UNIT 3: TECHNICAL MATERIALS

A polymer is a large molecule created as a result of the binding, accumulation and

repetition of structural unit called monomers, which are duplicated and joined together
to form a large chain or network like structure. This process is called polymerisation.
There are three types of plastic:
-Thermoplastics: are made up of long, linear chains of polymers easy to break by
applying heat and come back together again when the plastic is cooled. Thermoplastic
may therefore be melted and put into a mould many times, which means they are very
easy to recycle.
Los termoplásticos están formados por largas cadenas lineales de polímeros fáciles de
romper al aplicar calor y volver a unirse cuando el plástico se enfría. Por lo tanto, el
termoplástico se puede fundir y poner en un molde muchas veces, lo que significa que
son muy fáciles de reciclar.

1. Polyethylene terephthalate
2. High-density polyethylene
3. Polyvinyl chloride
4. Low-density polyethylene
5. Polypropylene
6. Polystyrene
7. Others
-Thermosetting polymers: are made up of three dimensional, interwoven polymer
chains. They are formed in two separated stages:
1. Form linear chains of polymers.
2. During the curing stage, being moulded into the shape of a desired object by means of
applying heat and pressure, thereby causing the chains to weave together.
Los termoestables se componen de cadenas tridimensionales de polímeros
entrelazados. Se forman en dos etapas separadas:
1. Formar cadenas lineales de polímeros.
2. Durante la etapa de curado, se amontonan en la forma de un objeto deseado
mediante la aplicación de calor y presión, lo que hace que las cadenas se junten.

-Bakelites: electrical circuits

-Melamine resins: plastic cutleries
-Polyester resins: swimming pools
-Epoxy resins: sport halls
-Polyurethanes: building
Difference: if heat is reapplied to the thermosetting object finished, it will burn
because the chains that form them break down irreversibly before the plastic
melts.
-Elastomers: are thermosetting polymers that, according to the specific distribution of
their branches, become highly elastic at room temperature.
Elastómeros: son polímeros termoestables que, de acuerdo con la distribución específica de
sus ramas, se vuelven altamente elásticos a temperatura ambiente.

-Rubber: tyres
-Neoprene: thermal clothing to insulate against the cold and moisture
-Silicone: flexible moulds and packaging for food

PLASTIC SHAPPING TECHNIQUES

Compression: the plastic is placed in a steel mold and heated so that it acquires a paste-
like consistency.
Extrusion: liquid plastic is passed through a hole. A machine called extruder is used.
Injection: the raw material is placed in a hopper. An extruder compacts and melts the
plastic, which is then inserted by means of pressure into a metal mold. The plastic is
then cooled so that it hardens and the finished product is removed from the mold.
Blow forming: molten plastic is given a tubular shape with the use of an extruder. The
plastic is then inserted into a mold. Air is blown inside this mold until the plastic takes
on the shape of walls.
Vacuum forming: a sheet of plastic is placed over the mold of the object we want to
make. With electrical resistances, the sheet is softened by means of heat. The mold and
plastic are placed together and the air between them is vacuumed out so that the plastic
takes on the exact shape of the mold.
Calendering: through a hopper at the top of the calender and is passed through a series
of rollers that give the sheet or plate its shape.
Rotational molding: a mold contain molten plastic inside is turned slowly. The
centrifugal force causes the plastic to move to the walls at the mold, taking the shape of
the object that is to be made.
Dip molding: submerge a porcelain or glass mold into a bath of molten plastic.