16-4 Typical Thermoplastics

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Because bonding within the chains is stronger, rotation and sliding of the chains is more dicult, leading to higher strengths, higher stinesses, and higher melting points than the simpler addition polymers (Table 16-3). In some cases, good impact properties can be gained from these complex chains, with polycarbonates being particularly remarkable. Polycarbonates (LexanTM , Merlon TM , and Sparlux TM ) are used to make bulletproof windows, compact disks for data storage, and in many other applications.

TABLE 16-3 9 Repeat units and applications for selected addition thermoplastics Polymer
Polyethylene (PE)

Repeat Unit

Application
Packing films, wire insulation, squeeze bottles, tubing, household items Pipe, valves, fittings, floor tile, wire insulation, vinyl automobile roofs

Polymer
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)

Repeat Unit

Application
Textile fibers, precursor for carbon fibers, food container Windows, windshields, coatings, hard contact lenses, lighted signs

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (acrylicPlexiglas)

Polypropylene (PP)

Tanks, carpet fibers, rope, packaging

Polystyrene (PS)

Packaging and insulation foams, lighting panels, appliance components, egg cartons

Polychlorotrifluoroethylene

Valve components, gaskets, tubing, electrical insulation

Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) (PTFE)

Seals, valves, nonstick coatings

Thermoplastics with Complex Structures A large number of polymers, that typically are used for special applications and in relatively small quantities, are formed from complex monomers, often by the condensation mechanism. Oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and benzene rings (or aromatic groups) may be incorporated into the chain. Table 16-4 shows the repeat units and typical applications for a number of these complex polymers. Polyoxymethylene, or acetal, is a simple example in which the backbone of the polymer chain contains alternating carbon and oxygen atoms. A number of these polymers, including polyimides and polyetheretherketone (PEEK), are important aerospace materials.

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CHAPTER 16

Polymers

TABLE 16-4 9 Repeat units and applications for complex thermoplastics Polymer
Polyoxymethylene (acetal)(POM)

Repeat Unit

Applications
Plumbing fixtures, pens, bearings, gears, fan blades Bearings, gears, fibers, rope, automotive components, electrical components Fibers, photographic film, recording tape, boil-inbag containers, beverage containers Electrical and appliance housings, automotive components, football helmets, returnable bottles

Polyamide (nylon) (PA)

Polyester (PET)

Polycarbonate (PC)

Polyimide (PI)

Adhesives, circuit boards, fibers for space shuttle

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)

High-temperature electrical insulation and coatings Coatings, fluid-handling components, electronic components, hair dryer components Electrical components, coffeemakers, hair dryers, microwave oven components Electronic components, aerospace and automotive applications

Polyether sulfone (PES)

Polyamide-imide (PAI)