Polymerzzzz

Polymers are made from crude oil which is a finite resource meaning it will run out and therefore plastic is not sustainable or good for the planet.

General properties of polymers include:

• lightweight
• waterproof
• can be coloured
• impact resistant
• good strength to weight ratio

There are three different types of polymers:

• thermosetting
• thermoplastic
• elastomers

Thermoset Polymers

They cannot be reheated or remoulded meaning they are not sustainable and damaging to the environment

Examples include:

• urea formaldehyde - used for electrical fittings
• epoxy resin

Thermoplastics

These have Van der Waals bonds meaning they can be reheated and remoulded…