Condensation polymerization (part 2 of 2)
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Polycarbonate (PC)- PC is a special type of polyester used as an engineering plastic. It has exceptional stiffness, mainly by virtue of having more aromatic rings incorporated into the polyester chain: Polycarbonate is highly transparent, has impact strength considerably higher than most plastics, and can be injection-moulded, blow-moulded, and extruded. These properties lead to its fabrication into large carboys for water, shatterproof windows, safety shields, and safety helmets. Also it is the favored plastic for injection molding into compact discs.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF POLYMERS: The characteristics of polymers enable plastics to be more versatile and economical then other possible sources of materials, where its role in the modern society is of major importance.
The following distinct characteristics of polymers highlight the usefulness of plastics:
- Polymers can be very resistant to chemicals. Since all cleaning fluids with warning labels describe what happens when the chemical comes in contact with skin or eyes are packaged in plastic, this emphasizes the chemical resistance of these materials.
- Polymers can be thermal and electrical insulators.
All electrical appliances and outlets are covered with polymeric materials. Pot and panhandles found in the kitchen and the foam core of refrigerators highlight the concept of thermal resistance.3 In general, polymers are very light in weight with varying degrees of strength.
Consider the range of applications, from toys to the frame structure of space stations, or from nylon fiber in hose or Kelvar, which is used in bulletproof vests. Polymers can be processed in various ways to produce thin fibers or very intricate parts. Plastics can be molded into bottles or the bodies of a car, or also be mixed with solvents to become paint. Polymers have limitless range of characteristics and colors, where their properties can be easily modified through the means of adding a wide range of additives to broaden their applications. (Jeffrey, 1995)
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