1.1 Material Classifications

This unit provides the essential vocabulary of plastics engineering. It covers the classification of polymers into:

  • Thermoplastics vs. Thermosets: Based on molecular structure and recyclability.

  • Amorphous vs. Semi-Crystalline: Based on molecular arrangement, which dictates key properties like shrinkage, clarity, and chemical resistance.

  • Common Polymer Families: Introduction to key material groups (e.g., Polyolefins, Styrenics, Engineering Plastics, High-Performance Plastics) and their general characteristics.

  • Additives and Fillers: How modifiers (glass fibers, minerals, flame retardants, plasticizers) alter the base resin’s properties and processing.

Exercise Files
1.1 Material Classifications (pdf)
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