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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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,..