Introduction

MFG 355
Plastics
 What is a plastic?
• Materials composed
of large molecules
which are
synthetically made or
modified
• Solids that have been
shaped or molded
• Studied by chemists,
engineers and
technicians
 What is a molecule?
• A collection of atoms having a particular
property
– Structures are deduced
– Deduction is through statistical probability
 Properties of Plastics
• Macro (bulk)
• Micro (crystals—many molecules)
• Molecular (atoms)
 Plastics Compared to Metals and
Ceramics
Characteristic Advantage Disadvantage

Low melting point Ease of processing Lower useful thermal range

High elongation Low brittleness High creep, low yield strength
Low density Lightweight products Low structural strength
Low thermal conductivity Good thermal insulation Low heat dissipation
Electrical resistance Good electrical insulation Low conductivity
Optical clarity (some types) Utility as clear material UV degradation
Easily colored Use without painting Hard to color match
Solvent sensitivity Can be applied as solution Affected by solvents
Flammable Waste can be burned May cause fumes/fire hazard
 Polymers—many atoms or
molecules
• Natural or Synthetic
• Monomer = building block
• Polymer = chains (linked
groups)
 History of Polymers
Date Material Example Use

1868 Cellulose Nitrate Figurines

1909 Phenol-Formaldehyde Electrical equipment
1919 Casein Beauty accessories
1927 Cellulose Acetate Cellophane package wrapping
1927 Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe, Synthetic Leather
1929 Urea-Formaldehyde Lighting fixtures, Plywood glue
1936 Acrylic Brush backs, displays
1936 Polyvinyl Acetate Synthetic flooring
1938 Polystyrene or Styrene Disposable utensils
1938 Nylon (Polyamide) Hosiery
1938 Polyvinyl Butyrate Safety glass interlayer
1939 Polyvinylidene Chloride Saran wrap
1939 Melamine-Formaldehyde Countertops, Cabinets
 History of Polymers
Date Material Example Use
1942 Polyester Clothing, Boat hulls
1942 Polyethylene Milk Jugs
1943 Fluorocarbon Industrial gaskets, Non-stick liners
1943 Silicone Gaskets, Tubing, Utensils
1947 Epoxy Glues
1948 Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Luggage
1954 Polyurethane or Urethane Foam cushions, Shoe soles, Wheels
1956 Acetal Automotive parts, Toilet parts
1957 Polypropylene Living hinges, Safety helmets
1957 Polycarbonate Water bottles, Eye protection
1964 Ionomer Golf balls, Skin packages
1964 Polyimide Gears
 History of Polymers
• Natural polymers
– Rubber
– Wood pulp—cellulose nitrate
 History of Polymers
• Discovered polymers
– Phenolic (Bakelite)
• Handles for pots and pans
• Counter Tops
– PE (polyethylene)
• Milk jugs
• Garbage bags
 History of Polymers
• Designed polymers
– Nylon
• Rope
• Sunglasses
– War needs
• Synthetic rubber
• Teflon
• Epoxies
 History of Polymers
• New types
– Electrically conductive
– Light sensitive
– Bio-degradable
– Bio-compatible
 Raw Materials
• Crude Oil
• Prices
• Strategic materials
 Uses
• Automobile
– Weight (mileage)
• Aviation
– 767, 787
– Voyager, Space Ship
One
• Everywhere
Thank You