Materials similar to polyethylene

The technique can also be applied to the examination of semi-crystalline polymer systems, for example. Fig. 2.29 shows the WAXS and broad Q neutron diffraction from the same sample of d-PVC. In the X-ray scattering data (Fig. 2.29a) the material appears very disordered, whilst the neutron scattering from the same perdeuterated sample of PVC shows a typical melt structure factor similar to polyethylene although the first peak is somewhat sharper reflecting a higher level of order which perhaps is a consequence of the more polar structure (Mitchell 2011). 

This product, known by its trade name of TPX, is another transparent material with a high softening point and high service temperature. In some respects it is similar to polyethylene but it has lower impact strength. Electrical properties are good as are resistance to acids (except oxidisers), alkalis, detergents and oils. TPX is attack by hydrocarbon solvents but is unaffected by repeated sterilisation. For outdoor use TPX requires protection from ultra violet attack. The density is the lowest known for a plastics material (0.83). 

Materials that typify thermoresponsive behavior are polyethylene—poly (ethylene glycol) copolymers that are used to functionalize the surfaces of polyethylene films (smart surfaces) (20). When the copolymer is immersed in water, the poly(ethylene glycol) functionaUties at the surfaces have solvation behavior similar to poly(ethylene glycol) itself. The abiUty to design a smart surface in these cases is based on the observed behavior of inverse temperature-dependent solubiUty of poly(alkene oxide)s in water. The behavior is used to produce surface-modified polymers that reversibly change their hydrophilicity and solvation with changes in temperatures. Similar behaviors have been observed as a function of changes in pH (21—24). 

The material in use as of the mid-1990s in these components is HDPE, a linear polymer which is tough, resiUent, ductile, wear resistant, and has low friction (see Olefin polymers, polyethylene). Polymers are prone to both creep and fatigue (stress) cracking. Moreover, HDPE has a modulus of elasticity that is only one-tenth that of the bone, thus it increases the level of stress transmitted to the cement, thereby increasing the potential for cement mantle failure. When the acetabular HDPE cup is backed by metal, it stiffens the HDPE cup. This results in function similar to that of natural subchondral bone. Metal backing has become standard on acetabular cups. 

Finally, the 1,3-dione systems prepared by Cram and Alberts deserve special note . These compounds, referred to as hexahosts are similar to the polymer-bound material illustrated as Compound 29 in Chap. 6. The synthesis is based on a methylene-bridged bis-dithiane unit. One of these may be cyclized with a polyethylene glycol, or more than one unit may be incorporated to give multiple 1,3-dione binding sites in the macrocycle. The former case is illustrated in Eq. (3.46). 

In terms of tonnage the bulk of plastics produced are thermoplastics, a group which includes polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (p.v.c.), the nylons, polycarbonates and cellulose acetate. There is however a second class of materials, the thermosetting plastics. They are supplied by the manufacturer either as long-chain molecules, similar to a typical thermoplastic molecule or as rather small branched molecules. They are shaped and then subjected to either heat or chemical reaction, or both, in such a way that the molecules link one with another to form a cross-linked network (Fig. 18.6). As the molecules are now interconnected they can no longer slide extensively one past the other and the material has set, cured or cross linked. Plastics materials behaving in this way are spoken of as thermosetting plastics, a term which is now used to include those materials which can in fact cross link with suitable catalysts at room temperature. 

Low-density polyethylene (polythene) is a relatively cheap, tough, flexible plastic. It has a low softening point and is not suitable for use above about 60°C. The higher density polymer (950 kg/m3) is stiffer, and can be used at higher temperatures. Polypropylene is a stronger material than the polyethylenes and can be used at temperatures up to 120°C. The chemical resistance of the polyolefines is similar to that of PVC. 

The properties of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers vary widely with their ester content. At the lowest levels of vinyl acetate, they have physical properties that are similar to those of low density polyethylene. As the comonomer content increases, the material becomes less crystalline and more elastic. Copolymers made with the highest comonomer levels contain no measurable crystallinity. The resulting products are tough, flexible, and clear. The ester... 

---