Cracking of plastics components under impact was a major blow to the plastics industry in the early days. Today it is still a challenge for designers to select thermoplastics that will stand up to impact […]
Low-cost identification of plastics is certainly desirable, but identifying an unknown plastic material can be an expensive exercise if you submit it for full chemical analysis.
Radiation in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum is a bit of a mixed blessing for polymers.
When faced with selecting a thermoplastic for a new component, I find it helpful to view potential materials in two groups …. amorphous (non-crystalline) and crystalline (strictly speaking semi-crystalline because it is unusual to get […]
To assess solvent resistance, first consider solvents spread out on a polarity scale. Non-polar solvents are at one end, such as paraffin, petrol and diesel. At the other ‘highly polar’ end we find alcohols and […]
In 1839, by inserting sulphur atoms as bridges between polymer chains, Charles Goodyear transformed Natural Rubber from an interesting curiosity into a superb engineering material that has had a huge impact on society.
One of the exciting attributes of polymers is that the properties of any polymer can be modified by tinkering with the basic molecular structure or incorporating a range of additives. However, you have to be […]
In some applications heat resistance can mean the material’s ability to carry out its intended function at elevated temperatures for short periods.
Many assume that polytetrafluoroethylene is a thermoset because it seems unaffected by heat.
We like our see-through kettles and take them for granted but they have a punishing life cycle. Over 10 years the kettle could undergo a total of 10,000 cycles. It is filled with cold water, […]