – 430F E: 365F – 480F I: 250F – 500F
(I:Injection, E:Extrusion) E: 300F – 380F
Molding Pressure 1 – 20 psi 1 – 20 psi

Mold (linear) shrinkage 0.007 – 0.035 0.015 – 0.035

(in/in)

17
 Polypropylene History
• Prior to 1954 most attempts to produce plastics
from polyolefins had little commercial success
• PP invented in 1955 by Italian Scientist F.J.
Natta by addition reaction of propylene gas with
a sterospecific catalyst titanium trichloride.
• Isotactic polypropylene was sterospecific
(molecules are arranged in a definite order in
space)
• Polypropylene is similar in manufacturing
method and in properties to PE
18
 Chemical Structure
• Propylene
H H

C C

CH3 H
n

• Isotactic- CH3 on one side of polymer chain

(isolated). Commercial PP is 90% to 95% Isotactic
H H H H H H H H H H

C C C C C C C C C C
19
CH3 H CH3 H CH3 H CH3 H CH3 H
 Polypropylene Stereostatic Arrangements

•Atactic- CH3 in a random order (A- without; Tactic- order) Rubbery and of
limited commercial value.
H H H CH3 H CH3 H H H CH3

C C C C C C C C C C
CH3 H H H H H CH3 H H H

•Syndiotactic- CH3 in a alternating order (Syndio- ; Tactic- order)

H H H CH3 H H H CH3 H H

C C C C C C C C C C
20
CH3 H H H CH3 H H H CH3 H
 Addition Polymerization of PP
• Polypropylene produced with low pressure process (Ziegler)
• Polypropylene produced with linear chains
• Polypropylene is similar in manufacturing method and in properties to PE
• Differences between PP and PE are
– Density: PP = 0.90; PE = 0.941 to 0.965
– Melt Temperature: PP = 176 C; PE = 110 C
– Service Temperature: PP has higher service temperature
– Hardness: PP is harder, more rigid, and higher brittle point
– Stress Cracking: PP is more resistant to environmental stress cracking

21
 Advantages of Polypropylene
• Advantages
– Low Cost
– Excellent flexural strength
– Good impact strength
– Processable by all thermoplastic equipment
– Low coefficient of friction
– Excellent electrical insulation
– Good fatigue resistance
– Excellent moisture resistance
– Service Temperature to 126 C
– Very good chemical resistance

22
 Disadvantages of Polypropylene

• Disadvantages
– High thermal expansion
– UV degradation
– Poor weathering resistance
– Subject to attack by chlorinated solvents and aromatics
– Difficulty to bond or paint
– Oxidizes readily
– flammable

23
 Molecular Weight Review
• Molecular Weight estimates the average length of the polymer chain and is similar to the DP (degree of
polymerization)
– MW = (MW of mer) x DP
• Example: MW= 100,000 for PS then the DP = 1000. (PS = 104 amu)
• Example: MW= 50,000 for PE then the DP = 1800. (PE = 28 amu)
• Molecular Weight is measured by osmometry, light scattering and solution viscosity
• Molecular Weight is characterized by Weight Average, Mw, and Number Average, Mn.
• Polydispersity, PD
– Ratio of Mw / Mn

Frequency Mn

Mw

24
Weight
Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene
Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene
Polypropylene LDPE HDPE
(For Comparison) (For Comparison)
Density 0.90 0.91- 0.925 0.959-0.965

Crystallinity 30% to 50% 30% to 50% 80% to 91%

Molecular Weight 200K to 600K 10K to 30K 250K to 1.5M

Molecular Weight Range of Range of MWD Range of MWD

Dispersity MWD MWD for for processing for processing
(Mw/Mn) processing
Tensile Strength, 4,500 – 5,500 600 - 2,300 5,000 – 6,000
psi
Tensile Modulus, 165K – 225K 25K – 41K 150K – 158 K
psi
Tensile 100% - 600% 100% - 650% 10% - 1300%
Elongation, %
Impact Strength 0.4 – 1.2 No break 0.4 – 4.0
ft-lb/in
Hardness, Shore R80 - 102 D44 – D50 D66 – D73
25
 Physical Properties of Polyethylene
Physical Properties of Polypropylene
Polypropylene LDPE HDPE
Optical Transparent to Transparent to Transparent to opaque
opaque opaque
Tmelt 175 C 98 – 115 C 130 –137 C

Tg -20 C -100 C -100 C

H 20 0.01 – 0.03 Low < 0.01 Low < 0.01
Absorption

Oxidation Low, oxides Low, oxides Low, oxides readily

Resistance readily readily
UV Resistance Low, Crazes Low, Crazes Low, Crazes readily
readily readily
Solvent Resistant Resistant below Resistant below 60C
Resistance below 80C 60C
Alkaline Resistant Resistant Resistant
Resistance
Acid Oxidizing Oxidizing Acids Oxidizing Acids
Resistance Acids
26
 Processing Properties of Polyethylene

Processing Properties
Polypropylene LDPE HDPE
Tmelt 175 C 98 – 115 C 130 –137 C

Recommended Temp I: 400F – 550F I: 300F – 450F I: 350F – 500F

Range E: 400F – 500F E: 250F – 450F E: 350F – 525F
(I:Injection, E:Extrusion)
Molding Pressure 10 -20 psi 5 – 15 psi 12– 15 psi

Mold (linear) shrinkage 0.010 – 0.025 0.015 – 0.050 0.015 – 0.040

(in/in)

27
 Copolymers of Polypropylene
• Ethylene-propylene copolymers
– Small amount of PP can lower crystallinity of linear HDPE
• Polyallomers (block copolymers)
– Blocks of PE and PP polymers allows crystallization to take place
– Properties are similar to HDPE and PP
• Ethylene-propylene rubbers
– Random co-polymerization of ethylene and propylene prevents crystallization of the chains
by suppressing regularity of molecules
– Resulting polymers are amorphous having low Tg (between -110C and -20C depending on
% of PE and PP)
– Polymers are rubbery at room temperature
– Conventional vulcanization allows for use as commercial rubber, thermoplastic rubbers,
TPR

28
 Polyolefin_Polybutylene
• History H H
– PB invented in 1974 by Witco Chemical
– Ethyl side groups in a linear backbone C C
• Description
– Linear isotactic material CH2 H
– Upon cooling the crystallinity is 30%
CH3
– Post-forming techniques can increase crystallinity to 55%
– Formed by conventional thermoplastic techniques
• Applications (primarily pipe and film areas)
– High performance films
– Tank liners and pipes
– Hot-melt adhesive
– Coextruded as moisture barrier and heat-sealable packages
29
 Properties of Polybutylene

Mechanical Properties of Polybutylene

Polybutylene Polypropylene LDPE HDPE
(For Comparison) (For Comparison)
Density 0.908 -.917 0.90 0.91- 0.925 0.959-0.965

Crystallinity 30% to 50% 30% to 50% 30% to 50% 80% to 91%

Tensile Strength, 4,000 4,500 – 5,500 600 - 2,300 5,000 – 6,000

psi
Tensile Modulus, 10K – 40K 165K – 225K 25K – 41K 150K – 158 K
psi
Tensile 300% - 400% 100% - 600% 100% - 650% 10% - 1300%
Elongation, %
Impact Strength No break 0.4 – 1.2 No break 0.4 – 4.0
ft-lb/in
Hardness Shore D55 – D65 R80 - 102 D44 – D50 D66 – D73

30
 Polyolefin_Polymethylpentene (PMP)
• Description
H H
– Crystallizes to 40%-60%
– Highly transparent with 90% transmission C C
– Formed by injection molding and blow molding
CH2 H
• Properties
– Low density of 0.83 g/cc; High transparency H3C-CH-CH3
– Mechanical properties comparable to polyolefins with higher
temperature properties and higher creep properties.
– Low permeability to gasses and better chemical resistance
– Attacked by oxidizing agents and light hydrogen carbon solvents
– Attacked by UV and is quite flammable
• Applications
– Lighting elements (Diffusers, lenses reflectors), liquid level
– Food packaging containers, trays, and bags. 31
 Properties of Polymethylpentene
Mechanical Properties of Polymethylpentene
Polymethyl- Polypropylene LDPE HDPE
pentene (For Comparison) (For Comparison)
Density 0.83 0.90 0.91- 0.925 0.959-0.965

Crystallinity 40% to60% 30% to 50% 30% to 50% 80% to 91%

Tensile Strength, 4,000 – 5,000 4,500 – 5,500 600 - 2,300 5,000 – 6,000
psi
Tensile Modulus, 160K – 200K 165K – 225K 25K – 41K 150K – 158 K
psi
Tensile 100% - 400% 100% - 600% 100% - 650% 10% - 1300%
Elongation, %
Impact Strength 0.4 – 1.0 0.4 – 1.2 No break 0.4 – 4.0
ft-lb/in
Hardness R80 – R100 R80 - 102 D44 – D50 D66 – D73

32
 PVC Background
• Vinyl is a varied group- PVC, PVAc, PVOH, PVDC, PVB
– Polyvinyls were invented in 1835 by French chemist V. Regnault when he
discovered a white residue could be synthesized from ethylene dichloride in an
alcohol solution. (Sunlight was catalyst)
– PVC was patented in 1933 by BF Goodrich Company in a process that
combined a plasticizer, tritolyl phosphate, with PVC compounds making it
easily moldable and processed.
– PVC is the leading plastic in Europe and second to PE in the US.
– PVC is made by suspension process (82%), by mass polymerization (10% ), or
by emulsion (8%)
– All PVC is produced by addition polymerization from the vinyl chloride
monomer in a head-to-tail alignment.
– PVC is amorphous with partially crystalline (syndiotactic) due to structural
irregularity increasing with the reaction temperature.
– PVC (rigid) decomposes at 212 F leading to dangerous HCl gas

33
 PVC and Vinyl Products
• Rigid-PVC
– Pipe for water delivery
– Pipe for structural yard and garden structures

• Plasticizer-PVC or Vinyl
– Latex gloves
– Latex clothing
– Paints and Sealers
– Signs

34
 PVC and PS Chemical Structure
• Vinyl Groups (homopolymers produced by addition polymerization)
– PVC - poly vinylidene - polyvinylalcohol (PVOH)
chloride (PVDC)
H H H H
H Cl
C C C C
C C
H Cl H OH n
n H Cl
n
– polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) - PolyStyrene (PS)

H H H H

C C C C
H OCOCH3 H
n n 35
 Mechanical Properties of Polyvinyls
Mechanical Properties
PVC (rigid) PVC (Flexible) PVB PVDC
Density, g/cc 1.30-1.58 1.16-1.35 1.05 1.65-1.72

Tensile Strength, 6,000 - 7,500 1,500 -3,500 500 - 3,000 3,500 - 5,000
psi
Tensile Modulus, 350K – 600K 160K –240K
psi
Tensile 40% - 80% 200%-450% 150% - 450% 160% -240%
Elongation, %
Impact Strength 0.4 - 22 Range Range 0.4 - 1
ft-lb/in
Hardness Shore D65-85 Shore A50-100 M60-65

CLTE 50 -100 70-250 190

10-6 mm/mm/C
HDT 264 psi 140 F -170F 130F -150F

36
 Physical Properties of Polyvinyls
PVC (rigid) PVC (Flexible) PVB PVDC
Optical Transparent Transparent Transparent Transparent

Tmelt 75 – 105 C 75 – 105 C 49 172C

Tg 75 -105C 75-105C 49 -15C

H20 0.04-0.4% (24h) 0.15-0.75% (24h) 0.09-0.16% (24h) 0.1% (24h)
Absorption

Oxidation good good good good

Resistance
UV Resistance Poor Poor Poor good

Solvent Soluble in Soluble in Dissolved in ketones good

Resistance Acetone, and Acetone, and and esters
Cyclohexanol. Cyclohexanol.
Partially in Partially in
Toluene Toluene
Alkaline Excellent Excellent Excellent good
Resistance
Acid good good good good
Resistance

Cost $/lb $0.27 $0.27 $ $1.62

37
 Processing Properties of Polyvinyls

PVC (rigid) PVC (Flexible) PVB PVDC

Tmelt 75 – 105 C 75 – 105 C 49 172C

Recommended Temp I: 300F – 415F I: 320F – 385F I: 250F – 340F I: 300F – 400F
Range C: 285F-400F C: 285F - 350F C: 280F-320F C: 260F-350F
(I:Injection, E:Extrusion, E: 300F-400F
C: Compression)

Molding Pressure 10-40 kpsi 8-25 kpsi 0.5-3kpsi 5 - 30 kpsi

Mold (linear) shrinkage 0.002 – 0.006 0.010 – 0.050 0.005 - 0.025

(in/in)

38
 PS Background
• PS is one of the oldest known vinyl compounds
– PS was produced in 1851 by French chemist M. Berthelot by passing benzene and ethylene
through a red-hot-tube (basis for today)
– Amorphous polymer made from addition polymerization of styrene
– Homopolymer (crystal): (2.7 M metric tons in 1994)
• Clear and colorless with excellent optical properties and high stiffness.
• It is brittle until biaxially oriented when it becomes flexible and durable.
– Graft copolymer or blend with elastomers- Impact polystyrene (IPS):
• Tough, white or clear in color, and easily extruded or molded.
• Properties are dependent upon the elastomer %, but are grouped into
– medium impact (Izod<1.5 ft-lb), high impact (Izod between 1.5 to 2.4 ft-lb) and
super-high impact (Izod between 2.6 and 5 ft-lb)
– Copolymers include SAN (poly styrene-acrylonitrile), SMA (maleic anhydride), SBS
(butadiene), styrene and acrylic copolymers.
– Expandable PS (EPS) is very popular for cups and insulation foam.
• EPS is made with blowing agents, such as pentane and isopentane.
• The properties are dependent upon cell size and cell size distribution

39
Mechanical Properties of PS, ABS, SAN
Mechanical Properties
PS ABS SAN
Density, g/cc 1.04 1.16-1.21 1.07

Tensile Strength, 5,000 - 7,200 3,300 - 8,000 10,000 -12,000

psi
Tensile Modulus, 330K-475K 320K-400K 475K-560K
psi
Tensile 1.2% - 2.5% 1.5%-25% 2%-3%
Elongation, %
Impact Strength 0.35-0.45 1.4-12 0.4-0.6
ft-lb/in
Hardness M60-75 R100-120 R83, M80

CLTE 50 -83 65- 95 65-68

10-6 mm/mm/C
HDT 264 psi 169F - 202F 190F - 225F 214F - 220F

40
 Physical Properties of PS, ABS, SAN
PS ABS SAN
Optical Transparent Transparent Transparent

Tmelt 100 C 125C 120C

Tg 75 -105C 110 -125C 120C

H20 0.01-0.03% (24h) 0.2-0.6% (24h) 0.15-0.25% (24h)
Absorption

Oxidation good good good

Resistance
UV Resistance fair fair fair

Solvent Soluble in Soluble in Dissolved in ketones

Resistance Acetone, Benzene, Toluene and and esters
Toluene and Ethylene
Methylene dichloride,
dichloride Partially in
Benzene
Alkaline Excellent Excellent Poor: attacked by
Resistance oxidizing agents
Acid Poor: attacked by Poor: attacked by good
Resistance oxidizing agents oxidizing agents

Cost $/lb $0.41 $0.90 $0.87

41
 Processing Properties of PS, ABS, SAN

PS ABS SAN
Tmelt 100 C 125C 120C

Recommended Temp I: 350F – 500F I: 380F – 500F I: 360F – 550F

Range E: 350F- 500F C: 350F - 500F E: 360F -450F
(I:Injection, E:Extrusion) C: 300F - 400F C:300F - 400F

Molding Pressure 5 - 20 kpsi 8-25 kpsi 5-20 kpsi

Mold (linear) shrinkage 0.004 – 0.007 0.004 – 0.008 0.003 – 0.005

(in/in)

42
 Section Review
• Major Topics
– Vinyl is a varied group- PVC, PVAc, PVOH, PVDC, PVB.
– PVC is the leading plastic in Europe and second to PE in the US.
– PVC is produced by addition polymerization from the vinyl chloride monomer
in a head-to-tail alignment.
– PVC is partially crystalline (syndiotactic) with structural irregularity increasing
with the reaction temperature.
– PVC (rigid) decomposes at 212 F leading to dangerous HCl gas
X1
– Vinyls have (CH2CX2) repeating link
– PS is Amorphous and made from addition polymerization
– PC is amorphous and made from condensation polymerization
– Effects of reinforcements on PP and PS

43
 Homework Questions

6. Four typical Physical Properties of PVC are Optical = _______,

Resistance to moisture= ______ , UV resistance= _____, solvent
resistance=_______
7. The Advantages of PP are ________, ________, _______, and
__________.
8. The Disadvantages of PP are ________, ________, _______, and
__________.
9. Glass fiber affects PP by (strength) ________, (modulus)________,
(impact)_______, (density) __________, and (cost) ____________.
10. Two Blends PVC are ___________, and __________.

44
 Section Review
• Major Topics
– Isotactic, atactic, sydiotactic polypropylene definitions
– Differences between PP and PE
– Molecular Weight definition and forms (Weight Average,
Mw, and Number Average, MA )
– Polydispersity definition and meaning
– Relation between Molecular weight and Degree of
Polymerization (DP)
– Mechanical, physical, and processing properties of PP,
Polybutylene, and polymethylpentene
– PP is produced with linear chains
45
 Section Review

• Key Terms and Concepts

– Polyolefin
– Molecular weight
– Number average molecular weight, weight average MW
– Polydispersity
– Polymer shrinkage
– Polymer blends
– Tensile Modulus
– Izod Impact Strength
46
 Homework Questions
1. Define Polyvinyls, PS, PP, HDPE, chemical structure.

2. Compare the density PVC, PVB, PS, and PVDC which is higher/lower than PP.

3. Compare the density of HDPE, LDPE, UHMWPE, LLDPE to PP?

4. What is the tensile strength of PP with 0%, 30% glass fibers? What is the tensile modulus?

5. Plot tensile strength and tensile modulus of PVC, PS, PP, LDPE and HPDE to look like:

50 xHDPE
Tensile
Strength, xLDPE
Kpsi 10
200 500 47
Tensile Modulus, Kpsi
 Homework Questions
1. Define Polypropylene chemical structure
2. Does commercial PP have Isotactic, atactic, sydiotactic form.
3. If MW of PP is 200,000, what is the approx. DP?
4. Polydispersity represents the distribution of _______and _____
5. Density of PP is _____ which is higher/lower than HDPE.
6. PP mechanical properties are higher/lower than LDPE and HDPE
7. Plot tensile strength and tensile modulus of PP, LDPE and HPDE to
look like the following

50 xHDPE
Tensile
Modulus, xLDPE
Kpsi 10
2 5 48
Tensile Strength, Kpsi
 Homework Questions
8. Four typical Physical Properties of PP are Optical = _______, Resistance
to moisture= ______ , UV resisance= _____, solvent resistance=_______
9. The Advantages of PP are ________, ________, _______, and
__________.
10. The Disadvantages of PP are ________, ________, _______, and
__________.
11. Glass fiber affects PP by (strength) ________, (modulus)________,
(impact)_______, (density) __________, and (cost) ____________.
12. Five polyolefins are ________, ________, _______, ______, and
__________.

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