Uses for Polymers

1
Uses for Polymers

• Structural Applications
• Automotive
• Door and Interior Panels (Nylon polyamide and PP)
• Gaskets and Sealants (Polybutadienes)
• Hoses (polybutadienes)
• Carpeting (polyesters and polyamides)
• Dashboards (Polyvinyl chlorides)
• Safety Glass (Polyvinyl butuyral)
• Tires (Polybutadiene rubbers

2
For a structural application

• Stiffness high glass transition temperature
  (Tg) materials and crystalline materials
• Ductility Lower Tg materials, rubbers that are
  more flexible, often crosslinked

3
Non-structural applications

• Continuing with the automotive theme
• Paints (acrylics)
• Adhesives (acrylics and hot melt glues)
• Molding strips (many choices)
• Bed covers for trucks (PP, nylon)

4
Other major uses for polymers

• Household goods
• Packaging materials
• Films and shrink wrap
• peanuts for filling (blown polymers)
• cases and other solid packaging (thicker than
  films)
• Food Wrap (can be complicated structures)
• Trash bags, other container bags
• Jugs and Bottles (PP, PS, PE, polyester)
• Diapers, other personal care products

5
Other Uses

• Electronic Products
• Printed Circuits (Epoxies,polyimides,
  polysulfones)
• Photoresist (acrylics)
• Paints for Electromagnetic Infererence (EMI)
  suppression
• Can take advantage of formability of polymers,
  controllable Tg (fluid vs solid) by
  polymerization
• Even chassis construction can be done with
  polymers (injection molded Imax computers)

6
Many other applications

• Take a look at the wealth of applications for
  polymers on Table 16.3
• Many generalized applications that have found
  increasing use as lighter and more functional
  replacements of ceramic and metal components.
  The list is ever increasing.