Thermoplastic Groups

Abstract

These are grouped by their prime polymer structure. Very few thermoplastics are used in their basic form and can be modified in a number of ways:

• copolymers, polymerisation of two monomers to obtain improved properties; often to aid impact resistance or processing.

• blends and alloys, of which the most common combination available from several sources is PC/ABS. Although other combinations are offered commercially.

• thermoplastic elastomers, which can be broadly classed as: olefinic, styrenic, polyurethane (ester or ether-based), polyester or polyamide.