G. POLYMERS AND RESINS:
GROUP 1:
- Thermoplastics: Melt and re-shape upon heating, recyclable. Examples: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS), PET, Nylon, Acrylics.
- Versatile, sustainable, everyday plastic applications (bottles, bags, packaging, clothing).
- Thermosets: Harden permanently upon heating, cannot be re-melted. Examples: Epoxy resins, Polyurethane resins, Phenolic resins, Silicone resins, Unsaturated polyester resins.
- Strong, durable, high-performance applications (adhesives, composites, electrical insulation).
- Engineering plastics: High-performance plastics with superior strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance. Examples: Polycarbonate (PC), Polyamide-imide (PAI), Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Liquid crystal polymers (LCP).
- Demanding applications requiring precision, stability, and durability (aerospace, medical devices, automotive parts).
- Bioplastics: Biodegradable or compostable plastics derived from renewable resources. Examples: Polylactic acid (PLA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), Cellulose acetate (CA), Biodegradable polyester amides (PBAs).
- Sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, reducing environmental impact (food packaging, disposable products, agricultural mulch).
GROUP 2:
- Packaging: Bottles, films, trays, bags, containers, etc.
- Food packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, industrial packaging, flexible packaging, sustainable packaging.
- Thermoplastics like PE, PP, PET are dominant due to their versatility and recyclability. Bioplastics are gaining traction for sustainable packaging solutions.
- Construction: Pipes, windows, doors, insulation, roofing, etc.
- Building materials, infrastructure, plumbing, windows and doors, weatherproofing, energy efficiency.
- Both thermoplastics and thermosets are used depending on the specific requirements (durability, fire resistance, heat insulation).
- Automotive: Interiors, exteriors, components, engine parts, etc.
- Lightweight materials, noise reduction, vibration control, fuel efficiency, automotive interiors.
- Engineering plastics like PC are chosen for their lightweight strength and heat resistance to improve fuel efficiency and performance.
- Electronics: Circuit boards, connectors, casings, insulators, etc.
- Printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic components, electrical insulation, thermal management, high-performance materials.
- Thermosets like epoxy resins are widely used for their excellent electrical insulation and heat resistance in PCBs.
- Medical: Devices, implants, prosthetics, drug delivery systems, etc.
- Biocompatible materials, surgical instruments, wound care, diagnostic tools, implantable devices.
- Biocompatible polymers like PLA and PHAs are used for implantable devices and drug delivery systems due to their non-toxic nature and controlled degradation.
- Textiles: Fibers, fabrics, non-wovens, coatings, etc.
- Synthetic fibers, functional textiles, sportswear, outdoor apparel, protective clothing, filtration membranes.
- Both thermoplastics like polyester and nylon, and engineering plastics like PEEK are used for specific textile applications depending on desired properties (waterproof, breathable, flame-retardant).
BY FUNCTION AND APPLICATION - POLYMERS AND RESINS