Plastics and their uses

High Density Polythene Low Density Polythene Polyvinyl Chloride Polystyrene Nylon Cellulose Acetate Acrylic Polypropylene ABS Epoxy Resin Melamine Formaldehyde Polyester Resin Glass Reinforced Plastic Carbon Fibre Plastics Elastomers

All Plastics fall within two groups

Thermoplastics High Density Polythene Low Density Polythene Polyvinyl Chloride Polystyrene Polypropylene Nylon ABS Cellulose Acetate Acrylic Elastomers Thermosetting Plastics Epoxy Resin Polyester Resin Glass Reinforced Plastic Carbon Fibre Plastics Melamine Formaldehyde

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High Density Polythene

2
H E DP

HDPE is used for Buckets, Basins, Bottles, Containers and is extensively used in both Blow Moulding and Injection Moulding processes

Properties: Tough, Feels Waxy, Resistant to chemicals.

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Low Density Polythene

4
L E DP

Most LDPE application is film based. Industry uses also include wire and cable coating, injection and Blowmolding. is used for Plastic bags, Bottles

Properties: Soft, Flexible good electrical insulator.

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Polyvinyl Chloride

3
PC V

PVC is used for Gutters, Window frames & Drainpipes. It is often used in the Extrusion process.

Properties: Rigid, Weather resistant.

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Polystyrene

6
P S

Polystyrene is used extensively in the packaging industry. It is also used to insulate buildings

Properties: Soft, Lightweight, Good insulator

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Nylon

7
Nylon is used for Gear wheels, Bearings, Curtain rails packaging, film, clothing,
Other

Properties: Hard, tough, rigid. Self-lubricating. Resistant to petrochemicals.

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Cellulose Acetate

7
Other

Cellulose Acetate is one of the older plastics and is used for film making & Packaging

Properties:

Hard, tough, flexible

Acrylic

7
Acrylic is used for Baths, Signs, Lighting, Windows (Perspex) display stands
Other

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Properties: Stiff, Hard, Brittle, Scratches easily

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Polypropylene

5
P P

Polypropylene is one of the more flexible plastics and is used for Plastic hinges, Crates, Rope & Yarn

Properties: Rigid, Good fatigue resistance, Good chemical resistance

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Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

5
P P

ABS is used extensively for injection molding, Typical products would be Car bumpers, Kitchen ware, Cases, helmets etc

Properties: Strong and Tough. Impact resistant, Scratch resistant, Chemical resistant. Comes in a wide range of colours.

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Epoxy Resin
Epoxy Resin is generally used as an adhesive of as a liquid for casting

Properties: Strong (when reinforced), Clear

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Melamine Formaldehyde
Melamine Formaldehyde commonly known as Formica is a composite material made from resin and layers of paper, Commonly used for kitchen worktops

Properties: Clarity, Stability to heat, light, chemicals, abrasion and fire

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Polyester Resin
Polyester Resin is primarily used with Glassfiber to form GRP however it can be used on its own for casting and embedding

Properties: Brittle, Clear

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Glass Reinforced Plastic

Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) is a composite material made from Resin and Glass fiber sheet. This combination produces a lightweight yet extremely strong material and is used everywhere from Speed boat hulls to aircraft

Properties: Very Strong, Lightweight

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Carbon Fibre Plastics

Carbon Fibre Plastics have an extremely strong strength to weight ratio and are often used for Sports Car bodywork, High end cycles, fishing rods etc

Properties: Very Strong, Lightweight, flexible

Elastomers

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Elastomers are plastics with elastic properties, most ate capable of considerable deformation and will return to their original shape. Uses range from waterproof seals to foam padding

Properties: Flexible, Waterproof

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