Scribd
Upload
46 views7 pages

Plastics. 3D Design & Printing: Origin

Plastics originate from polymers formed from monomers. There are natural polymers from plants and animals, and synthetic polymers primarily from petroleum and natural gas. Plastics are categorized into thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers based on their behavior when heated. Thermoplastics can be melted and reshaped multiple times, thermosets set permanently after heating, and elastomers are flexible but degrade with heat. Common examples of each type were listed.

Uploaded by

monika krajewska
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
46 views7 pages

Plastics. 3D Design & Printing: Origin

Plastics originate from polymers formed from monomers. There are natural polymers from plants and animals, and synthetic polymers primarily from petroleum and natural gas. Plastics are categorized into thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers based on their behavior when heated. Thermoplastics can be melted and reshaped multiple times, thermosets set permanently after heating, and elastomers are flexible but degrade with heat. Common examples of each type were listed.

Uploaded by

monika krajewska
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 7

17/11/2016

03. Plastics. 3D Design & Printing


03.01 Plastics Origin & Types

03.01 Plastics Origin & Types Origin


Plastics’ smallest molecules are called monomers.

Monomers group forming very large molecules called


polymers

1
17/11/2016

03.01 Plastics Origin & Types Origin


Depending on their origin, we can differentiate between:
Natural Polymers and Synthetic Polymers
Natural Polymers:
Plant-based materials:
Latex (rubber), cotton, cellulose

Animal-based
Silk, casein (protein in cow’s milk)

03.01 Plastics Origin & Types Origin


Depending on their origin, we can differentiate between:
Natural Polymers and Synthetic Polymers
Synthetic Polymers
Mineral-based: petroleum and natural gas mainly.

Most polymers belong to this group, that is why we


refer to them as plastics

2
17/11/2016

03.01 Plastics Origin & Types Types of plastics

Depending on their behavior when they are heated, there


are three types of plastics:
thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers.

3
17/11/2016

03.01 Plastics Origin & Types Types of plastics


thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers

Thermoplastics.
They are softened by heating  formed & melted
This process can be repeated as many times as needed.

03.01 Plastics Origin & Types Types of plastics


thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers

Examples of thermoplastics.
PVC Pipes, seals, electrical cord
insulations,…
PolyVinyl Chloride

PE Bags, plates, buckets, pipes,..


PolyEthylene
PP Rope, window blinds, folders,
toys…
PolyPropylene
PS Food containers, Yoghurts
pots, toys,..
PolyStyrene

PET Water or soft drink bottles


PolyEthylene
Terephthalate

4
17/11/2016

03.01 Plastics Origin & Types Types of plastics


thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers

Thermosets.
They form networks  heated and moulded just once.
If you heat it after it is cooled it will burn.

03.01 Plastics Origin & Types Types of plastics


thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers

Examples of thermosets.

Bakelite Handles for pans,


electrical
accessories…

Polyester resins Car bodies,


swimming pools,…

Melamine Coating for wooden


boards in kitchens

5
17/11/2016

03.01 Plastics Origin & Types Types of plastics


thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers

Elastomers (rubber).

The main characteristic of elastomer materials is the


high elongation and flexibility or elasticity of these
materials, against its breaking or cracking.

They also degrade easily with heat and can not be re-
melted once they have been formed

03.01 Plastics Origin & Types Types of plastics


thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers

Elastomers (rubber).

Depending on the
distribution and
degree of the chemical
bonds of the polymers
they can have
properties or
characteristics similar
to thermosets or
thermoplastics

6
17/11/2016

03.01 Plastics Origin & Types Types of plastics


thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers

Examples of elastomers.

TPE Cable insulation


Thermoplastic and Jacketing
Elastomer

Neoprene Corrosion-resistant
coatings, fire doors,
wetsuit

Rubber Tyres, hoses, rubber


bands,..

You might also like