PMI COLLEGES INC.

#73 Fernando Poe Jr. Ave. San Franciso Del Monte

Quezon City
AREOLA, JOEMAR T.

MEJ1-B1

POLYMERS AND NON METALLIC MATERIALS (TOPIC 3)

1.) Explain the application of polymers and non-metallic materials onboard ship?

Polymers and non-metallic materials play a crucial role onboard ships, providing various applications
and benefits. Here are some key areas where these materials are commonly used:
 Insulation and Fire Safety: Polymers and non-metallic materials are extensively used for
insulation purposes, preventing the transfer of heat and cold. They help maintain the desired
temperature within the ship's compartments and reduce energy consumption. Additionally, these
materials can be designed to have fire-resistant properties, enhancing the ship's overall safety.
 Structural Components: Certain polymers possess excellent mechanical properties, such as high
strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. These materials are utilized in the construction of
non-structural components like handrails, ladders, gratings, and hatches. The use of polymers in
these applications reduces weight, minimizes maintenance requirements, and enhances the ship's
overall performance.
 Piping and Tubing Systems: Non-metallic materials like reinforced plastic composites, such as
fiberglass-reinforced epoxy (GRE) or glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), are commonly used in
piping and tubing systems onboard ships. These materials offer advantages such as corrosion
resistance, lightweight, and ease of installation. They are particularly suitable for transporting
fluids in various ship systems, including water, fuel, and chemicals.
 Electrical and Electronic Components: Polymers and non-metallic materials find extensive use in
electrical and electronic systems onboard ships. They are employed for insulation, wiring, cable
sheathing, connectors, and circuit board components. These materials offer excellent electrical
insulation properties, resistance to moisture, and the ability to withstand harsh environmental
conditions.
 Deck Coverings and Coatings: Polymers are widely used in the form of paints, coatings, and
deck coverings on ships. These materials provide protection against corrosion, abrasion, and UV
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radiation. They help preserve the structural integrity of the ship's decks, enhance traction, and
improve aesthetics.
 Sealing and Gasketing: Non-metallic materials, such as rubber and elastomers, are commonly
used for sealing and gasketing applications on ships. They create watertight and airtight seals in
various systems, including doors, windows, hatches, and pipe connections. These materials offer
excellent resilience, chemical resistance, and sealing properties, ensuring the ship's integrity and
preventing leakage.
 Environmental Protection: Polymers and non-metallic materials are employed in environmental
protection systems onboard ships. For instance, they are used in oil containment booms, spill
control materials, and wastewater treatment systems. These materials aid in preventing and
mitigating environmental hazards, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Overall, the use of polymers and non-metallic materials onboard ships brings numerous advantages,
including weight reduction, corrosion resistance, energy efficiency, improved safety, and ease of
maintenance. These materials continue to advance, offering innovative solutions to meet the evolving
needs of the maritime industry.

2.) What are Polymers? What advantages does it has to contribute onboard ship application?

Polymers are large molecules made up of repeating subunits called monomers. They are characterized
by their long chains of bonded atoms and can be found in various forms, including plastics, fibers,
rubber, adhesives, coatings, and more. Polymers possess a wide range of physical and chemical
properties, making them versatile materials for numerous applications.
In the context of onboard ship applications, polymers offer several advantages:
 Lightweight: Polymers are generally lightweight compared to other materials like metals. This
property is valuable in shipbuilding as it helps reduce overall weight, leading to improved fuel
efficiency and increased payload capacity.
 Corrosion resistance: Many polymers are highly resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for
use in marine environments. They can withstand exposure to saltwater, chemicals, and
atmospheric conditions without deteriorating, reducing maintenance requirements and extending
the lifespan of ship components.
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 Insulation: Polymers exhibit excellent electrical insulation properties, which is crucial for ship
wiring and electrical systems. They help prevent electrical leakages, short circuits, and electrical
hazards, enhancing safety onboard.
 Flexibility and impact resistance: Some polymers possess high flexibility and impact resistance,
allowing them to absorb shocks and vibrations. These properties are advantageous in
applications such as ship hull coatings, bumpers, fenders, and anti-vibration mounts, where they
help protect the vessel's structure and equipment.
 Low friction and self-lubrication: Certain polymers have low friction coefficients and self-
lubricating properties, which can reduce wear and tear in ship components like bearings, seals,
and gears. This characteristic contributes to smoother operation, decreased energy consumption,
and extended service life.
 Design versatility: Polymers can be molded into various shapes and sizes, offering design
flexibility. They can be tailored to meet specific requirements, allowing for custom-made ship
components, such as pipes, valves, fittings, and insulation materials.
 Noise and vibration damping: Some polymers possess excellent noise and vibration damping
properties. They can help reduce noise levels and vibrations generated by ship machinery,
contributing to a quieter and more comfortable onboard environment.
It's important to note that specific polymer materials and formulations may vary depending on the
application, and careful consideration should be given to factors such as mechanical strength, fire
resistance, UV stability, and regulatory compliance when selecting polymers for ship applications.

3.) Are Non-Metallic Materials Combustible or hazardous? Please explain further in your own
simple idea and knowledge?

Non-metallic materials can be combustible or hazardous depending on their specific properties and
intended use. It's important to understand that not all non-metallic materials are combustible or pose a
hazard, but some do.

Combustibility refers to the ability of a material to ignite and burn when exposed to a heat source. Many
non-metallic materials, such as wood, paper, textiles, plastics, and rubber, are combustible. These
materials can catch fire and sustain a flame when exposed to an ignition source, such as an open flame
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or a spark. When they burn, they release heat, smoke, and potentially toxic gases, which can be
dangerous to people and property.

Hazardous properties of non-metallic materials can vary widely. Some non-metallic materials may not
be combustible but can still pose a hazard due to other factors. For example, certain types of plastics
may release toxic fumes when heated, even if they don't readily catch fire. Other non-metallic materials
may be chemically reactive or corrosive, posing risks such as chemical burns or environmental hazards.

It's important to consider the specific properties and characteristics of a non-metallic material when
assessing its potential hazards. Manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and safety standards organizations
provide guidelines and regulations to ensure the safe handling, storage, and use of different non-metallic
materials. These guidelines aim to mitigate the risks associated with combustibility and other hazards.

It's always advisable to follow safety guidelines, use materials according to their intended purpose, and
take necessary precautions when working with or around non-metallic materials. This includes proper
storage, handling, and disposal practices, as well as understanding and following any safety instructions
provided by manufacturers or regulatory authorities.

4.) What are the elements used in Polymers and Non-Metallic Materials as to be of help in the
process of applicable system of operation?

Polymers and non-metallic materials are composed of a variety of elements, each contributing to their
unique properties and applications. The specific elements used in these materials depend on the desired
characteristics and intended use. Here are some common elements found in polymers and non-metallic
materials:

Carbon (C): Carbon is the primary element in organic compounds, including polymers. It forms the
backbone of most polymers and provides stability, strength, and flexibility to the material. Carbon's
ability to form strong covalent bonds allows for the creation of diverse polymer structures.

Hydrogen (H): Hydrogen is often present in polymers as part of the organic compounds. It contributes to
the overall chemical structure and helps determine the material's properties, such as flammability and
reactivity.
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Oxygen (O): Oxygen is commonly present in polymers as part of various functional groups, such as
carbonyl (C=O) and hydroxyl (-OH) groups. It influences the material's chemical reactivity, polarity,
and other characteristics such as adhesion and solubility.

Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen is frequently found in polymers, particularly in amine groups (-NH₂) and nitrile
groups (-C≡N). Nitrogen-containing polymers often exhibit enhanced mechanical properties, such as
increased strength and heat resistance.

Sulfur (S): Sulfur is used in some polymers to introduce cross-linking, which improves the material's
mechanical strength and resistance to heat, chemicals, and weathering. Examples include vulcanized
rubber, which contains sulfur cross-links.

Silicon (Si): Silicon is commonly found in non-metallic materials such as silicone polymers. Silicones
exhibit excellent thermal stability, low surface tension, and resistance to oxidation, making them useful
in applications such as sealants, adhesives, and electrical insulation.

Fluorine (F): Fluorine is used in polymers like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as
Teflon. Fluorinated polymers possess exceptional chemical resistance, low friction, and high-
temperature stability, making them suitable for non-stick coatings, gaskets, and electrical insulation.

Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus can be incorporated into polymers to impart flame retardant properties.
Phosphorus-based flame retardants release flame-inhibiting gases when exposed to heat, reducing the
material's flammability.

Other Trace Elements: In addition to the elements mentioned above, there can be other trace elements
present in polymers and non-metallic materials. These can include metals like aluminum, titanium, or
magnesium, which may be added as fillers or reinforcements to enhance mechanical properties.

It's important to note that the specific choice and combination of elements in polymers and non-metallic
materials depend on the desired properties, processing methods, and intended applications. Different
elements and their arrangements can lead to a wide range of material properties, making them suitable
for various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, packaging, electronics, and many others.
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5.) As a Case Study, will you recommend either of this Materials to be safely used onboard due to
its saving capability and less expensive?

It's important to note that the selection of specific polymer materials should consider factors such as
mechanical strength, fire resistance, UV stability, and regulatory compliance. These factors need to be
carefully evaluated to ensure the chosen polymers meet the required safety standards and performance
criteria for shipbuilding applications.
Regarding the question about non-metallic materials being combustible or hazardous, it's essential to
understand that not all non-metallic materials are combustible or pose a hazard. However, some non-
metallic materials can be combustible or hazardous depending on their properties and intended use.
Combustibility refers to the ability of a material to ignite and sustain a flame when exposed to a heat
source. Many non-metallic materials, such as wood, paper, textiles, plastics, and rubber, are
combustible. When these materials catch fire, they release heat, smoke, and potentially toxic gases,
which can be dangerous to people and property.
Hazardous properties of non-metallic materials can vary widely. Some non-metallic materials may not
be combustible but can still pose a hazard due to other factors. For example, certain types of plastics
may release toxic fumes when heated, even if they don't readily catch fire. Other non-metallic materials
may be chemically reactive or corrosive, posing risks such as chemical burns or environmental hazards.
It's essential to consider the specific properties and characteristics of a non-metallic material when
assessing its potential hazards. Manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and safety standards organizations
provide guidelines and regulations to ensure the safe handling, storage, and use of different non-metallic
materials. These guidelines aim to mitigate the risks associated with combustibility and other hazards.
To ensure safety when working with or around non-metallic materials, it is advisable to follow safety
guidelines, use materials according to their intended purpose, and take necessary precautions. This
includes proper storage, handling, and disposal practices, as well as understanding and following any
safety instructions provided by manufacturers or regulatory authorities.

PROFESSOR’S NAME & SIGNATURE STUDENT’S NAME & SIGNATURE

PMI COLLEGES INC.
#73 Fernando Poe Jr. Ave. San Franciso Del Monte
Quezon City