Polymers: Thermosets
Content
Allylics DAP, DAIP, ADC
Alkyds AMC
Epoxies EP
Furan
Melamines/Ure (Aminos) MF, UF
Phenolics PF
Polyurethane cast elastomers (EP)
Unsaturated Polyester UP
Vinyl Esters
Alkyds AMC
Properties:
Rigid, tough, heat resistant, good arc and tracking resistance, good long term, dimensional stability, fungus resistant, good colour stability.
Applications:
Automotive distributor caps, circuit breakers, switch gear, coloured appliance housing.
Epoxies EP
Properties:
Rigid, clear, very tough, chemical resistant, good adhesion properties, low curing, low shrinkage.
Applications:
Adhesives, coatings, encapsulation, electrical components, cardiac pacemakers, aerospace applications.
Furan
Properties:
Rigid, brittle, opaque, high strength at elevated temperatures, good chemical resistance, self extinguishing, low smoke emissions.
Applications:
Chemical plant (competitive with stainless steel) foundry cases and moulds, specialised insulating foams, lining of tanks, etc. for alkali resistance.
Melamines/Ure (Aminos) MF, UF
Properties:
Hard, opaque, tough, scratch resistant, self extinguishing, free from taint and odour, wide colour range, resistant to detergents and dry cleaning solvents.
Applications:
Decorative laminates, lighting fixtures, dinnerware, heavy duty electrical equipment, laminating resins, surface coatings, bottle caps, toilet seats.
Phenolics PF
Properties:
Hard, brittle, opaque, good electrical and heat resistance, resistant to deformation under load, low cost, resistant to most acids.
Applications:
Ashtrays, lamp holders, bottle caps, saucepan handles, domestic plugs and switches, welding tongs and electrical iron parts.
Polyurethane cast elastomers (EP)
Properties:
Elastic, abrasion and chemical resistant, impervious to gases, can be produced in a wide range of hardness.
Applications:
Printing rollers, solid tyres, wheels, shoe heels, car bumpers, (particularly suited to low quantity production runs).
Unsaturated Polyester UP
Properties:
Rigid, clear, chemical resistant, high strength, low creep, good electrical properties, low temperature impact resistance, low cost.
Applications:
Boat hulls, building panels, lorry cabs, compressor housing, embedding, coating.
Vinyl Esters
Properties:
Rigid, translucent, good corrosion resistance, low viscosity.
Applications:
Chemical tanks, ducts, piping, process equipment (particularly in corrosive chemical environments).
