Chapter 7

Polymers: Structure, General

Properties, and Applications
QUALITATIVE PROBLEMS
7.18 What characteristics of polymers make them attractive for clothing?
A number of characteristics make polymers attractive for clothing, including: thermal
resistance, ability to be formed into bers, low cost, low elastic modulus and very high
wear resistance.
7.19 Do polymers strain harden more than metals or vice versa? Explain.
In general, polymers strain harden more than metals. This can be seen in Fig. 7.13 on
p. 180, where the polymer tension test specimen has a stable neck region, and the necked
region grows as the tension test continues. A metal would neck and fracture.
7.20 Inspect various plastic components in an automobile, and state whether they
are made of thermoplastic materials or of thermosetting plastics.
By the student. Some typical parts that are thermoplastics are dashboard trim, cup
holders, plastic fasteners, seat components, radio and dashboard knobs, carpeting, and
seat-belt holders. Thermosets can be found as steering wheels, battery casings, structural
parts in door frames, and car bodies in some models. (See also Sections 7.6 and 7.7 on
pp. 183-186.)
7.21 Give applications for which ammability of plastics would be of major im-
portance.
By the student. A major concern is their use in aircraft and the subsequent eects
during res and crash landing. In these circumstances it is not only the ammability
of the polymers that is a concern, but also the toxicity of combustion byproducts. The
same concerns hold for use of polymers inside buildings, where it is essential to contain
and prevent the spreading of res. There are numerous applications where ammable
polymers cannot be used, such as pressure vessels or containers for ammable materials,
and cooking implements. (See also Table 7.3 on p. 183.)
79
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Polymers: Structure, General Properties, and Applications 80
7.22 What characteristics make polymers advantageous for applications such as
gears? What characteristics are drawbacks in such applications?
By the student. The advantages include the low friction of polymers, even when not
lubricated, and the high adhesive and abrasive wear resistance (see Section 33.5). In
addition, polymers have good damping characteristics so that sound and impact forces
are not as severe with plastic gears. Plastics used for gears also have manufacturing
characteristics that allow the production of tooth proles with superior surface nish
(Chapter 19). The main drawbacks to polymers used in gears are associated with their
low stiness, especially at elevated temperature. Also, polymers have lower strength
than metals, especially the steels used in gears, so the loads that can be transferred for
an equivalent sized gear is much lower.
7.23 What properties do elastomers have that thermoplastics in general do not
have?
Elastomers (Section 7.9 starting on p. 188) are capable of returning to their original
shape after being stretched, while thermoplastics cannot do so. In addition, there is a
pronounced hysteresis loop in the loading and unloading of an elastomer, making these
materials very valuable in vibration damping applications.
7.24 Do you think that the substitution of plastics for metals in products tradi-
tionally made of metal may be viewed negatively by the public at large? If
so, why?
By the student. The public may negatively view the substitution of plastics for metals
if they consider plastics as a cheap material (rather than cost eective), are lower in
strength (even if the strength is suitable for the particular application), and not as hard
or durable. For some applications, there is an environmental perception polymers cannot
be recycled as easily.
7.25 Is it possible for a material to have a hysteresis behavior that is the opposite
of that shown in Fig. 7.14, so that the two arrows run counterclockwise?
Explain.
If the arrows in Fig. 7.14 on p. 189 were counterclockwise, the material would have
a hysteresis gain, rather than a loss. This would mean that the energy put into the
material is lower than the energy recovered during unloading, which is not possible.
7.26 Observe the behavior of the specimen shown in Fig. 7.13, and state whether
the material has a high or a low strain-rate sensitivity exponent, m (see
Section 2.2.7).
The m value represents the strain-rate sensitivity of a material (see Section 2.2.7 on
p. 63-64). The material in Fig. 7.13 on p. 180 elongates considerably by the orientation
of molecules; thus the material would be expected to have a high strain-rate sensitivity,
i.e., a high m value. This is equivalent to diuse necking, as opposed to localized necking
commonly observed with most metals in tension tests.
7.27 Add more to the applications column in Table 7.3.
By the student. Some examples are:
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Polymers: Structure, General Properties, and Applications 81
Design requirements Applications
Mechanical strength Hangers, cables
Functional and decorative Electrical outlets, light switches
Housings and hollow shapes Pens, electrical plugs
Functional and transparent Cassette holders, food containers
Wear resistance Rope, car seats
7.28 Discuss the signicance of the glass-transition temperature, T
g
, in engineering
applications.
In engineering applications, where thermoplastics would be expected to carry a load
(structural members), the material should have a glass-transition temperature higher
than the maximum temperature to which it would be subjected in service. If it didnt,
the plastic would soften and eventually fail.
7.29 Describe how a rechargeable lithium battery works.
See Case Study 7.2 on p. 181 for a discussion. Students should be encouraged to sup-
plement this information with a literature or internet search.
7.30 Explain how cross-linking improves the strength of polymers.
Cross-linked polymers (p. 174) have additional bonds linking adjacent chains together.
The strength is increased because these cross-linking bonds give additional resistance
to material ow; these bonds must be broken before the molecules can slide past one
another.
7.31 Describe the methods by which the optical properties of polymers can be
altered.
Optical properties can be altered by additives which can alter the color or translucence
of the plastic. Additives can either be dyes or pigments; they impart color to the plastic.
Also, stress whitening makes the plastic appear lighter in color or more opaque. As
stated in Section 7.2.2 on p. 177, optical properties are also aected by the degree of
crystallinity of the polymer.
7.32 How can polymers be made to conduct electricity? Explain.
Polymers can be made to conduct electricity. As stated on pp. 180-181, there are electri-
cally conductive polymers such as polyacetylene, polyaniline, and polythiophene. Other
polymers can be made more conductive by doping them with metal particles or whiskers.
If continuous wire reinforcement is present, the polymer can be directionally conductive;
it can be conductive in a plane if a mesh reinforcement is used. An electroless nickel
plating of a polymer part can make it conductive.
7.33 Explain the reasons for which elastomers were developed.
Elastomers were developed to obtain a material that could undergo a large amount of
deformation without failure. They provide high friction and nonskid surfaces, shock and
vibration isolation, and protection against corrosion.
7.34 Give several examples of plastic products or components in which creep and
stress relaxation would be important considerations.
By the student. Obviously, it is in high-temperature, low-stress situations where creep
is important. Low temperature, high stress circumstances are where stress relaxation
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Polymers: Structure, General Properties, and Applications 82
is important. As an example of the creeps importance, polymers used in cookware as
for pot handles must have creep resistance. As an example of stress relaxation, seat
cushions will deform to provide a uniform stress distribution and provide comfort for
the occupant.
7.35 Describe your opinions regarding the recycling of plastics versus the devel-
opment of plastics that are biodegradable.
By the student. Some arguments that may be made are that recycling actually has a
cost associated with it, for example, in the fuel which must be consumed and other costs
involved in collecting the material to be recycled. Also, the properties of the recycled
polymer my be inferior compared to the virgin polymer. Biodegradable plastics have
drawbacks as well; it is dicult to design them to degrade in the intended time frame,
and they may have more failures in service, as a result. They can be much more expensive
than polymers that are not biodegradable.
7.36 Explain how you would go about determining the hardness of plastics.
Many of the hardness tests described in Section 2.6 on p. 67 are not suitable for polymers.
Inelastic recovery of the surface makes tests such as Brinell and Knoop tests dicult to
assess. The depth of penetration as measured in a Rockwell test will be time dependent
because of stress relaxation. Consequently, durometer testing (p. 70) is an appropriate
approach. There are variations of the hardness tests shown that are suitable for polymers;
an Internet search will result in descriptions quickly.
7.37 Compare the values of the elastic modulus, given in Table 7.1, to the values
for metals given in Chapters 2, 5, and 6. Comment on your observations.
Individual comparisons can be made, but the obvious trend is that metals have an elastic
modulus of at least an order of magnitude higher than those for polymers, even for the
softest of metals. Consider the following plot showing the elastic modulus of various
materials and note that the moduli for polymers are far lower than those for metals (or
ceramics).
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Polymers: Structure, General Properties, and Applications 83
Phenol formal-
dehyde
Steels
Cast iron
Brass, bronze
Aluminum
Zinc alloys
Magnesium alloys
Babbitts
Carbides
Alumina
Graphite
Ceramics Metals Polymers
Acetal
Nylon
Polyethylene
Natural rubber
M
o
d
u
l
u
s

o
f

e
l
a
s
t
i
c
i
t
y
,

E
,

P
a
10
6
10
7
10
8
10
9
10
10
10
11
10
12
7.38 Why is there so much variation in the stiness of products made of polymers?
Explain.
Table 7.1 on 170 shows a wide range of stiness; for example, for polyethylene the
change can be 1400%. This is mainly due to the varying degree of polymerization and
crystallinity, and the number of crosslinks, if any, present, as well as the eects of the
reinforcements. Stiness will increase with any of these variables.
7.39 Explain why thermoplastics are easier to recycle than thermosets.
Thermoplastics are processed by melting or plasticizing polymer pellets or powders and
then forming them into desired shape. If a polymers chemistry can be identied, then
a formed polymer can be cut into small shapes (such as pellets or particles) and fabri-
cated as is done with so-called virgin polymers. There is some degradation of mechanical
properties and a measurable loss of molecular weight, but if properly sorted, these draw-
backs can be minimized. It is dicult to recycle thermosets because it is impossible to
break down a thermosetting resin into its mer components. Thus, the manufacturing
strategies for the original polymer and for its recycled counterparts have to be dierent.
Furthermore, the recycled thermoset cannot be chopped up and melted as thermoplastics
would.
7.40 Give an example where crazing is desirable.
By the student. As one example, plastic strips with adhesive on one side are commonly
used as labels, where a die with a letter or number is pushed into the plastic (embossing,
see p. 417), locally crazing it to form a visible imprint.
7.41 Describe the principle behind shrink wrapping.
Shrink wrap consists of branched thermoplastics. When deformed above their glass-
transition temperature, the branches attain a preferred orientation, similar to the eect
of combing hair. The plastic is then quickly lowered in temperature, preventing stress
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Polymers: Structure, General Properties, and Applications 84
relaxation. When the sheet is then wrapped around an object and then heated, the
plastic relieves the stresses and shrinks around the object.
7.42 List and explain some environmental pros and cons of using plastic shopping
bags versus paper bags.
By the student. Some advantages of plastic bags over paper bags: trees are not consumed
to make the plastic bags; plastic bags can be recycled; since they use less energy during
manufacture than paper bags. Some environmental advantages of paper bags over plastic
bags: paper is biodegradable; it is a renewable resource; trees lter the atmosphere and
remove carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, so by manufacturing bags and then burying
them or disposing of them in landlls, the atmosphere is actually cleaned.
7.43 List the characteristics required of a polymer for (a) a bucket, (b) a golf ball,
(c) an automobile dashboard, (d) clothing, (e) ooring, and (f ) shing nets.
By the student. For example:
i. Some of the characteristics needed for a polymer insert in a total hip replacement
are that it be biocompatible; not dissolve or warp in the presence of bodily uids;
support the loads developed during normal walking, sitting, and standing; not wear
excessively; provide low friction. Cost is not as imperative as other applications,
given the high cost of surgery for hip replacement.
ii. For a golf ball, abrasion resistance is important, as well as impact strength and
toughness. The polymer needs to have a stiness consistent with most golf balls in
order to ensure that the velocity and spin achieved o the club is repeatable. The
polymer must be coatable, so that it can be made into a bright color. Cost is also
important.
iii. An automobile-dashboard polymer needs to be formable into the desired (and quite
demanding) shape. It also has to be available in a range of desired colors, and should
have reasonable manufacturing cost.
iv. The polymer in clothing needs to be produced into very small-diameter bers and
in continuous lengths. The bers need to be suciently exible so that they can be
woven into cloth and withstand normal wear and tear. The polymer needs to have
low elastic modulus but sucient strength so that the cloth feels soft but doesnt
tear easily. It must also be inexpensive.
v. Laminated ooring needs to have high hardness to resist abrasion, and should be
made with proper decoration and texture, and easy to clean. Laminated ooring also
should have high friction so that people can walk on the surface without slipping.
vi. Fishing nets must be strong, to eciently capture sh without tearing. There is an
interesting feature in some new shing nets, intended to address the problem when a
net is lost at sea, and oats in the ocean continuing to catch sh. Some novel shing
nets are degradable so that prolonged exposure to saline solutions causes them to
lose strength and become gels; these then fall apart and do not cause uncontrolled
devastation to an ecosystem.
7.44 How can you tell whether a part is made of a thermoplastic or a thermoset?
By the student. There are several nondestructive and destructive tests (see Sections
36.10 and 36.11, respectively) that can be performed. Tension tests will demonstrate
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Polymers: Structure, General Properties, and Applications 85
the dierence: a pronounced plasticity is indicative of a thermoplastic. Exposure to high
temperatures is another test: the presence of a glass-transition temperature is indicative
of a thermoplastic. The shape of the part is often a clue; for example, thin lms (roughly
as thick as a sheet of paper) must be made of thermoplastics because they are blown
from extruded tubing.
7.45 As you know, there are plastic paper clips available in various colors. Why
are there no plastic staples?
Paperclips must function completely in the elastic range. Because of their nature, staples
require plastic deformation, with little or no elastic recovery. Thermoplastics will recover
dramatically, making them unsuitable as staples, and thermosets will readily fracture
before beginning to achieving the desired shape of a staple.
7.46 By incorporating small amounts of a blowing agent, it is possible to manu-
facture hollow polymer bers with gas cores. List possible applications for
such bers.
By the student. If a polymer has a gas core, it has clear benets in that the ber
has lower density; if used for clothing, the cloth will be lighter for the same thickness.
Also, since gases have lower thermal conductivity than polymers, a ber with a gas core
will have better thermal insulation properties. This means that very thin layers of the
polymer ber will be suitable for cold-weather clothing.
7.47 In injection-molding operations (Section 19.3), it is common practice to re-
move the part from its runner, to place the runner into a shredder, and to
recycle the resultant pellets. List the concerns you would have in using such
recycled pellets as opposed to so-called virgin pellets.
The main concerns about shredded polymers are that the properties of the polymer
may be deteriorated as a result of shredding. This can happen if dirt or contaminants
get into the polymer, or if there is so much shredding that the molecular weight of the
polymer is reduced. Also, there is concern that lubricants present in the system may
contaminate the polymer, and for critical applications, there is the additional concern
that wear particles from the shredder may end up in the polymer. Obviously, one cannot
tolerate, for example, metal particles in paciers for infants or in food packaging.
7.48 From an environmental standpoint, do you feel it is best to incorporate
polymers or metals into designs? Explain.
By the student. This is a dicult problem, considering that some metals are recycled
more than some polymers. Reliability of the material, the suitability of applications,
and the carbon footprint over the entire lifecycle need to be considered in the answer.
QUANTITATIVE PROBLEMS
7.49 Calculate the areas under the stressstrain curve (toughness) for the materi-
als shown in Fig. 7.11, plot them as a function of temperature, and describe
your observations.
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Polymers: Structure, General Properties, and Applications 86
By the student. The area under each curve in Fig. 7.11 on p. 179 is estimated by adding
the areas under the initial elastic region and the at regions under the curve. The points
and a plot are as follows:
-25
0
25
50
65
80
140
635
760
730
520
270
Temperature
(C)
Toughness
(MJ/m
3
)
T
o
u
g
h
n
e
s
s

(
M
J
/
m
3
)
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Temperature (C)
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100
Note that the toughness is a maximum somewhere around 25

C. As temperature in-
creases, the polymer begins to soften and melt; consequently its toughness will approach
zero.
7.50 Note in Fig. 7.11 that, as expected, the elastic modulus of the polymer
decreases as temperature increases. Using the stressstrain curves in the
gure, make a plot of the modulus of elasticity versus the temperature.
Comment on the shape of the curve.
By the student. The curve is as follows. Note that the shape is very nearly linear.
E
l
a
s
t
i
c

m
o
d
u
l
u
s

(
p
s
i

x

1
0
3
)
250
200
150
100
50
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100
Temperature (C)
7.51 A rectangular cantilever beam 75 mm high, 20 mm wide, and 1 m long is
subjected to a concentrated load of 50 kg at its end. From Table 7.1, select
three unreinforced and three reinforced materials and calculate the maximum
deection of the beam in each case. Then select aluminum and steel for the
same beam dimensions, calculate the maximum deection, and compare the
results.
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Polymers: Structure, General Properties, and Applications 87
The formula for maximum deection, d, for a cantilevered beam is
d =
PL
3
3EI
where P is the load (50 kg or 490 N), L is the beam length (1.0 m), E is the elastic
modulus, and I is the moment of inertia = bh
3
/12, where b = 0.02 m and h = 0.075 m;
hence, I = 7.031 10
7
m
4
. Substituting into the equation above,
d =
PL
3
3EI
=
(490)(1.0)
3
3(7.031 10
7
)
1
E
= (2.323 10
8
N/m)
1
E
As samples of calculations, the following have been taken from Table 7.1 on p. 172, using
mean values when a range is given for Youngs modulus:
Material Youngs modulus Deection
(GPa) (m)
ABS 2.1 0.111
Acetal 2.45 0.0948
Epoxy 10.25 0.0227
ABS, reinforced 7.5 0.0310
Acetal, reinforced 10 0.0232
Epoxy, reinforced 36.5 0.0636
Aluminum
1
70 0.00331
Steel
1
195 0.00119
Note: 1. From Table 2.2 on p. 58.
0 0.030 0.060 0.090 0.1200
Deflection (m)
ABS
Acetal
Epoxy
ABS, reinforced
Acetal, reinforced
Epoxy, reinforced
Aluminum
Steel
50 kg
1 m
75mm
7.52 Estimate the number of molecules in a typical automobile tire, then estimate
the number of atoms in the tire.
The number of molecules in a car tire is one because of the extensive cross linking
occurring during the vulcanization process (see p. 189). Tire sizes vary, as do specic
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Polymers: Structure, General Properties, and Applications 88
chemical makeups. If 80% of the molecules are hydrogen and the remainder carbon, the
average atomic weight is 3.208 (1.0079 for hydrogen and 12.011 for carbon, as obtained
from a periodic table of the elements). Recall from introductory physics courses that
this means one mole of hydrogen weighs 1.0079 g. Therefore, assuming a weight of 10
kg for the tire, there are approximately 3000 moles in a tire, or 1.9 10
27
atoms.
7.53 Using strength and density data, determine the minimum weight of a 1-m-
long tension member that must support a load of 5000 N, if it is manufactured
from (a) high molecular- weight polyethylene, (b) polyester, (c) rigid PVC,
(d) ABS, (e) polystyrene, and (e) reinforced nylon.
Refer to the derivation given in Prob. 5.41. The area needed is given by
y
= F/A, or
A = F/
y
. The volume is V = AL = FL/
y
, and the weight is W = gV = gFL/
y
.
In this case, L = 1.0 m, and F = 5000 N. The numbers here were obtained from a
polymer handbook and are representative of the particular polymer, but the student
may use approximate numbers from Table 3.1 on p. 89 and Table 7.1 on p. 170. Also
note that the calculations are based on ultimate strength, not yield strength as was done
with metals. The results are shown below:
Material Density UTS Required weight
(kg/m
3
) (MPa) (N)
HMW polyethylene 950 24 1.94
Polyester 1270 50 1.24
Rigid PVC 1400 41-52 1.67-1.31
ABS 1030 30-52 1.68-0.97
Polystyrene 1000 32-56 1.53-0.87
Reinforced nylon 1130 90 0.61
7.54 Plot the following for any ve polymers described in this chapter: (a) UTS
versus density and (b) elastic modulus versus UTS. Where appropriate, plot
a range of values.
By the student. There are a large number of polymers that can be considered; see Table
7.1 on p. 170 for UTS and elastic modulus information. However, density information
for particular polymers will require a literature or internet search.
SYNTHESIS, DESIGN AND PROJECTS
7.55 Conduct an Internet search, and describe dierential scanning calorimetry.
What does this technique measure?
By the student. Dierential scanning calorimetry applies heat to a sample, and carefully
measures the temperature change, comparing this change to a standard sample.
7.56 Describe the design considerations involved in replacing a metal beverage
container with one made of plastic.
By the student. Note that the beverage can must be nontoxic and have sucient strength
(from low temperatures in the refrigerator to hot summer temperatures) to prevent from
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Polymers: Structure, General Properties, and Applications 89
rupturing under internal pressure or buckling under a load. Because beverage cans are
produced in the range of millions per day, the processing would have to be simple and
highly reliable. Additional considerations include chilling characteristics, labeling, and
aesthetics and feel.
7.57 Assume that you are manufacturing a product in which all of the gears are
made of metal. A salesperson visits you and asks you to consider replacing
some of these metal gears with plastic ones. Make a list of the questions that
you would raise before making a decision.
By the student. Some of the questions to be asked are: Will the plastic retain its
required strength, stiness, and tolerances if temperature rises during its normal use?
How acceptable is the wear resistance and fatigue life of the gears? Is it compatible with
metal gears that it may mesh with? What are its frictional characteristics? Is the plastic
gear aected adversely by any lubricants present? Will the supplier be able to meet the
quality demands? How much cost savings are involved? Various other questions can be
raised by the student.
7.58 Assume you work for a company that produces polymer gears. You have
arranged to meet with a potential new customer, who currently uses gears
made of metal. Make a list of the benets that plastic gears present, and
prepare a presentation for the meeting.
This is an open-ended question, with many possible answers. Another good option is to
assign one-half of a class to this problem, and the others to Problem 7.57. Some of the
benets:
By using non-standard addenda and dedenda, the contact ratio can be made to be
above 1.
Polymers are naturally lubricious and when properly designed can lead to less chance
of pitting failure.
The polymer gears can be mass produced and are less expensive.
The polymer gears damp vibrations better.
The polymer gears are quieter.
7.59 Sections 7.6 and 7.7 list several plastics and their applications. Rearrange this
information, making a table of products (gears, helmets, luggage, electrical
parts, etc.) that shows the types of plastic that can be used to make these
products.
By the student. Some examples are:
Gears: Acetals, nylons, polyesters.
Helmets: ABS, cellulosics, polycarbonates.
Luggage: ABS, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyesters.
Electrical parts: Fluorocarbons, nylons, polyethylenes, alkyds, urea, epoxies.
Lenses: Acrylics, polycarbonates.
Pipes and tubing: Acetals, ABS, cellulosics, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene,
PVC.
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Polymers: Structure, General Properties, and Applications 90
7.60 Make a list of products or parts that currently are not made of plastics, and
oer possible reasons why they are not.
By the student. Some examples are: Gas-turbine components: plastics do not possess
the necessary strength at high temperatures. Keys: thermal expansion of the keys may
not allow them to t properly in keyholes, and wear resistance of plastics is generally
less than that for metals.
7.61 Review the three curves shown in Fig. 7.10, and give some applications for
each type of behavior. Explain your choices.
By the student. Some examples are:
Rigid and brittle: Handles, because they should not ex signicantly; heat resis-
tance, coupled with rigidity, is also useful for cookware handles.
Tough and ductile: Helmets, because these plastics can dissipate the energy from
impact without fracturing.
Soft and exible: Beverage bottles, because they can deform when dropped and
regain their shape and not break, unlike glass bottles.
7.62 Repeat Problem 7.61 for the curves shown in Fig. 7.12.
By the student. Some examples are:
Low-density polyethylene: The impact strength at low temperatures makes them
useful for applications such as nonbreakable food containers.
High-impact polypropylene: The high impact strength at a range of temperatures
allows it to be used in automotive trim so that, in a collision, the trim will not crack
and may not have to be replaced.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): It can be either exible or rigid, and either type can be
used for tubing. Since it is not particularly strong or impact resistant, its use must
be limited to low-pressure tubing. It is also very water resistant.
Polymethylmethacrylate: It has moderate strength, good optical properties, and
is weather resistance; Note that the main drawback to this material is low impact
resistance. These properties makes it useful for lighting xtures (that by their nature
do not require high impact resistance).
7.63 In order to use a steel or aluminum container for an acidic liquid, such as
tomato sauce, a polymeric barrier is usually placed between the container
and its contents. Describe possible methods of producing such a barrier.
The most common method is to (a) dissolve a thermosetting polymer in a chemical liquid
carrier, usually a ketone, (b) then spraying it onto the can interior, and (c) boiled o,
leaving an adherent polymer coating. A less common approach is to laminate or coat
the inside surface of the sheet stock with a metallic materials.
7.64 Conduct a study of plastics used for some products. Measure the hardness
and stiness of these plastics. (For example, dog chew toys use plastics with
a range of properties.) Describe your observations.
By the student. The numbers will reect the values given in Table 7.1 on p. 170.
7.65 Add a column to Table 7.1 that describes the appearance of these plastics,
including available colors and opaqueness.
2014 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved. This publication is protected by Copyright and written permission should be obtained from
the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction ,storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or likewise. For information regarding permission(s), write to : Rights and Permissions Department, Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458.
Polymers: Structure, General Properties, and Applications 91
By the student. Note that most plastics can be made opaque, but only a few (such as
acrylics and polycarbonates) are transparent. Most are available in more than one color,
especially thermoplastics such as polyethylene and ABS.
7.66 With Table 7.3 as a guide, inspect various products, both in a typical kitchen
and in an automobile, and describe the types of plastics that were used or
could be used in making their individual components.
By the student. A wide variety of answers are acceptable for all types of applications. It
can be especially benecial if students attempt to identify the particular polymer, either
by examining product literature, performing an Internet search, or simply identifying
the symbol used for recycling the polymer.
2014 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved. This publication is protected by Copyright and written permission should be obtained from
the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction ,storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or likewise. For information regarding permission(s), write to : Rights and Permissions Department, Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458.