Unit - 2 Plastic
Unit - 2 Plastic
Unit - 2 Plastic
October 2022
Plastics?
Plastics & Plasticity?
Why plastic exists?
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Introduction
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Introduction
• Plastic -
• An engineering material
• Most versatile material on earth
• Almost all of the products we use in our daily lives contain
plastics.
• They are made of polymers.
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Plastics
Polymerization
Polymer
Monomer
Molecule
Atom
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Plastics – Monomers & Polymers
• A monomer is a molecule that consists a primary chemical,
mostly organic, forming chemical bond.
• They react together with other monomer molecules to form a
larger monomer chain or three-dimensional network in a
process called polymerization, resulting in Polymers.
• Polymer means ‘many parts’.
• Polymers – Natural, Synthetic & Semi-synthetic.
• Plastic is a type of polymer resulting from polymerization.
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Plastics – Monomers & Polymers
Occur naturally and are found in plants and animals
E.g. - proteins, starch, cellulose, and rubber.
Natural
We also have biodegradable polymers called
biopolymers.
Man-made polymers
Plastic is the most common and widely used synthetic
Polymers Synthetic polymer.
E.g. - nylon, polyether’s etc.
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Types of Polymeric materials
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Plastics – Polymer structures
1. Linear – long-chain molecules separated
from each other
2. Branched chain - branches of monomers
added on to the linear chain of
macromolecules
3. Cross-linked – chains adjacent to each
other linked together restricting the
movement between chains & altering the
mechanical properties
4. Networking – formed by tri- or tetra-
functional monomers
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Plastics – Polymerization
Process used to
combine
monomers to form
a polymer
It improves the
properties like
strength, rigidity &
elasticity
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Plastics – Polymerization methods
Addition –
• Similar or different molecules join
together to form a polymer.
• A reaction that yields a product
which is an exact multiple of the
original monomeric molecule.
• Commonly used in the manufacture
of flexible films and squeeze bottles
• E.g.- polythylene, polypropylene,
polyvinylchloride, polystyrene,
polyacrylates, etc.
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Plastics – Polymerization methods
Co-polymerization –
• A type of addition polymerization where simultaneous polymerization of two or
more chemically different monomers takes place resulting in the formation of a
polymer containing both monomers linked in one chain.
• E.g.- vinyl chloride acetate, butadiene-styrene etc.
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Plastics – Polymerization methods
Condensation –
• In this, the reaction between functional monomer molecules leading to the
formation of a polymer with the elimination of some small weight molecules
such as water, HCl, etc.
• The most common is Nylon formed from hexamethylene diamine and adipic
acid. Phenol formaldehyde resin (Bakelite) is another example.
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Plastic
Natural plastic -
In 1907, Leo
horns, ivory, In 1862, In 1869, John
Hendrik
tortoise shell, Alexander Parkes Wesley Hyatt gave
Baekeland gave
amber, rubber gave Parkesine Celluloid
Bakelite
and shellac.
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Classification of Plastics
Behavior with respect to • Thermo-plastics
heating • Thermo-setting
• Homogeneous
Structure
• Heterogeneous
• Rigid
Physical & mechanical • Semi-rigid
properties • Soft
• Elastomers
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• Plastics composed only of carbon atoms exhibits
Homogeneous Plastics homogeneous structure.
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Thermo- Plastics & Setting
# Thermo-Plastics Thermo-Setting
1. Highly recyclable 1. More resistant to high temperatures
2. Aesthetically-superior finishes 2. Highly flexible design
3. High-impact resistance 3. Thick to thin wall capabilities
Pros 4. Remolding/reshaping capabilities 4. Excellent aesthetic appearance
5. Chemical resistant 5. High levels of dimensional stability
6. Hard crystalline or rubbery surface 6. Cost-effective
7. Eco-friendly manufacturing
1.Generally more expensive than thermoset 1. Cannot be recycled
Cons 2. Can melt if heated 2. More difficult to surface finish
3. Cannot be remolded or reshaped
HDPE, LDPE, PVC, Polystyrene, Epoxy Resin, Polyester Resin, Glass
Polypropylene, Acrylo-nitrile (Nylon), ABS, Reinforced Plastic, Carbon Fibre Plastic,
Types
Melamine Formaldehyde, Poly Vinyl Acetate Melamine Formaldehyde
(PVA), Acrylic (Perspex), Elastomers
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Plastic - Constituents
1. Base of the plastic – resins or binders
2. Moulding compounds – additives, as essentials to achieve desired
properties
Hexamethylene tetramine
3 Hardener Added to increase the hardness of resin acts as hardener for phenol
formaldehyde
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Plastic - Constituents
Moulding
# Function Example
compounds
Addition of dyes & pigments helps as filler & imparting
5 Pigments Zinc oxide, barytes etc.
color
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Plastic - Fabrication
• The method used for fabrication of commercial articles from plastics
depends primarily on the type, resin used, shape, size and thickness
of the articles.
• Commonly used fabrication methods.
1. Blowing
2. Calendaring
3. Casting
4. Laminating
5. Moulding
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Blowing Fabrication
• Process used to manufacture hollow items – jars, bottles, toys etc.
• Air pressure or vacuum are employed in this method of moulding to
force the softened plastic powder into the mould.
• Used for HDPE,LDPE, PVC,PP etc.
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Calendaring Fabrication
• Process is used to prepare plain flat sheets.
• Consists - 4 rollers-3 hot & 1 cold in the end.
• Artistic design may be provided on rollers.
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Casting Fabrication
• Process is used to prepare cellulose plastic.
• The plastics are moulded without application of pressure. The resin is
melted and poured into mould. The cast plastic is not so smooth just
after casting, so they are polished.
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Laminating Fabrication
• Process is used with thermo-setting resins which are
applied on the product to be laminated viz. paper,
cloth, wood, fibre, glass, etc.
• Then the product is subjected to heavy pressure by
allowing them through rollers to form the plastic
layer.
• Thickness of sheet varies from 0.12-15mm.
• Used for ornamental & decorative purposes.
• The laminated plastics exhibit improved mechanical
and electrical properties.
• Vinyl resin is most suitable for lamination.
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Moulding Fabrication
• Most common process – raw material placed in mould & then heated.
• Moulding method varies as per the article to be prepared.
• Types of Moulding – Compression, Extrusion, Injection, Jet &
Transfer
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Compression Moulding
• Employed for both thermoplastics and
thermosetting plastics
• The moulds used are usually heated & plastic
material is filled in the mould cavity.
• With hydraulic pressure & under heating
temperature the chemical reaction is
completed. Finally curing is done by heating
(thermosetting plastics) or by cooling
(thermoplastics).
• After curing is complete, mould is opened and
moulded material is taken out.
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Extrusion Moulding
• Adopted for thermoplastics resins.
• The resin powder fed through hopper in the inlet end of the revolving
screw.
• As the extruder rotates it has a mixing, smearing, and frictional
heating action which changes the dry granular charge into a soft
plastic mass before it reaches the end of the screw.
• At the outlet end, the material is heated & is extruded or forced
through a nozzle into the moulds.
• Moulds are cooled with air jets or water baths.
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Extrusion Moulding
• Used for continuous moulding of thermoplastic materials into articles
of uniform cross-section such as tubes, ribbons, sheets, pipes, rods,
strips, electric cables, etc.
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Extrusion Moulding
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Injection Moulding
• Used for thermoplastic
resins for small size
articles for large scale
preparation.
• The mould is kept cold
to allow the hot plastic
to cure and acquire the
shape. Half of the
mould is opened to
cause ejection of the
finished article.
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Transfer Moulding
• It is injection moulding when applied to
thermosetting resins.
• In this, the mould are also heated before
plastic material is injected through
nozzle. Thus the resins are heated in
two chambers – cylinder & moulds.
• The pressure on mould is maintained till
the chemical action is complete to
prepare article.
• Intricate machine parts are moulded by
this method.
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Jet Moulding
• Employed for both thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics
• The plastic material is heated moderately and allowed to pass
through nozzle which is preheated to a high temperature.
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Plastic Properties
1. Can be moulded to any desired shape or size and
have high tensile and compressive strengths.
2. Easy to work upon.
3. Light in weight and a few varieties are glossy like
glass.
4. Not attacked by insects and fungi.
5. Available in desired colors, texture & appearance -
transparent, colored, opaque, translucent.
6. Require a little maintenance.
7. Good electrical insulators and have low thermal
conductivity.
8. Shock absorbing material.
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Plastic Properties
9. Can be sawn, drilled and punched and
welded easily.
10. High strength to weight ratio.
11. High resistance to weathering conditions.
12. Corrosion resistance.
13. Decorative surface effect—painting or
polishing of the surface is not required.
14. High refractive index.
15. Some varieties are as hard as steel.
16. Withstands moisture, oil and grease well –
Chemical resistant.
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Plastic Properties
17. Durable
18. Inflammable or fire-resistant.
19. High coefficient of thermal expansion (about
ten times of steel).
20. Deterioration under prolonged exposure to
sun’s ultra violet rays.
21. Low manufacturing cost, hence cheap.
22. Dimensional stability
23. Lack ductility
24. Can be recycled, upcycled & reused.
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Plastic Applications
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Plastic Applications
1. Sanitary fixtures 10. Paints & varnishes
2. Electrical conduits 11. Pipes
3. Roofing sheets 12. Roof lights
4. Decorative laminates & moldings 13. Safety glass
5. Films for water-proofing, damp- 14. Wall tiles
proofing & concrete curing 15. Water-resistant adhesive
6. Floor tiles, floor coverings
16. Formwork
7. Foams for thermal insulation
17. Furniture
8. Lighting fixtures 18. Temporary structures
9. Overhead water tanks
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Types of Plastics
1. PE – LDPE & HDPE 6. Rubber – EPDM, Neoprene
2. PVC – UPVC, CPVC…etc. 7. Bakelite
3. PS 8. Nylon
4. Acrylic 9. GFRP
5. PC
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Polyethylene (PE)
• Also known as polythene or polyethene.
• Usually have a linear structure and are
known to be addition polymers
• Primary application – Packaging - plastic
bags, bottles, plastic films, containers, and
geomembranes.
• General formula of polyethylene - (C2H4)n
• Mostly, polyethylene are thermoplastic,
however, some modified polyethylene
plastics exhibit thermosetting properties.
Polyethylene (PE)
• Can be classified into several different types based on the density of
the plastic and the degree of branching in its structure.
• The type of branching and the extent of branching has a direct
impact on the mechanical properties of the plastic.
• Therefore, different types of polyethylene exhibit different mechanical
properties.
• Mainly classified into three types – LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE
• Level of Crystallinity strongly affects the properties. Increasing
the degree of crystallinity increases hardness and density.
Polyethylene (PE)
# LDPE HDPE
1 Low Density Polyethylene High Density Polyethylene
2 A thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene/petroleum
3 A soft, flexible, tough & lightweight material A rigid, strong & relatively less lightweight
material
4 Has good chemical and impact resistance Easily Meltable and Moldable, Corrosion
and is easy to fabricate and form. Resistance, Large Strength to Density Ratio,
Easily Recycled
5 Used to make many thin, flexible Most versatile plastic materials used in a wide
products like plastic bags for dry-cleaning, variety of applications including plastic bottles,
newspapers, bread, bubble wrap, frozen milk jugs, shampoo bottles, bleach bottles,
foods, fresh produce and garbage. Shrink- cutting boards, buckets, park benches and
wrap and stretch film are also made out piping.
of LDPE, as well as coatings for paper milk
cartons and disposable beverage cups.
LDPE-Low Density Polyethylene
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PVC- Poly Vinyl Chloride or Vinyl
• Economical and versatile thermoplastic polymer
• Widely used in building and construction industry to
produce door and window profiles, pipes (drinking
and wastewater), wire and cable insulation, medical
devices, etc.
• World’s third largest thermoplastic material by
volume after PE & PP.
• A white, brittle solid material available in powder
form or granules.
UPVC
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PVC – Types
4. Molecular Oriented PVC or PVC-O: formed by reorganizing the amorphous
structure of PVC-U into a layered structured. PVC-O has enhanced physical
characteristics (stiffness, fatigue resistance, lightweight, etc.). Used for
pressure pipes for drinking water & also well suited for buried non-potable
applications such as irrigation and sewer pumping mains.
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Polystyrene(PS)
• A naturally transparent thermoplastic made
from the monomer known as styrene.
• Available as both a typical solid plastic as
well in the form of a rigid foam material
• It is rigid, lightweight, versatile, insulates very
well and cheap.
• Available for food packaging and construction
industries.
• Examples: Cups, takeout food containers,
shipping and product packaging, egg cartons,
cutlery and building insulation.
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Polystyrene(PS)
• Used in making electrical Appliances, Automative
parts, food packaging material, medical devices,
components – as it is inert (doesn’t react with other
materials), cost-effective and long-lasting.
• Also used for Electronics - housing and other parts
for televisions, computers and all types of IT
equipment, where the combination of form, function
and aesthetics are essential.
• For Insulation - provides excellent thermal insulation
in numerous applications, such as building walls and
roofing, refrigerators and freezers, and industrial cold
storage facilities. Polystyrene insulation is inert,
durable and resistant to water damage.
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Polystyrene(PS)
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Polystyrene – Forms & Types
GPPS
Solid
HIPS
EPS
PS Foam PS or XPS
Styrofoam
GPS
Film OPS
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Polystyrene(PS) - Types
• General-purpose polystyrene is clear,
hard, and rather brittle. It is an
inexpensive resin per unit weight.
• Expanded polystyrene foam (EPS),
Extruded polystyrene foam (EXPS).
• High Impact Polystyrene
• OPS – Oriented Polystyrene film
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Acrylics
• A transparent plastic material with outstanding
strength, stiffness, and optical clarity.
• Also known as plexiglass, is a useful, clear
material that resembles glass, but offers better
transparency and weighs 50% less than glass of
equal thickness.
• Acrylic sheet is easy to fabricate, bonds well with
adhesives and solvents, and is easy to
thermoform.
• It has superior weathering properties compared to
many other transparent plastics.
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Acrylics
Flat sheets
Elongated
Forms tubes
Moulding
Powder
Cast
Types
Extruded
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Acrylics
• Acrylic’s clarity, light weight, impact resistance, and weather
resistance, make this material a popular choice for architectural
applications. Acrylic sheet is used in everything from windows and
wall partitions to lighting fixtures and canopies.
• Available in clear as well as a wide variety of tints and colours. It
can also be mirrored or opaque.
• Acrylic also comes in different grades to suit different
manufacturing processes. These grades offer varying levels of
heat resistance, light transmissions, impact strength, flow rates
and release capabilities.
• Acrylic can also be coated to supplement characteristics such as
scratch resistance, anti-fogging, glare reduction and solar
reflectivity.
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Polycarbonate (PC)
• A naturally transparent amorphous thermoplastic.
• Has very good heat resistance and can be
combined with flame retardant materials without
significant material degradation.
• Useful for applications requiring transparency and
high impact resistance. It is a lighter alternative to
glass and a natural UV filter.
• It is a tough, transparent plastic material with
outstanding strength, stiffness, and impact
resistance. Polycarbonate’s optical clarity makes
it ideal for applications such as machine
guards, signs, architectural glazing, face shields,
skylights, and POP displays.
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Polycarbonate (PC) - Types
• Types of PC sheets-
• Clear Polycarbonate
• Abrasion-Resistant Polycarbonate
• Mirrored Polycarbonate
• Anti Static Polycarbonate
• Bulletproof Polycarbonate
• Coloured/Tinted Polycarbonate
• Flame Retardant Polycarbonate
• FDA-Approved Polycarbonate
• Multiwall Polycarbonate - can be used in
greenhouses, skylights, solariums, atriums and
more.
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Rubber – Polymeric Material
• Also known as elastomers
• Having the unique property of undergoing
large deformations under load and
returning to their original shape and
dimension on its removal owing to
lengthening and shortening of the springs
of polymeric chains.
• Elastomeric molecule is not straight
chained but is in the form of coil.
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Rubber Made from the sap occurring in
cells of the various parts of the
plants known as latex.
Latex diluted
coagulated treated
Crude rubber
Natural
Crude rubber known as crepe
rubber and smoked rubber
which is further processed,
milled and vulcanized to
Types produce commercial rubber.
GPSR – freely used
Mixture of natural rubber and E.g. - SBR,PBR, IR…etc.
thermoplastic vinyl high
polymers.
Synthetic e.g.- Styrene rubber, Silicon
SPSR – used for special end use
rubber, Neoprene, Butyl rubber, E.g. – EPDM, Butyl, Silicon,
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Rubber – Applications
• Most suitable material for conveyer belts, linings for
tanks, tyres, gaskets, mountings, hoses, insulating
coatings and toys.
• Phenolaldehyde resin with waste rubber is used to
make flooring tiles.
• Like cyclised rubber chlorinated rubber, is a modified
form of natural rubber, most widely used in the
production of protective coatings and adhesives.
• Rubber hydrochloride, on processing can produce thin
films of wrapping and packages.
• Rubber is also being used increasingly in the
manufacture of foam rubber, which is used in
upholstery and furniture.
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EPDM
• Ethylene propylene diene monomer
• A synthetic rubber
• A copolymer of ethylene, propylene and a
small amount of non-conjugated diene
monomers (3 – 9 percent)
• Available in form – liquid, solid rubber,
foam rubber, sponge rubber
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EPDM - Properties
• Have excellent heat, ozone/weathering, and aging
resistance.
• Also exhibit excellent electrical insulation,
compression set, and low temperature properties,
but only fair physical strength properties.
• Their resistance to chemicals is generally good.
• Probably the most water resistant rubbers
available but have poor flame resistance.
• Insulates and reduces noise
• Also very flexible
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EPDM - Applications
• In automotive industry - include radiator and
heater hoses, window and door seals, O-rings
and gaskets, accumulator bladders, wire and
cable connectors and insulators, and weather
stripping
• Major applications are roofing & waterproofing,
such as bitumen modifications, facade and
parapet sealants, expansion joints, & pool- and
tank liners.
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Neoprene
• A synthetic rubber, also called chloroprene
• A combination of carbon, hydrogen, and
chlorine polymers or created through the
polymerization of chlorine.
• Properties –
• Oil, alkali and acid resistant, but it’s susceptible to
aromatic and oxygenated solvents
• More resistant to corrosion and degradation than
many other rubbers.
• Also weather and fire-resistant, with thermal
insulating and waterproofing qualities.
• Durable, chemically stable & flexible over a wide
range of temperatures.
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Neoprene - Applications
• Suitable for use such as sports and medical
equipment, tech covers and sleeves, wetsuits,
and safety gloves - as well as for a variety of
outdoor applications—including use as hoses,
gaskets, seals, coatings, and linings.
• A common material in marine equipment and
diving suits, but it’s also used in rubber gloves
as a latex substitute, in roofing, and for
applications that require moderate chemical &
oil resistance.
• Neoprene is also commonly used in corrosion-
resistant coatings, high-pressure adhesives,
gaskets, and belts, vibration mounts, and
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weather stripping. 74
EPDM vs Neoprene
# EPDM Neoprene
Good electric and noise resistance, steam Good thermal insulation and resistance to
1
resistant and more ozone resistant. chemicals, oils, and fire.
2 Both rubbers are good for general purpose applications, and can be extruded and molded.
They have fair to good tear resistance, better abrasion resistance, and excellent weathering
3
properties, with similar low temperature limits.
Functions better in higher temperatures,
4 Handles only up to 225 degrees F.
with a maximum of 300-350 degrees F.
5 Relatively cheaper Expensive
6 Less flame resistant More flame resistant
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Bakelite – ‘material of a 1000 uses’
• First synthetic plastic
• A polymer made up of the monomers
phenol and formaldehyde.
• This phenol-formaldehyde resin is a
thermosetting polymer.
• Also chemically known as polyoxybenzyl
methylene glycol anhydride.
• A condensation polymer or a phenolic
resin.
• Paved the way to the 'Age of Plastics’.
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GFRP/ FRP/ GRP
• Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic / Fibre glass Reinforced
Plastic/ Fiberglass
• A composite material – Glass fibres + resins
• Glass fibres provide stiffness & strength & resins
provides a matrix to transfer load to fibres.
• They may be randomly arranged, or conveniently
oriented.
• The polymer matrix is usually an epoxy, vinylester, or
polyester thermosetting resin.
• Additives are added to lend special properties to FRP.
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GFRP/ FRP/ GRP
• Plastic resins are strong in compressive loading; the
glass fibers are very strong in tension. By combining the
two materials, GRP becomes a material that resists both
compressive and tensile forces very well.
• Fiber reinforced plastics –
• Based on type of fibres - Wood (cellulose fibers), Carbon fiber
reinforced plastic or CRP, and Glass-fiber reinforced plastic or
GRP (informally, “fiberglass”).
• Based on matrix - Short fiber thermoplastics, long fiber
thermoplastics or long fiber reinforced thermoplastics, glass mat
thermoplastics, and continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastics &
Thermoset composites.
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GFRP- Classification
GFRP
Manufacturing
Glass Resin End use
Process
Transportation
Polyester Building &
S-Glass Vinyl Ester Construction
Filament winding
C-Glass Epoxy Electrical &
Layup Electronics
E-Glass Polyurethane
Others Renewable Energy
Other Glass Thermoplastic
Others Infrastructure
Others
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GFRP/ FRP/ GRP - Properties
1. Aesthetically appealing unaffected by changing weather
2. Corrosion resistant conditions.
3. Dimensional stability 10. Low investment in production &
finishing tools
4. Durable
11. High strength to weight ratio
5. Easy to repair and
6. Easily fabricated 12. Thermal resistance
7. Light transmission
8. Light weight – reduction in dead
load
9. Low maintenance – pigmented &
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GFRP/ FRP/ GRP
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GFRP/ FRP/ GRP - Applications
1. As formwork for high quality tapped.
concrete shuttering 7. Temporary shelters – watchman
2. For unique shapes, wide cabins, green houses, project site
dimensions, lightweight domes shelters
3. Door & window frames 8. Water storage tanks – superior to
4. Internal partitions & wall paneling steel, concrete or G.I. tanks
5. Roof sheets – translucent, 9. Rebars
corrugated sheets 10. Cladding material of bent into
6. Structural sections – corrosion wire frame structures.
resistant, choice of color, can be
machined, bolted, riveted &
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11/11/2022 PRESENTATION TITLE 90
Thank you