Plastics are loaded with macromolecules which are made under the action of heat and pressure such that it can be processed into the desired shape. There are two broad classifications of a thermoplastic i.e. amorphous thermoplastics and semi-crystalline thermoplastics. When the thermoplastic is shaped at a temperature over the glass transition temperature Tg, then it is classified as Amorphous Thermoplastics. Whereas, when the temperature is over the melting temperature Tm, it is classified as Semi-crystalline thermoplastics.

Completely amorphous thermoplastics are generally brittle, stiff and quite clear in their unprocessed state. Temperature and pressure can cause the molecular arrangement to change along with the properties of the polymer. Tg or the glass transition temperature is defined as the point when the molecular rotation about single bonds becomes favorable. There are different varieties of Amorphous thermoplastics which includes materials like polystyrene, acrylics, polycarbonate, Acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene and polyvinyl chloride.

The molecules in case of amorphous thermoplastics are entangled in solid state. Most of them are transparent in their natural form, however ABS is an exception. In general, amorphous thermoplastics are known to have lower chemical resistance and lower stiffness and strength when compared with crystalline materials. However, the amorphous thermoplastics have uniform shrinkage rates which means that their shrinkage can be calculated easily.

There are additives and fillers used with both amorphous and semi-crystalline thermoplastics to alter the physical, electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of the base resin. Amorphous thermoplastics can be used in a wide variety of applications because of its diverse range of properties. With state of the art molding machine controls and latest material formulation methods, Polymer Resources guarantees high quality and consistent molded parts.

There are different varieties of crystalline materials which includes Nylon, polypropylene, polyacetal, and thermoplastic polyesters. In case of semi-crystalline thermoplastics, the size of the crystals is larger than the wavelength of visible length, thereby making the materials translucent. Depending on the branching and cooling rate, there are different degrees of crystallinity. Close to 85% of the resins produced are thermoplastics which are further classified as amorphous thermoplastics and crystalline thermoplastics. The amorphous regions of the thermoplastics contributes to the elasticity of the thermoplastic whereas the crystalline regions contribute to the strength and durability of the thermoplastic.

The cost saving opportunities associated with the use of injection moulding technology of thermoplastics need to be ensure proper material usage and cycle time to achieve optimized results. Amorphous thermoplastics exhibit lower mold shrinkage and lower tendency to buckle under pressure when compared with semi-crystalline materials. They lose their strength and rigidity very quickly once above the glass transition temperature Tg. The randomly ordered molecular structure allows amorphous thermoplastics to soften gradually as the temperature increases.

Composed of thermoplastic polymers, Polycarbonate panels are usually found in several industrial applications. Polycarbonate is a polymer which includes numerous identical units of bisphenol A which are interlinked by carbonate. This type of polymer liquefies when heated and converts into a glassy state when cooled. Polycarbonate panels offer high impact resistance and protection from cracking, breaking or chipping. These panels are available in different sizes, shapes and colors.

The polycarbonate panels are reasonably lightweight and usually available in single, double and triple wall panels. To achieve the desired shape and finish, the polymer is melted and forced through a die. Polycarbonate panels are processed using the following main processes like injection molding and extrusion.

• Injection molding: Initially the polymer is heated, melted and then pressed into a mold, so that it can take the desired shape of the mold. Usually used to manufacture single end products, injection molding is highly effective.
• Extrusion: The polycarbonate is melted and pressed through an orifice which allows the molten polymer to take the shape of the die. Most manufacturers use this process to produce large sheets, pipes and profiles.

There are several benefits associated with the use of polycarbonate panels which are usually used in glazing applications.

• High durability and strength: The polycarbonate panels are used in a wide range of industrial applications. The high durability features of the panels allow it to withstand harsh climatic conditions, resistance to chemicals and abrasion.
• Highly cost-effective: There are several factors which decide cost effectiveness like installation cost, maintenance cost and the aspect of time. Polycarbonate panels are generally expensive, so what makes them cost effective? They offer longevity which means that they maintain their condition and shape for several years, thereby providing complete value for money.
• Greenhouse construction: Polycarbonate panels are in great demand for greenhouse construction. This is because, the panels fulfill almost all requirements of any greenhouse glazing panel. By enhancing light diffusion and guaranteeing longevity, polycarbonate panels are popular among farmers.
• Effective design: The polycarbonate panels are available in different designs and finishes. They tend to offer a mixed variety of several properties like energy saving, moderate light transmission, insulation properties, longevity, etc.

In case of residential buildings, these panels are usually used for awnings and overhead shades because they provide protection from harmful UV rays and easily withstands strong forces. In comparison to other type of panels made with glass or plastic, the polycarbonate panels are extremely lightweight which translates to lower transport and labor costs.

Nylon-66 is a polyamide fibre which is manufactured by a process that involves step growth polymerization and condensation polymerization. The generic term used to define long chain synthetic polyamides is Nylon. One of the key members from the group of poly-condensation products of acids and diamines, Nylon-66 has great abrasion resistance, strength andresistance towards heat, water and chemicals.

When compared with Nylon 6, Nylon-66 is a superior version due to its higher melting point, greater dimensional stability and a more compact molecular structure. With a guarantee of excellent performance in high speed spinning processes, it also has good UV light-fastness and dye wash fastness.

There are different ways of referring to Nylon-66 as Nylon 6-6, Nylon 6,6 etc. The Nylon 66 polymer is made of hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid which provides Nylon 66, a total of 12 carbon atoms in each repeating unit.

Availability of Nylon 66

Easily available in both sheet and rod form, Nylon 66 has a wide range of applications. Generally the rods are available from 4mm-200mm diameter and the sheets are from 5mm thick to 100 mm thick.

Manufacturing Process

The ingredients i.e. Hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid are combined with water in a reactor. The outcome of this process is the nylon salt which is sent for evaporation which removes any excess water. The nylon salt is then passed through a reaction vessel where a continuous polymerization process makes molten Nylon 6,6. The molten nylon is then passed through a spinning process, with Nylon-66 extruded and sent via spinneret. Once the nylon is air cooled to form filaments.

Favourable Temperatures

Nylon-66 can operate at temperatures exceeding 100 °C, where the maximum limit is 160 °C and generally allowed only for short term applications.

Various Applications

Probably, one of the most important and popular engineering plastic, it can be utilized for a wide range of applications like bearings, gears, pulleys, screws, bushes etc.

Around 55 years back, Remington Nylon 66 took polymers to a new level with the introduction of world’s first mass produced rifle made from something other than wood.

Properties

The long molecular chains of Nylon 66 results in higher number of hydrogen bonds which also makes it extremely resilient. Being an amorphous solid, it is slightly soluble in boiling water and has large elastic properties. It offers immaculate dimensional stability, high melting point and excellent abrasion resistance. With the use of reinforcements, the physical strength of Nylon-66 can be improved multiple times. Few popular applications of Nylon includes carpet fibres, swimwear, parachutes, tyres, ropes and air bags etc.

Polyetherimide sheets (PEI) guarantees exceptional fire resistance along with excellent mechanical and thermal properties. The amorphous Polyetherimide sheets are suitable for high temperature applications. With properties like low levels of smoke evolution during combustion and very low flammability, they are widely used in electrical and electronic insulators. It can also resist a wide range of chemicals and offers good resistance to UV and gamma radiation.

There are several companies which utilizes the finest Polyetherimide sheets to custom fabricate components which needs long term mechanical strength and rigidity at elevated temperatures. Available either in transparent or opaque colors along with glass filled grades depending on the requirements, PEI exhibits higher levels of heat resistance, dielectric strength, chemical resistance and many more properties.

Custom sizes and colors of PEI sheets are available on request. So, what are the major performance characteristics of Polyetherimide sheets?

• High mechanical strength and stiffness
• Higher levels of dielectric strength
• Excellent thermoforming properties
• Resistance to hydrolysis during exposure to steam and hot water
• Able to withstand repeated sterilization cycles
• Excellent resistance to high energy radiation like UV and gamma
• Excellent for food industry as it is physiologically inert

Because of the above mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, Polyetherimide sheets are widely used in the following applications

• Electrical insulation parts
• Manifolds
• Chip test sockets
• Medical instruments
• Scientific equipments
• Electrical connectors
• Semiconductor components

Sheets and rods of Polyetherimide (PEI) are usually available in dark and glass filled formulations. It can easily maintain its strength at elevated temperatures in the range of 200 degree centigrade. For medical applications which require repeated sterilization cycles, Polyetherimide sheets are most suitable as this uniquely balanced thermoplastic can exhibit excellent mechanical properties and heat resistance. The easy to process thermoplastic material allows industries the flexibility in plastic injection molding and manufacturing.

Low moisture absorption and excellent creep resistance allows Polyetherimide sheets to possess amazing dimensional stability. When compared to other amorphous thermoplastics, the Polyetherimide resins show better resistance to stress and cracking in extremely demanding and challenging conditions. One of the key features of PEI sheets is to retain its properties even at high temperatures. Its resistance to mineral acids is simply outstanding, however it can be attacked by use of strong bases and partially halogenated solvents such as methylene chloride and trichloroethane.

Polyetherimide (PEI) is extruded to produce film, sheets, coated wire and profiles. Using solvent casting techniques, the thickness of PEI film can be around 0.25 mil. Major competitors of PEI sheets include polysulfones, polyketones, and polyphenylene sulfides.

Data Color Spectrophotometer

Serious investment in a Data Color Spectrophotometer is required to be a major force in the plastic and resin technology field. By equipping our production facilities with the latest Data Color Spectrophotometer technology, Polymer Resources’s color lab specialists are able to engineer precise consistency between lots. Accurate color matching is essential for establishing brands, creating consistent products and taking precise samplings of existing materials. No matter the scope of the project, our specialists are capable of dealing with all types of color matching – even gloss and fluorescent material!

Dye mills and colorant manufacturers agree that Data Color Spectrophotometer products are superior in their accuracy and consistency. By deploying this technology, Polymer Resources is able to work with highly precise and close-tolerant specifications. Our use of high resolution color management allows us to produce both short and long-term reliability while our highly experienced staff guides the plastic and resin manufacturing process.

Spectrophotometry is a vital aspect of skilled plastic work. By analyzing the reflective capacity of a material as well as its diffusivity, we can accurately reproduce any sample or mockup in a sizable scale. Our cutting edge use of Data Color Spectrophotometer technology lets us know exactly what materials are present in a lot and accurately reproduce it with production-level quality. Our double beam Data Color Spectrophotometer technology is highly accurate, using both a reference sample as well as your sample to guarantee precision engineering.

Regular diagnostic testing is essential when producing large amounts of product, and our Data Color Spectrophotometer technology is able to periodically check samplings of a lot to ensure consistency throughout. Integrated with Datacolor TOOLS, we are able to analyze and convey quality control results for our clients. Quality control information can be easily shared between members of our supply chain, making sure only perfect results pass through our gates.

Our exclusive use of industry leading and stable technology requires us to make use of very little calibration, causing our turn times to be significantly faster than less adept companies. Our lead times, among the lowest in the industry, result in shipping custom colors within 4 weeks and standard colors within 2 weeks. With regional warehouses throughout the nation, stock colors can be quickly delivered to you with little delay.

When you want a quality product, Polymer Resources employs only the best people and Data Color Spectrophotometer technology to get the job done. Celebrating over 40 years of success, we have the track record to inspire confidence and proudly guarantee accurate custom color matching for our all our cherished clients.