Processing, thermoplastics addition polymerization

Polypropylene (PP) is a semicrystalline commodity thermoplastic produced by coordination addition polymerization of propylene monomer [197]. Most frequently, stereospecific Ziegler-Natta catalysts are used in industrial processes to produce highly stereospecific crystalline isotactic (iPP) and syndiotactic (sPP) polymer with a small portion of amorphous atactic PP as a side product. Polymerization of non-symmetrical propylene monomer yields three possible sequences however, the steric effect related to the methyl side group highly favors the head-to-tail sequence. The occurence of head-to-head and tail-to-tail sequences produces defects along the PP chain [198]. Presence of such defects affects the overall degree of crystallinity of PP. 

This chapter reviewed the chemistry of ring opening polymerization of cyclic monomers that yield thermoplastic polymers of interest in composite processing. In addition, this chapter focuses on the chemistry, kinetics, and rheology of the ring opening polymerization of caprolactam to nylon 6. Finally, these rheokinetics models are applied to the reactive injection pultrusion (RIP) process. 

Asbestos wastes may be solidified prior to their landfill burial. This may be achieved by a cementing process such as that using pozzolanic concrete, which contains fly ash or kiln dust mixed with lime, water, and additives (Peters and Peters 1980). Other processes for solidification include thermoplastic and polymeric processes. In the former, a binder such as paraffin, polyethylene, or bitumen is used. In the latter, polyester, polybutadiene, or polyvinyl chloride is used to trap the asbestos fibers or particles over a spongy polymeric matrix. The solidified waste should be disposed of in a licensed hazardous waste dump or disposal site. 

Many well-known thermoplastics are the addition-type polymers. Figure 1.1 illustrates some addition polymerization processes. 

Some examples of both types of plastics material are given in Table 1.1. Note that polyimides are unusual since the ones made by the addition polymerization process are thermosetting resins, but others are formally thermoplastics the difference depends on their detailed synthesis and structure. Very high temperature thermoplastics are not easily processed by conventional thermoplastics methods. 

Polypropylene (PP) is a family of thermoplastic polymers based on the polymerization of the propylene monomer. They are commercially available as PP homopolymers and PP random copolymers. The latter are produced by the addition of small amount of ethylene (2 to 5 percent) during the polymerization process. Thermoplastic PP polymers are characterized by their low density as compared with the rest of polymers (0.89 to 0.92 g/cm ), by their resistance to chemicals, and by their endurance to mechanical fatigue. PP resins are frequently employed in films and rigid containers. 

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