Commodity Thermoplastics_ LDPE,

HDPE, PP, PVC, PS

Professor Joe Greene

CSU, CHICO

1
 Polyolefin Definition
Olefins: Unsaturated, aliphatic hydrocarbons made from
ethylene gas
Ethylene is produced by cracking higher hydrocarbons of
natural gas or petroleum
Olefin means oil forming
Historically given to ethylene because oil was formed when
ethylene was treated with Cl.
Now applies to all hydrocarbons with linear C::C double
bonds (not aromatic C::C double bonds)
Polyethylene discovered around 1900, though using an
expensive process
LDPE commercialized in 1939
2
HDPE commercialized in 1957
 Principal Olefin Monomers

Ethylene Propylene
H H H H

C C C C
H H CH3 H

Butene-1 H H 4-Methylpentene
H H C C

C C C5H6 H
CH3 3
C2H5 H
 Several Olefin Polymers

Poly Ethylene Poly Propylene

H H H H
C C
C C
H H n
CH3 H
n

PolyisoButene H H PolyMethylpentene
H H C C

C C C5H6 H
n
CH3 4
C2H5 H n
 Polymers Derived from Ethylene Monomer
X Position Material Name Abbreviation
H Polyethylene PE
Cl Polyvinyl chloride PVC
Methyl group Polypropylene PP
Benzene ring Polystyrene PS
CN Polyacrylonitrile PAN
OOCCH3 Polyvinyl acetate PvaC
OH Polyvinyl alcohol PVA
COOCH3 Polymethyl acrylate PMA
F Polyvinyl fluoride PVF

Note: |
Methyl Group is: HCH
|
H
Benzene ring is:

X Position Y Position Material Name Abbreviation

F F Polyvinylidene fluoride PVDF
Cl Cl Polyvinyl dichloride PVDC
CH3 (Methyl group) CH3 Polyisobutylene PB
COOCH3 CH3 Polymethyl methacrylate PMMA 5
 Addition Polymerization of PE
Polyethylene produced with low (Ziegler) or high pressure
(ICI)
Polyethylene produced with linear or branched chains
H H H H H H H H H H
C C C C C C C C C C
H H H H H H H H H H
n

OR
H H H H H H H H H H
C C C C C C C C C C
H H H H H H H H H
n

6
 Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene
Type 1: (Branched) Low Density of 0.910 - 0.925 g/cc
Type 2: Medium Density of 0.926 - 0.940 g/cc
Type 3: High Density of 0.941 - 0.959 g/cc
Type 4: (Linear) High Density to ultra high density > 0.959
Mechanical Properties
Branched Low Medium High Linear High Density
Density Density Density
Density 0.91- 0.925 0.926- 0.94 0.941-0.95 0.959-0.965

Crystallinity 30% to 50% 50% to 70% 70% to 80% 80% to 91%

Molecular 10K to 30K 30K to 50K 50K to 250K 250K to 1.5M

Weight
Tensile 600 - 2,300 1,200 - 3,000 3,100 - 5,500 5,000 6,000
Strength, psi
Tensile 25K 41K 38K 75 K 150K 158 150K 158 K
Modulus, psi K
Tensile 100% - 650% 100%- 965% 10% - 1300% 10% - 1300%
Elongation, %
Impact Strength No break 1.0 no 0.4 4.0 0.4 4.0
ft-lb/in break 7
Hardness, Shore D44 D50 D50 D60 D60 D70 D66 D73
 Physical Properties of Polyethylene
Physical Properties of polyethylene
Branched Low Medium Density High Linear High Density
Density Density
Optical Transparent to Transparent to Transparent to Transparent to opaque
opaque opaque opaque
Tmelt 98 115 C 122 124 C 130 137 C 130 137 C

Tg -100 C -100 C -100 C -100 C

H20 Absorption Low < 0.01 Low < 0.01 Low < 0.01 Low < 0.01

Oxidation Low, oxides Low, oxides Low, oxides readily Low, oxides readily
Resistance readily readily
UV Resistance Low, Crazes Low, Crazes Low, Crazes readily Low, Crazes readily
readily readily
Solvent Resistant Resistant below Resistant below 60C Resistant below 60C
Resistance below 60C 60C
Alkaline Resistant Resistant Resistant Resistant
Resistance
Acid Oxidizing Oxidizing Acids Oxidizing Acids Oxidizing Acids
Resistance Acids

8
 Processing Properties of Polyethylene

Processing Properties
Branched Low Medium Density High Linear High Density
Density Density
Tmelt 98 115 C 122 124 C 130 137 C 130 137 C

Recommended Temp I: 300F 450F I: 300F 450F I: 350F 500F I: 350F 500F
Range E: 250F 450F E: 250F 450F E: 350F 525F E: 350F 525F
(I:Injection, E:Extrusion)
Molding Pressure 5 15 psi 5 15 psi 12 15 psi 12 15 psi

Mold (linear) shrinkage 0.015 0.050 0.015 0.050 0.015 0.040 0.015 0.040
(in/in)

9
 Special Low Versions of Polyethylene
Produced through catalyst selection and regulation of reactor conditions

Very Low Density Polyethylene (VLDPE)

Densities between 0.890 and 0.915
Applications include disposable gloves, shrink packages,
vacuum cleaner hoses, tuning, bottles, shrink wrap,
diaper film liners, and other health care products
Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
Densities between 0.916 and 0.930
Contains little if any branching
Properties include good flex life, low warpage, and improved
stress-crack resistance
Applications include films for ice, trash, garment, and produce
bags 10
 Special High Versions of Polyethylene
Produced through catalyst selection and regulation of reactor conditions

High Molecular Weight- High Density Polyethylene

(HMW-HDPE)
Densities are 0.941 or greater
MW from 200K to 500 K
Properties include improved toughness, chemical
resistance, impact strength, and high abrasion resistance.
High viscosities
Applications include trash liners, grocery bags, industrial
pipe, gas tanks, and shipping containers
11
 Special High Versions of Polyethylene
Produced through catalyst selection and regulation of reactor conditions

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

(UHMWPE)
Densities are 0.96 or greater
MW from 3M to 6M
Properties include improved high wear resistance,
chemical inertness, and low coefficient of friction.
High viscosities result in material not flowing or melting.
Processed similar to PTFE (Teflon)
Ram extrusion and compression molding are used.
Applications include pump parts, seals, surgical implants,
12
pen tips, and butcher-block cutting surfaces.
 Copolymers of Polyethylene
Ethylene-ethyl acrylate (EEA)
Properties range from rubbery to tough ethylene-like
properties
Applications include hot melt adhesives, shrink wrap,
produce bags, bag-in-box products, and wire coating.
Ethylene-methyl acrylate (EMA)
Produced by addition of methyl acrylate monomer (40%
by weight)with ethylene gas
Tough, thermally stable olefin with good elastomeric
characteristics.
Applications include food packaging, disposable medical
gloves, heat-sealable layers, and coating for composite
13

packaging
 Copolymers of Polyethylene
Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
Repeating groups is ethylene with an acetate functional
Part of the pendent group are highly polar.
Vinyl acetate reduces crystallinity and increases chemical reactivity
because of high regions of polarity.
Result:flexible polymer that bonds well to other materials
Excellent adhesive (Elmers Glue)
Other applications include flexible packaging, shrink wrap, auto
bumper pads, flexible toys, and tubing
H H H H
C C C C
H H n H O
m
C=O 14
C
 Copolymers of Polyethylene
Ethylene-Propylene (EPM)
Ethylene and propylene are copolymerized in random manner and
causes a delay in the crystallization.
Thus, the copolymer is rubbery at room temp because the Tg is
between HDPE (-110C) and PP (-20C).
Ethylene and propylene can be copolymerized with small amounts
of a monomer containing 2 C=C double bonds (dienes)
Results in a ter polymer, EPDM, or thermoplastic rubber, TPO

H H H H

C C C C

H H CH3 H 15
n m
 Mechanical Properties of PE Blends

Mechanical Properties of PE Blends

Ethylene-vinyl Ethylene-vinyl Ethylene- Ethylene-methyl
acetate alcohol ethyl acrylate acrylate
Density 0.922 0.943 1.14 1.19 0.93 0.942 0.945

Tensile 2,200 4,000 8,520 11,600 1,600 2,100 1,650

Strength, psi
Tensile 7K 29K 300 K 385 K 4K 7.5 K 12 K
Modulus, psi
Tensile 300% - 750% 180%- 280% 700% - 750% 740%
Elongation, %
Impact Strength No break 1.0 1.7 No break
ft-lb/in
Hardness, Shore D17 D45 D27 D38

16
 Processing Properties of PE Blends

Processing Properties
Ethylene-vinyl Ethylene-vinyl Ethylene-ethyl Ethylene-methyl
acetate alcohol acrylate acrylate
Tmelt 103 108 C 142 181 C 83 C

Recommended Temp C: 200-300F I: 365F 480F C: 200 300F E: 300F 620F

Range (C: Compression) I: 300F 430F E: 365F 480F I: 250F 500F
(I:Injection, E:Extrusion) E: 300F 380F
Molding Pressure 1 20 psi 1 20 psi

Mold (linear) shrinkage 0.007 0.035 0.015 0.035

(in/in)

17
 Polypropylene History
Prior to 1954 most attempts to produce plastics
from polyolefins had little commercial success
PP invented in 1955 by Italian Scientist F.J. Natta
by addition reaction of propylene gas with a
sterospecific catalyst titanium trichloride.
Isotactic polypropylene was sterospecific
(molecules are arranged in a definite order in
space)
Polypropylene is similar in manufacturing
method and in properties to PE
18
 Chemical Structure
Propylene
H H

C C

CH3 H
n

Isotactic- CH3 on one side of polymer chain

(isolated). Commercial PP is 90% to 95% Isotactic
H H H H H H H H H H

C C C C C C C C C C
19
CH3 H CH3 H CH3 H CH3 H CH3 H
 Polypropylene Stereostatic Arrangements

Atactic- CH3 in a random order (A- without; Tactic- order) Rubbery and of
limited commercial value.
H H H CH3 H CH3 H H H CH3

C C C C C C C C C C
CH3 H H H H H CH3 H H H

Syndiotactic- CH3 in a alternating order (Syndio- ; Tactic- order)

H H H CH3 H H H CH3 H H

C C C C C C C C C C
20
CH3 H H H CH3 H H H CH3 H
 Addition Polymerization of PP
Polypropylene produced with low pressure process (Ziegler)
Polypropylene produced with linear chains
Polypropylene is similar in manufacturing method and in
properties to PE
Differences between PP and PE are
Density: PP = 0.90; PE = 0.941 to 0.965
Melt Temperature: PP = 176 C; PE = 110 C
Service Temperature: PP has higher service temperature
Hardness: PP is harder, more rigid, and higher brittle point
Stress Cracking: PP is more resistant to environmental stress
cracking

21
 Advantages of Polypropylene
Advantages
Low Cost
Excellent flexural strength
Good impact strength
Processable by all thermoplastic equipment
Low coefficient of friction
Excellent electrical insulation
Good fatigue resistance
Excellent moisture resistance
Service Temperature to 126 C
Very good chemical resistance
22
 Disadvantages of Polypropylene

Disadvantages
High thermal expansion
UV degradation
Poor weathering resistance
Subject to attack by chlorinated solvents and aromatics
Difficulty to bond or paint
Oxidizes readily
flammable

23
 Molecular Weight Review
Molecular Weight estimates the average length of the
polymer chain and is similar to the DP (degree of
polymerization)
MW = (MW of mer) x DP
Example: MW= 100,000 for PS then the DP = 1000. (PS = 104 amu)
Example: MW= 50,000 for PE then the DP = 1800. (PE = 28 amu)
Molecular Weight is measured by osmometry, light
scattering and solution viscosity
Molecular Weight is characterized by Weight Average, Mw,
and Number Average, Mn. Frequency Mn

Polydispersity, PD Mw
Ratio of Mw / Mn
24
Weight
Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene
Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene
Polypropylene LDPE HDPE
(For Comparison) (For Comparison)
Density 0.90 0.91- 0.925 0.959-0.965

Crystallinity 30% to 50% 30% to 50% 80% to 91%

Molecular Weight 200K to 600K 10K to 30K 250K to 1.5M

Molecular Weight Range of Range of MWD Range of MWD

Dispersity MWD MWD for for processing for processing
(Mw/Mn) processing
Tensile Strength, 4,500 5,500 600 - 2,300 5,000 6,000
psi
Tensile Modulus, 165K 225K 25K 41K 150K 158 K
psi
Tensile 100% - 600% 100% - 650% 10% - 1300%
Elongation, %
Impact Strength 0.4 1.2 No break 0.4 4.0
ft-lb/in
Hardness, Shore R80 - 102 D44 D50 D66 D73
25
 Physical Properties of Polyethylene
Physical Properties of Polypropylene
Polypropylene LDPE HDPE
Optical Transparent to Transparent to Transparent to opaque
opaque opaque
Tmelt 175 C 98 115 C 130 137 C

Tg -20 C -100 C -100 C

H20 0.01 0.03 Low < 0.01 Low < 0.01
Absorption

Oxidation Low, oxides Low, oxides Low, oxides readily

Resistance readily readily
UV Resistance Low, Crazes Low, Crazes Low, Crazes readily
readily readily
Solvent Resistant Resistant below Resistant below 60C
Resistance below 80C 60C
Alkaline Resistant Resistant Resistant
Resistance
Acid Oxidizing Oxidizing Acids Oxidizing Acids
Resistance Acids
26
 Processing Properties of Polyethylene

Processing Properties
Polypropylene LDPE HDPE
Tmelt 175 C 98 115 C 130 137 C

Recommended Temp I: 400F 550F I: 300F 450F I: 350F 500F

Range E: 400F 500F E: 250F 450F E: 350F 525F
(I:Injection, E:Extrusion)
Molding Pressure 10 -20 psi 5 15 psi 12 15 psi

Mold (linear) shrinkage 0.010 0.025 0.015 0.050 0.015 0.040

(in/in)

27
 Copolymers of Polypropylene
Ethylene-propylene copolymers
Small amount of PP can lower crystallinity of linear HDPE
Polyallomers (block copolymers)
Blocks of PE and PP polymers allows crystallization to take place
Properties are similar to HDPE and PP
Ethylene-propylene rubbers
Random co-polymerization of ethylene and propylene prevents
crystallization of the chains by suppressing regularity of molecules
Resulting polymers are amorphous having low Tg (between -110C
and -20C depending on % of PE and PP)
Polymers are rubbery at room temperature
Conventional vulcanization allows for use as commercial rubber,
thermoplastic rubbers, TPR
28
 Polyolefin_Polybutylene
History H H
PB invented in 1974 by Witco Chemical
Ethyl side groups in a linear backbone C C
Description
Linear isotactic material CH2 H
Upon cooling the crystallinity is 30% CH3
Post-forming techniques can increase crystallinity to 55%
Formed by conventional thermoplastic techniques
Applications (primarily pipe and film areas)
High performance films
Tank liners and pipes
Hot-melt adhesive
Coextruded as moisture barrier and heat-sealable packages 29
 Properties of Polybutylene

Mechanical Properties of Polybutylene

Polybutylene Polypropylene LDPE HDPE
(For Comparison) (For Comparison)
Density 0.908 -.917 0.90 0.91- 0.925 0.959-0.965

Crystallinity 30% to 50% 30% to 50% 30% to 50% 80% to 91%

Tensile Strength, 4,000 4,500 5,500 600 - 2,300 5,000 6,000

psi
Tensile Modulus, 10K 40K 165K 225K 25K 41K 150K 158 K
psi
Tensile 300% - 400% 100% - 600% 100% - 650% 10% - 1300%
Elongation, %
Impact Strength No break 0.4 1.2 No break 0.4 4.0
ft-lb/in
Hardness Shore D55 D65 R80 - 102 D44 D50 D66 D73

30
 Polyolefin_Polymethylpentene (PMP)
Description
H H
Crystallizes to 40%-60%
Highly transparent with 90% transmission C C
Formed by injection molding and blow molding CH2 H
Properties
H3C-CH-CH3
Low density of 0.83 g/cc; High transparency
Mechanical properties comparable to polyolefins with higher
temperature properties and higher creep properties.
Low permeability to gasses and better chemical resistance
Attacked by oxidizing agents and light hydrogen carbon solvents
Attacked by UV and is quite flammable
Applications
Lighting elements (Diffusers, lenses reflectors), liquid level
Food packaging containers, trays, and bags. 31
 Properties of Polymethylpentene
Mechanical Properties of Polymethylpentene
Polymethyl- Polypropylene LDPE HDPE
pentene (For Comparison) (For Comparison)
Density 0.83 0.90 0.91- 0.925 0.959-0.965

Crystallinity 40% to60% 30% to 50% 30% to 50% 80% to 91%

Tensile Strength, 4,000 5,000 4,500 5,500 600 - 2,300 5,000 6,000
psi
Tensile Modulus, 160K 200K 165K 225K 25K 41K 150K 158 K
psi
Tensile 100% - 400% 100% - 600% 100% - 650% 10% - 1300%
Elongation, %
Impact Strength 0.4 1.0 0.4 1.2 No break 0.4 4.0
ft-lb/in
Hardness R80 R100 R80 - 102 D44 D50 D66 D73

32
 PVC Background
Vinyl is a varied group- PVC, PVAc, PVOH, PVDC, PVB
Polyvinyls were invented in 1835 by French chemist V. Regnault
when he discovered a white residue could be synthesized from
ethylene dichloride in an alcohol solution. (Sunlight was catalyst)
PVC was patented in 1933 by BF Goodrich Company in a process
that combined a plasticizer, tritolyl phosphate, with PVC
compounds making it easily moldable and processed.
PVC is the leading plastic in Europe and second to PE in the US.
PVC is made by suspension process (82%), by mass
polymerization (10% ), or by emulsion (8%)
All PVC is produced by addition polymerization from the vinyl
chloride monomer in a head-to-tail alignment.
PVC is amorphous with partially crystalline (syndiotactic) due to
structural irregularity increasing with the reaction temperature.
33
PVC (rigid) decomposes at 212 F leading to dangerous HCl gas
 PVC and Vinyl Products
Rigid-PVC
Pipe for water delivery
Pipe for structural yard and garden structures

Plasticizer-PVC or Vinyl
Latex gloves
Latex clothing
Paints and Sealers
34
Signs
 PVC and PS Chemical Structure
Vinyl Groups (homopolymers produced by addition polymerization)
PVC - poly vinylidene - polyvinylalcohol (PVOH)
chloride (PVDC)
H H H H
H Cl
C C C C
C C
H Cl H OH n
n H Cl
n
polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) - PolyStyrene (PS)

H H H H

C C C C
H OCOCH3 H
n n 35
 Mechanical Properties of Polyvinyls
Mechanical Properties
PVC (rigid) PVC (Flexible) PVB PVDC
Density, g/cc 1.30-1.58 1.16-1.35 1.05 1.65-1.72

Tensile Strength, 6,000 - 7,500 1,500 -3,500 500 - 3,000 3,500 - 5,000
psi
Tensile Modulus, 350K 600K 160K 240K
psi
Tensile 40% - 80% 200%-450% 150% - 450% 160% -240%
Elongation, %
Impact Strength 0.4 - 22 Range Range 0.4 - 1
ft-lb/in
Hardness Shore D65-85 Shore A50-100 M60-65

CLTE 50 -100 70-250 190

10-6 mm/mm/C
HDT 264 psi 140 F -170F 130F -150F

36
 Physical Properties of Polyvinyls
PVC (rigid) PVC (Flexible) PVB PVDC
Optical Transparent Transparent Transparent Transparent

Tmelt 75 105 C 75 105 C 49 172C

Tg 75 -105C 75-105C 49 -15C

H20 0.04-0.4% (24h) 0.15-0.75% (24h) 0.09-0.16% (24h) 0.1% (24h)
Absorption

Oxidation good good good good

Resistance
UV Resistance Poor Poor Poor good

Solvent Soluble in Soluble in Dissolved in ketones good

Resistance Acetone, and Acetone, and and esters
Cyclohexanol. Cyclohexanol.
Partially in Partially in
Toluene Toluene
Alkaline Excellent Excellent Excellent good
Resistance
Acid good good good good
Resistance

Cost $/lb $0.27 $0.27 $ $1.62

37
 Processing Properties of Polyvinyls

PVC (rigid) PVC (Flexible) PVB PVDC

Tmelt 75 105 C 75 105 C 49 172C

Recommended Temp I: 300F 415F I: 320F 385F I: 250F 340F I: 300F 400F
Range C: 285F-400F C: 285F - 350F C: 280F-320F C: 260F-350F
(I:Injection, E:Extrusion, E: 300F-400F
C: Compression)

Molding Pressure 10-40 kpsi 8-25 kpsi 0.5-3kpsi 5 - 30 kpsi

Mold (linear) shrinkage 0.002 0.006 0.010 0.050 0.005 - 0.025

(in/in)

38
 PS Background
PS is one of the oldest known vinyl compounds
PS was produced in 1851 by French chemist M. Berthelot by passing benzene
and ethylene through a red-hot-tube (basis for today)
Amorphous polymer made from addition polymerization of styrene
Homopolymer (crystal): (2.7 M metric tons in 1994)
Clear and colorless with excellent optical properties and high stiffness.
It is brittle until biaxially oriented when it becomes flexible and durable.
Graft copolymer or blend with elastomers- Impact polystyrene (IPS):
Tough, white or clear in color, and easily extruded or molded.
Properties are dependent upon the elastomer %, but are grouped into
medium impact (Izod<1.5 ft-lb), high impact (Izod between 1.5 to 2.4
ft-lb) and super-high impact (Izod between 2.6 and 5 ft-lb)
Copolymers include SAN (poly styrene-acrylonitrile), SMA (maleic anhydride),
SBS (butadiene), styrene and acrylic copolymers.
Expandable PS (EPS) is very popular for cups and insulation foam.
EPS is made with blowing agents, such as pentane and isopentane.
39
The properties are dependent upon cell size and cell size distribution
Mechanical Properties of PS, ABS, SAN
Mechanical Properties
PS ABS SAN
Density, g/cc 1.04 1.16-1.21 1.07

Tensile Strength, 5,000 - 7,200 3,300 - 8,000 10,000 -12,000

psi
Tensile Modulus, 330K-475K 320K-400K 475K-560K
psi
Tensile 1.2% - 2.5% 1.5%-25% 2%-3%
Elongation, %
Impact Strength 0.35-0.45 1.4-12 0.4-0.6
ft-lb/in
Hardness M60-75 R100-120 R83, M80

CLTE 50 -83 65- 95 65-68

10-6 mm/mm/C
HDT 264 psi 169F - 202F 190F - 225F 214F - 220F

40
 Physical Properties of PS, ABS, SAN
PS ABS SAN
Optical Transparent Transparent Transparent

Tmelt 100 C 125C 120C

Tg 75 -105C 110 -125C 120C

H20 0.01-0.03% (24h) 0.2-0.6% (24h) 0.15-0.25% (24h)
Absorption

Oxidation good good good

Resistance
UV Resistance fair fair fair

Solvent Soluble in Soluble in Dissolved in ketones

Resistance Acetone, Benzene, Toluene and and esters
Toluene and Ethylene
Methylene dichloride,
dichloride Partially in
Benzene
Alkaline Excellent Excellent Poor: attacked by
Resistance oxidizing agents
Acid Poor: attacked by Poor: attacked by good
Resistance oxidizing agents oxidizing agents

Cost $/lb $0.41 $0.90 $0.87

41
 Processing Properties of PS, ABS, SAN

PS ABS SAN
Tmelt 100 C 125C 120C

Recommended Temp I: 350F 500F I: 380F 500F I: 360F 550F

Range E: 350F- 500F C: 350F - 500F E: 360F -450F
(I:Injection, E:Extrusion) C: 300F - 400F C:300F - 400F

Molding Pressure 5 - 20 kpsi 8-25 kpsi 5-20 kpsi

Mold (linear) shrinkage 0.004 0.007 0.004 0.008 0.003 0.005

(in/in)

42
 Section Review
Major Topics
Vinyl is a varied group- PVC, PVAc, PVOH, PVDC, PVB.
PVC is the leading plastic in Europe and second to PE in the US.
PVC is produced by addition polymerization from the vinyl chloride monomer
in a head-to-tail alignment.
PVC is partially crystalline (syndiotactic) with structural irregularity increasing
with the reaction temperature.
PVC (rigid) decomposes at 212 F leading to dangerous HCl gas
X1
Vinyls have (CH2CX2) repeating link
PS is Amorphous and made from addition polymerization
PC is amorphous and made from condensation polymerization
Effects of reinforcements on PP and PS

43
 Homework Questions

6. Four typical Physical Properties of PVC are Optical = _______,

Resistance to moisture= ______ , UV resistance= _____, solvent
resistance=_______
7. The Advantages of PP are ________, ________, _______, and
__________.
8. The Disadvantages of PP are ________, ________, _______, and
__________.
9. Glass fiber affects PP by (strength) ________, (modulus)________,
(impact)_______, (density) __________, and (cost) ____________.
10. Two Blends PVC are ___________, and __________.

44
 Section Review
Major Topics
Isotactic, atactic, sydiotactic polypropylene definitions
Differences between PP and PE
Molecular Weight definition and forms (Weight Average,
Mw, and Number Average, MA )
Polydispersity definition and meaning
Relation between Molecular weight and Degree of
Polymerization (DP)
Mechanical, physical, and processing properties of PP,
Polybutylene, and polymethylpentene
PP is produced with linear chains
45
 Section Review

Key Terms and Concepts

Polyolefin
Molecular weight
Number average molecular weight, weight average MW
Polydispersity
Polymer shrinkage
Polymer blends
Tensile Modulus
Izod Impact Strength
46
 Homework Questions
1. Define Polyvinyls, PS, PP, HDPE, chemical structure.

2. Compare the density PVC, PVB, PS, and PVDC which is higher/lower than PP.

3. Compare the density of HDPE, LDPE, UHMWPE, LLDPE to PP?

4. What is the tensile strength of PP with 0%, 30% glass fibers? What is the tensile
modulus?

5. Plot tensile strength and tensile modulus of PVC, PS, PP, LDPE and HPDE to look
like:

50 xHDPE
Tensile
Strength, xLDPE
Kpsi 10
200 500 47
Tensile Modulus, Kpsi
 Homework Questions
1. Define Polypropylene chemical structure
2. Does commercial PP have Isotactic, atactic, sydiotactic form.
3. If MW of PP is 200,000, what is the approx. DP?
4. Polydispersity represents the distribution of _______and _____
5. Density of PP is _____ which is higher/lower than HDPE.
6. PP mechanical properties are higher/lower than LDPE and HDPE
7. Plot tensile strength and tensile modulus of PP, LDPE and HPDE to
look like the following

50 xHDPE
Tensile
Modulus, xLDPE
Kpsi 10
2 5 48
Tensile Strength, Kpsi
 Homework Questions
8. Four typical Physical Properties of PP are Optical = _______,
Resistance to moisture= ______ , UV resisance= _____, solvent
resistance=_______
9. The Advantages of PP are ________, ________, _______, and
__________.
10. The Disadvantages of PP are ________, ________, _______, and
__________.
11. Glass fiber affects PP by (strength) ________, (modulus)________,
(impact)_______, (density) __________, and (cost) ____________.
12. Five polyolefins are ________, ________, _______, ______, and
__________.

49