Thermoplastics heat resistance

Improved heat resistance is the most important advantage of cross-linked polyethylene (XITK) over thermoplastic polyethylene. A power cable... 

The range of blends now available comprises a broad spectrum of materials superior in many respects, particularly heat deformation resistance, to the general purpose thermoplastics but at a lower price than the more heat-resistant materials such as the polycarbonates, polyphenylene sulphides and polysulphones. At the present time the materials that come closest to them in properties are the ABS/ polycarbonate blends. Some typical properties are given in Table 21.1. 

Polymers with no pretence of high heat resistance but which complement the existing range of thermoplastics used mainly in light engineering application, e.g. phenoxies and aromatic polyesters. 

Highly aromatic thermoplastic polyesters first beeame available in the 1960s but the original materials were somewhat difficult to process. These were followed in the 1970s by somewhat more processable materials, commonly referred to as polyarylates. More recently there has been considerable activity in liquid crystal polyesters, which are in interest as self-reinforeing heat-resisting engineering thermoplastics. 

Much lower water absorption than some other heat-resisting thermoplastics such as polysulphones and PEEK (of the order of 0.1% absorption in 24 h at 23°C). 

In Chapters 3 and 11 reference was made to thermoplastic elastomers of the triblock type. The most well known consist of a block of butadiene units joined at each end to a block of styrene units. At room temperature the styrene blocks congregate into glassy domains which act effectively to link the butadiene segments into a rubbery network. Above the Tg of the polystyrene these domains disappear and the polymer begins to flow like a thermoplastic. Because of the relatively low Tg of the short polystyrene blocks such rubbers have very limited heat resistance. Whilst in principle it may be possible to use end-blocks with a higher Tg an alternative approach is to use a block copolymer in which one of the blocks is capable of crystallisation and with a well above room temperature. Using what may be considered to be an extension of the chemical technology of poly(ethylene terephthalate) this approach has led to the availability of thermoplastic polyester elastomers (Hytrel—Du Pont Amitel—Akzo). 

The thermoplastic polyamide elastomers may be considered as premium grade materials available in a wide range of hardness values with, in some instances, very good heat resistance. Particular properties of interest are the flexibility and impact resistance at low temperatures and the good dynamic properties and related resilience, hysteresis and alternating flexural properties. 

If polypropylene is too hard for the purpose envisaged, then the user should consider, progressively, polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate and plasticised PVC. If more rubberiness is required, then a vulcanising rubber such as natural rubber or SBR or a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer may be considered. If the material requires to be rubbery and oil and/or heat resistant, vulcanising rubbers such as the polychloroprenes, nitrile rubbers, acrylic rubbers or hydrin rubbers or a thermoplastic elastomer such as a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer or thermoplastic polyamide elastomer may be considered. Where it is important that the elastomer remain rubbery at very low temperatures, then NR, SBR, BR or TPO rubbers may be considered where oil resistance is not a consideration. If, however, oil resistance is important, a polypropylene oxide or hydrin rubber may be preferred. Where a wide temperature service range is paramount, a silicone rubber may be indicated. The selection of rubbery materials has been dealt with by the author elsewhere. ... 

The high heat resistance produced by adding phenolic resins to solvent-borne CR adhesives is due to the formation of the infusible resinate, which reduces the thermoplasticity of the adhesive and provides good bond strength up to 80°C (Table 11). The resinate also increases the adhesive bond strength development by accelerating solvent release. 4 phr of magnesium oxide for 40 phr of phenolic resin are sufficient to produce a room temperature reaction. A small amount of water (1-2 phr) is necessary as a catalyst for the reaction. Furthermore, the solvent... 

ABS has a specific gravity of 1.03 to 1.06 and a tensile strength in the range of 6 to 7.5 X 10 psi. These polymers are tough plastics with outstanding mechanical properties. A wide variety of ABS modifications are available with heat resistance comparable to or better than polysulfones and polycarbonates (noted later in this section). Another outstanding property of ABS is its ability to be alloyed with other thermoplastics for improved properties. For example, ABS is alloyed with rigid PVC for a product with better flame resistance. 

Polycarbonates and polysuipbones These are tough materials with heat resistance better than most thermoplastics. They are resistant to attack by acids and alcohols but the polycarbonates are sensitive to alkalis. 

Polyurethane, thermoplastic TPU has excellent properties except for heat resistance (usually only up to 250°F 121°C). It is used in alloys with ABS or PVC for property enhancement. Typical uses are in automobile fascias and exterior body parts, tubing, cord, shoe soles, ski boots and other oil and wear resistant products. 

PVC is processed by all methods suitable for thermoplastics. Consequently the required heat resistance and migration fastness of the organic pigments differ greatly. 

ISO 188, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic - Accelerated ageing and heat resistance tests (available in English only), 1998. 

The class of polyester-based liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) represent one of the most attractive materials in the field of engineering thermoplastics because of their superior mechanical properties, heat resistance, accuracy of dimensions, moldability and the excellent balance of these properties [1-5]. LCPs have been recently expanding their applications, in particular, those for precision electronic parts appropriate for surface mount technology (SMT). 

Sheet molding compounds (SMCs) and bulk molding compounds (BMCs) are the dominant materials used in automotive applications. These composites of unsaturated polyester resin, fillers and fiberglass have advantages of high stiffness, heat resistance and low coefficient of expansion. Coupled with low creep resistance, which is a distinct advantage over thermoplastic competition, and low-profile additives, which can yield Class A surfaces, these materials are well suited for applications from exterior body panels to under the hood components. 

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