Engineering plastics are a group of plastic materials that have better mechanical and/or thermal properties than the more widely used commodity plastics (such as polystyrene, PVC, polypropylene and polyethylene). Being more expensive, engineering plastics are produced in lower quantities and tend to be used for smaller objects or low-volume applications (such as mechanical parts), rather than for bulk and high-volume ends (like containers and packaging).
The term usually refers to thermoplastic materials rather than thermosetting ones. Examples of engineering plastics include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), used for car bumpers, dashboard trim and Lego bricks; polycarbonates, used in motorcycle helmets; and polyamides (nylons), used for skis and ski boots. Engineering plastics have gradually replaced traditional engineering materials such as wood or Metal in many applications. Besides equalling or surpassing them in weight/strength and other properties, engineering plastics are much easier to manufacture, especially in complicated shapes.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is an opaque thermoplastic and amorphous polymer. “Thermoplastic” (as opposed to “thermoset”) has to do with the way the material responds to heat. Thermoplastics become liquid (i.e. have a “glass transition”) at a certain temperature (221 degrees Fahrenheit in the case of ABS plastic). They can be heated to their melting point, cooled, and re-heated again without significant degradation. Instead of burning, thermoplastics like ABS liquefy which allows them to be easily injection molded and then subsequently recycled. By contrast, thermoset plastics can only be heated once (typically during the injection molding process). The first heating causes thermoset materials to set (similar to a 2-part epoxy), resulting in a chemical change that cannot be reversed. If you tried to heat a thermoset plastic to a high temperature a second time it would simply burn. This characteristic makes thermoset materials poor candidates for recycling. ABS is also an amorphous material meaning that it does not exhibit the ordered characteristics of crystalline solids.
ABS is most commonly polymerized through the process of emulsion (the mixture of multiple products that don’t typically combine into a single product). A well known example of an emulsified product is milk. ABS is also created, albeit less commonly, by a patented process known as continuous mass polymerization. Globally, the most common methodology to create ABS is the emulsion process.
ABS has a strong resistance to corrosive chemicals and/or physical impacts. It is very easy to machine and has a low melting temperature making it particularly simple to use in injection molding manufacturing processes or 3D printing on an FDM machine. ABS is also relatively inexpensive (prices, currently around $1.50 per pound, typically fall somewhere between those of Polypropylene (“PP”) and Polycarbonate (“PC”). ABS plastic is not typically used in high heat situations due to its low melting point. All of these characteristics lead to ABS being used in a large number of applications across a wide range of industries.
Polycarbonates
Polycarbonate is a dimensionally stable, transparent thermoplastic with a structure that allows for outstanding impact resistance. With high-performance properties, Polycarbonate is the leading plastic material for various applications that demand high functioning temperatures and safety features. Because of its durable make-up, polycarbonate is often the preferred thermoplastic over materials like PMMA and Acrylic. Polycarbonates are unique in its working temperatures and ability to experience minimal degradation between heating and cooling points. Polycarbonate features a high working temperature of 266 degrees Fahrenheit and cooling temperatures at -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Features of polycarbonate
PC is a good material of choice in Industry due to its versatile characteristics, eco-friendly processing and recyclability. They have the unique set of chemical and physical properties making them suitable over glass, PMMA, PE, etc.
Toughness and High Impact Strength
Polycarbonate has high strength that makes it resistant to impact and fracture and hence provides safety and comfort in application demanding high reliability & performance. They are virtually unbreakable.
Transmittance
PC is an extremely clear plastic and can transmit over 90% of Light as good as glass. PC sheets are available in a wide range of shades which can be customized depending on the end-user application.
Lightweight
The benefits allows provides OEMs virtually unlimited possibilities for design compared with glass. The property allows increased efficiency, makes installation process easier and reduces overall transportation costs.
Protection from UV Radiations
Polycarbonates can be designed to block ultraviolet radiation and provide 100% protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Optical Nature – Thanks to its amorphous structure, PC offers excellent optical properties. Refractive index of clear polycarbonate is 1.584.
Chemical Resistance
Polycarbonate exhibits good chemical resistance against diluted acids, aliphatic hydrocarbons and alcohols; moderate chemical resistance against oils and greases. PC is readily attacked by diluted alkalis, aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons. Manufacturers recommend to clean PC sheets with certain cleaning agents which do not affect its chemical nature. It is sensitive to abrasive alkaline cleaners.
Heat Resistance
Polycarbonates offers good heat resistance and are thermally stable upto 135°C. Further heat resistance can be improved by adding flame retardants without impacting material properties.
Applications of polycarbonates
Popular uses of polycarbonate can include aircraft parts, data storage devices, dome lights, eye protection, multiwall sheets, electronic components and more. Due to polycarbonates ability to withstand extreme temperatures for prolonged periods of time, it is often used in components for various industries, including:
- Aircrafts and Aerospace Components
- Greenhouses and agriculture
- Industrial Lighting
- Electronic Components
- Automotive Components
- Machinery Guards
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ABS and Polycarbonates: Engineering Plastics
ABS and polycarbonates are two of the most common engineering plastics. They are both strong, durable, and versatile materials that can be used in a wide variety of applications.
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. It is a thermoplastic that is made from three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. ABS is a tough, impact-resistant material that is also easy to machine and mold. It is often used in applications where strength and durability are important, such as in automotive parts, appliances, and toys.
Polycarbonates are also thermoplastics, but they are made from a different set of monomers: bisphenol A and phosgene. Polycarbonates are even tougher than ABS and are also more transparent. They are often used in applications where strength, durability, and transparency are important, such as in eyewear, electronics, and medical devices.
Both ABS and polycarbonates are manufactured by a process called injection molding. In injection molding, a molten plastic is injected into a mold under high pressure. The plastic cools and hardens in the mold, taking the shape of the mold.
ABS and polycarbonates can both be recycled. ABS can be recycled into new ABS products, while polycarbonates can be recycled into new polycarbonate products. Recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills and also conserves natural Resources.
ABS and polycarbonates are two of the most versatile and widely used engineering plastics. They are both strong, durable, and easy to work with. ABS is more affordable than polycarbonates, but polycarbonates are more transparent and have better chemical resistance. Both materials have a wide range of applications, and they are both important components of the modern world.
ABS
ABS is a versatile thermoplastic that is used in a wide variety of applications. It is made from three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. ABS is a tough, impact-resistant material that is also easy to machine and mold. It is often used in applications where strength and durability are important, such as in automotive parts, appliances, and toys.
ABS is a relatively inexpensive material, which makes it a popular choice for many applications. It is also easy to recycle, which helps to reduce the environmental impact of its use.
ABS has a number of properties that make it a good choice for engineering applications. It is strong and durable, and it has good impact resistance. It is also easy to machine and mold, which makes it a versatile material for a variety of applications.
ABS is used in a wide variety of applications, including:
- Automotive parts: ABS is used in a variety of automotive parts, including bumpers, grilles, and trim.
- Appliances: ABS is used in a variety of appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers.
- Toys: ABS is used in a variety of toys, including building blocks, action figures, and dolls.
- Medical devices: ABS is used in a variety of medical devices, including surgical instruments and implants.
- Electronics: ABS is used in a variety of electronics, including computers, cell phones, and televisions.
Polycarbonates
Polycarbonates are a group of thermoplastic polymers that are known for their strength, toughness, and transparency. They are made from bisphenol A and phosgene, and they are often used in applications where strength, durability, and transparency are important.
Polycarbonates have a number of properties that make them a good choice for engineering applications. They are strong and tough, and they have good impact resistance. They are also transparent, which makes them a good choice for applications where visibility is important.
Polycarbonates are used in a wide variety of applications, including:
- Eyewear: Polycarbonate is used in a variety of eyewear, including sunglasses, goggles, and safety glasses.
- Electronics: Polycarbonate is used in a variety of electronics, including computers, cell phones, and televisions.
- Medical devices: Polycarbonate is used in a variety of medical devices, including surgical instruments and implants.
- Automotive parts: Polycarbonate is used in a variety of automotive parts, including headlights, taillights, and windows.
- Building materials: Polycarbonate is used in a variety of building materials, including windows, doors, and roofing.
Recycling
Both ABS and polycarbonates can be recycled. ABS can be recycled into new ABS products, while polycarbonates can be recycled into new polycarbonate products. Recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills and also conserves Natural Resources.
There are a number of ways to recycle ABS and polycarbonates. One way is to collect them and then send them to a recycling facility. Another way is to recycle them yourself at home. There are a number of resources available online that can provide instructions on how to recycle
What is engineering plastic?
Engineering plastics are a class of plastics that are designed to withstand high temperatures, pressures, and other demanding conditions. They are often used in applications where traditional plastics would not be suitable, such as in the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries.
What are the different types of engineering plastics?
There are many different types of engineering plastics, each with its own unique properties. Some of the most common types include:
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Nylon
- PEEK (Polyetheretherketone)
- PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide)
- PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
What are the advantages of engineering plastics?
Engineering plastics offer a number of advantages over traditional plastics, including:
- Strength: Engineering plastics are much stronger than traditional plastics, making them ideal for applications where strength is important.
- Durability: Engineering plastics are also very durable, and can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions.
- Resistance: Engineering plastics are resistant to a variety of chemicals, making them ideal for applications where exposure to chemicals is a concern.
- Temperature resistance: Engineering plastics can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for applications where heat is a concern.
What are the disadvantages of engineering plastics?
Engineering plastics also have some disadvantages, including:
- Cost: Engineering plastics are more expensive than traditional plastics.
- Processing: Engineering plastics can be more difficult to process than traditional plastics.
- Recycling: Engineering plastics can be more difficult to recycle than traditional plastics.
What are some common applications for engineering plastics?
Engineering plastics are used in a wide variety of applications, including:
- Automotive: Engineering plastics are used in a variety of automotive components, such as bumpers, fenders, and dashboards.
- Aerospace: Engineering plastics are used in a variety of aerospace components, such as aircraft wings and fuselages.
- Medical: Engineering plastics are used in a variety of medical devices, such as implants and prosthetics.
- Electronics: Engineering plastics are used in a variety of electronic components, such as circuit boards and housings.
- Consumer goods: Engineering plastics are used in a variety of consumer goods, such as toys, appliances, and furniture.
What is the future of engineering plastics?
The future of engineering plastics is bright. As the demand for high-performance materials continues to grow, engineering plastics will play an increasingly important role in a variety of industries.
Here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic Engineering plastics (ABS and poly carbonates):
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Which of the following is a type of plastic?
(A) Polyethylene
(B) Polypropylene
(C) Polystyrene
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a property of plastics?
(A) Durability
(B) Lightweight
(C) Moldability
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a use of plastics?
(A) Packaging
(B) Construction
(C) Transportation
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a disadvantage of plastics?
(A) They are not biodegradable.
(B) They can release harmful chemicals into the Environment.
(C) They can take hundreds of years to decompose.
(D) All of the above -
What is the most common type of plastic?
(A) Polyethylene
(B) Polypropylene
(C) Polystyrene
(D) None of the above -
What is the most recycled type of plastic?
(A) PET
(B) HDPE
(C) PVC
(D) LDPE -
What is the most polluting type of plastic?
(A) PET
(B) HDPE
(C) PVC
(D) LDPE -
What is the most sustainable type of plastic?
(A) PLA
(B) PBAT
(C) PHA
(D) All of the above -
What is the most biodegradable type of plastic?
(A) PLA
(B) PBAT
(C) PHA
(D) All of the above -
What is the most compostable type of plastic?
(A) PLA
(B) PBAT
(C) PHA
(D) All of the above