What Are Polymer Materials?
Polymer is one kind of natural or synthetic substances composed of proteins, cellulose, and nucleic acids.
These polymer material based on their structural and thermal behaviors form the basis of most plastics, rubbers, adhesives, and synthetic fibers, widely used in many forms such as, tubes, rods, films,
sheets, foams, coatings, adhesives, moulded and fabricated articles etc.
There are main 3 kinds of polymer, including thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers, which respectively has unique properties and industrial uses.
Type of Polymer Material Including :
1. Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics are large molecules made up of smaller particles monomers bonded together in linear chains, whose length determine the properties of thermoplastic.
The thermoplastics are polymer materials which can be soften and melt to be easily recycled ,and the molecular chains can revert back to a restricted hard state when cooled. This process is reversible and can be repeated many times without significant degradation, making thermoplastics ideal for recycling.
Common Characteristics of Thermoplastics :
* Recyclable
* Flexible to rigid range
* Moldable with heat
* Typically low melting point
Examples:
* Polyethylene (PE): Used in packaging, plastic bags
* Polypropylene (PP): Used in containers, automotive parts
* Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Pipes, cables, synthetic leather
* Polystyrene (PS): Disposable cutlery, foam packaging
* Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Bottles, food containers
Wide Applications:
There thermoplastics material are essential in the construction industry ,they are mainly used in injection molding, extrusion, food packaging, cables, insulation materials ,waterproof clothing and 3D printing for consumer goods, automotive, electronics and other industries.
2. Thermosets
Thermosets are also known as thermosetting polymers , they are one chemically cross-linked polymer featured with infusible, insoluble , formed from an irreversible curing reaction of chemical materials in a liquid, soft solid or viscous state when heated. But once cured, they could not be remelted or reshaped.
Common Characteristics of Thermosets:
* High thermal stability
* Hard and brittle
* Excellent chemical resistance
* Not recyclable
Examples of Thermosets :
* Epoxy Resins: Coatings, adhesives, electrical insulation
* Phenolic Resins: Circuit boards, brake pads
* Melamine Formaldehyde: Tableware, laminates
* Polyurethane (in some forms): Foam cushions, insulation
Wide Applications:
With a combination of thermal stability, performance, and chemical resistance, thermoset polymer are widely used in various industries—from the manufacturing of electrical components and durable manufactured goods to the aerospace industry , The thermosets are mainly used in these industries where durability, strength, and heat resistance are critical, such as electronics, aerospace, and automotive parts ,they are also applicable for adhesives, coatings, insulators, mattresses, thermal insulators, hospital articles , protective coatings and so on.
3. Elastomers (Rubbers)
An elastomer is a type of rubbery material composed of long chainlike molecules, or polymers , in which the intermolecular forces binding the molecule together are weak.
Elastomers feature with elastic properties, are able to return to their original shape after being stretched or compressed. They combine the flexibility of thermoplastics with the strength of thermosets.
Common Characteristics of Elastomers:
* High elasticity
* Good resilience
* Wide operating temperature range
* Variable hardness
Examples of Elastomers :
* Natural Rubber (NR): Tires, gloves
* Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR): Automotive parts, shoe soles
* Silicone Rubber: Medical devices, seals
* EPDM Rubber: Roofing, weather stripping
* Polyurethane, polybutadiene, neoprene
* Nitrile Rubber (NBR): Fuel hoses, gaskets
* Silicone
Wide Applications of Elastomers :
Elastomers are also commonly used as adhesives and mounts in vehicles, sealing and securing windshields, automotive,tires ,Silicone rubber , medical , mirrors, belts, hoses gasket seals , composites ,molds, lubricants, and consumer sectors for vibration damping, sealing, and insulation.