Polymer

Description

A high molecular weight compound formed by the combination of one or more monomers. Polymers are made by addition or condensation reactions. Polymers, commonly called plastics, are usually categorized by their thermal properties as either thermoplastic or thermoset.

• Thermoplastic - can be heated to soften then cooled to harden without changing its basic properties. Examples are: polyacetal, as well as some acrylics, cellulose esters, fluorocarbons, nylons, Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, and vinyl resins.
• Thermoset - once cured, it cannot be softened with heat or pressure. Examples are: Epoxy, Phenolic resin, as well as some polyurethanes, polyesters, silicones, and melamine.

General Characteristics of Polymers

polymer		Date developed (marketed)		Solubility		Flame test (copper wire)		Characteristics		Uses		Brand names
acetal resin		1959		Soluble in dimethylformamide, benzyl alcohol. Insoluble in methanol, diethyl ether, aliphatic hydrocarbons		blue mantle with yellow flame and formaldehyde smell; no soot		very high tensile strength and stiffness; high chemical and abrasion resistance		mechanical parts (gears, bushings), automotive parts, communication equipment, videocassettes, cosmetic containers, latches, pipes, and plumbing parts.		Delrin [DuPont]; Celcon [Celanese];
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene		1948		Resistant to water, salts and oils. May be degraded by oxidizing acids and many organic solvents (aromatics, ketones, and alcohols).		slow burning with smoke		inexpensive, strong, resilient and difficult to break		used for appliances, automobile parts and fittings, telephones, radios, televisions, pipes and conduits, luggage, boats, toys, and bottles.		Abson; Cycolac
casein		1897		Insoluble in water and acids, but contact with water, acids, and alkalis may cause crazing.		flame=yellow with gray smoke and burnt milk odor		becomes hard and insoluble when treated with formaldehyde		buttons, beads, buckles, combs, fountain pens, umbrella handles, cutlery handles, and knitting needles; often pigmented to simulate ivory, horn, or tortoise shell.		Lactoid (England in 1904); Aladdinite (U.S. in 1919); Galalith (Deut.); Galalite (It.); Erinoid (Br.); Syrolit (Ire.); Karolith; Kyloid; Ameroid; Dorcasine; Casolith
cellulose acetate		1910s		soluble in furfuryl alcohol, acetonitrile		flame = dark yellow, mauve blue with sparks and vinegar odor		plasticizers may migrate to surface leaving an oily film; degrades in sunlihgt, heat and high humidity		lacquers, photographic film, transparent sheeting and as fibers.		Celanese [British Celanese]; Kodacel [Eastman Kodak]
cellulose acetate butyrate		1938 (1932)		soluble in acetone, methylene chloride		flame=dark yellow, with vinegar and vomit odor				photographic film, varnishes and moldings		Tenite; Urex; Hercose C; Ester EAB-171
cellulose nitrate		1832 (1838)		soluble in ketones and esters. Insoluble in water, ethanol and hydrocarbons		flame=intense white		birefringent; burns with a bright, violent flame; smells of nitrogen oxides		clear lacquer, fabric dope, adhesives, high-gloss paints		Parkesine; Celluloid; Xyloidine; Durofix [Rawlplug]; Duco cement [DuPont]; UHU Hart [Linger & Fischer, Germany]; Zapon- lack [Dulux]; HMG [H.Marcel Guest]
chlorinated rubber		1918		soluble in toluene, ethylene dichloride. Insoluble in aliphatic and alcohols. Resistant to acids and alkalis.		flame=green		servicable temperature range = - 35 to 100		used primarily in the 1930s -60s for paints, varnishes, adhesives, inks and paper coatings; still used for waterproof paints on floors and swimming pools		Duroprene [ICI]; Parlon; Hypalon
cyanoacrylate resin		1941 (1958)		cured glue is slightly soluble in DMF or nitromethane. Soaking in acetone may decrease adhesion				ultraviolet light and contact with alkaline materials (glass and some stones) will accelerate the degradation process.		for gluing glass, ceramics and other hard materials. They also have medical and dental applications to suture skin and weld crowns		Super Glue Gel [Loctite]; Krazy glue [Borden]; Super Attack [Loctite]; Zap; Eastman 910 [Eastman Chemical]; ELFY
epoxy resin		1939				flame=yellow; smells of phenol; self-extinguishing		high strength, good abrasion and chemical resistance, low water absorption, good dimensional stability		adhesive, fills, printed circuit boards, molded products and baked enamel surface coatings		Ablebond 342-1 [Ablestix]; Rutapox [Bakelite], Aradlite AY103/HY951 [Ciba Geigy]; Hxtal Nyl-1 [Conservation Materials]; Phillyseal (formerly Pliacre); Epon; CM Bond, Epotek; UHU
ethyl cellulose				soluble in esters, alcohols, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons. Insoluble in water and glycerol				forms a tough, flexible, transparent film that is very wear resistant		food containers; hot-melt adhesives, inks, and as protective coatings for paper and textiles		Ethulose [Hercules]; Ethocel [Dow]; Ethylcellulose [Aqualon]
fluorocarbon						non-flammable		Servicable temperature range = - 20 to 200; very good heat and chemical resistant		examples of fluorocarbon polymers are polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®), polyvinylidene fluoride, and fluorinated ethylene propylene		Teflon
hydroxyethyl cellulose		1930s		soluble in water, ethylene glycol. Insoluble in ethyl ether				discolors and becomes insoluble with thermal aging		used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener and film former in many types of solutions such as foods, cosmetics, paints and glazes. It is also used as a sizing agent and consolidant		Natrosol [Aqualon]; Cellosize [Union Carbide]; Tylose H [Hoechst]
hydroxypropyl cellulose				soluble in cold water, ethanol, acetone and many organic solvents. Insoluble in hot water				good photochemical stability, it has poor thermal stability and discolors with age		emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener, and film former in foods, cosmetics, paint removers, paints and glazes; also used as a sizing agent for paper and consolidant for leather.		Klucel [Hercules]
melamine formaldehyde		1933		decomposed by acids		self-extinguishing; fishy odor		cure to a hard, durable glossy film that isresistant to chemicals and heat		decorative homeware, circuit breakers, paints and enamels		Arigal C; Melmac; Formica [Formica]; amino resin Basofil [BASF]
methyl cellulose		1930s		Soluble in cold water, ethylene glycol. Insoluble in hot water, ethyl ether				good stability with negligible discoloration or weight loss		used in sizing pape, as an adhesive in textile and paper conservation, as a poulticing material		Methocel [Dow]; Polycell; Tylose® MB [Hoechst]; Glutolin; Sicho-Zell; Cellothyl; Syncelose; Celevac; Cellumeth; Hydrolose; Nicel; Culminal [Aqualon]; Methofas® [ICI, England]
nylon (polyamide)		1930s		resistant to alkalis, and insoluble in most organic solvents. Soluble in hot phenols, cresols and mineral acids		self-extinguishing; flame=yellow with blue mantle and odor of burnt hair		good impact, tensile and flexural strengths, elasticity, and wear resistance as well as low water absorption		fibers, paints, films, foams, and molded parts		Akulon; Caprolan: Celon; Durethan; Nylon 66; Nylon #66; fiber 66: Tynex; Rilsan®;
phenol formaldehyde resin		1907 (1909)		soluble in alkalis, decomposed by acids		low burning rate; phenolic odor		inexpensive, good chemical and heat resistance, darkens in sunlight; may corrode copper and brass as it degrades		fibers, adhesives, plywood, textile sizing, leather processing, paper strengthening, foams, chemical resistant coatings, printed circuit boards		Bakelite
polycarbonate		1956		dissolves in ketones, aromatic and chlorinated solvents. Attacked by alkalis, ammonia and amines		self-extinguishing; flame=orange yellow with sweet phenolic odor and soot		high dielectric strength, good mechanical properties; strong UV absorber		unbreakable windows, bank screens, police shields, helmet visors, and household appliances		Lexan [1959; General Electric Co.]; Makrolon [1956; Bayer]; Solvex; Merlon [Mobay Chemical]; Panlite
polycyclohexanone		1930		soluble in turpentine, mineral spirit				oxidize with age to become brittle and less soluble.		picture varnishes and for retouching		Ketone Resin N [BASF]; MS2A [Laporte]; AW-2 [BASF]; Rembrandt Varnish [Talens]
polyester		1946		soluble in ketones and chlorinated solvents		slow burning rate; flame=yellow; dense smoke, sweet smell		Inexpenxive, easy to fabricate, versatile, good chemical resistance		sheeting, films, autos and boats, pipping boxes		Fabrisil [Shelley]; PET
polyethylene glycol		1930s		soluble or miscible in water and most organic solvents				can remain tacky and attract dirt		solvents, plasticizers, consolidants		Carbowax [Union Carbide]; Polywax [Huls]
polyethylene vinylacetate								clear, tough, crack resistant and retain flexibility at low temperatures		paper coatings, shrink-wrap, and hot melt adhesives		Elvax [DuPont]; A-C Copolymr 400 [Allied]; Vinamul 3250 [Vinyl Products]; Mowilith DM155 [Hoechst]; Elvace 1874; Jade 834-403N [Aabbitt]
polyethylene, high density		1954		soluble in toluene. esistant to most other solvents except nitric and hydrochloric acids		slow burning rate; flame color=blue yellow; little smoke; odor =candles		inexpensive, tough, lightweight, good flexibility and chemical resistance		containers, packaging films, fibers, pipes, molded pieces, toys, bowls, and milk bottle crates
polyethylene, low density		1933		soluble in dipropylene glycol and hot organic solvents. Resistant to nonoxidizing acids, alkalis, salt solutions.		slow burning rate; flame color=blue yellow; little smoke; odor =candles		compared to HDPE, LDPE is softer and more flexible butt also has lower tensile strength		sheeting, films, paper coatings, toys, bags and packaging materials
polyimide				resistant to organic solvents		nonflammable				adhesives, binders, fibers; flame- retardant clothing		Vespel [DuPont]; P-84 [Inspec]
polyisoprene		1790s		soluble in aliphatic and aromatic solvents. Insoluble in acetone, diethyl ether		dark yellow sooty flame that smells of burnt rubber		servicable temperature range = - 55 to 70
polymethylacrylates (acrylic resins)		1901		soluble in mineral spirits, turpentine, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters, and ketones		flame=blue mantle with yellow orange, smoky flame and acrid burnt fat odor		high optical clarity, excellent weatherability, food chemical resistance, Will craze when stressed.		paints, coatings, adhesives, fabrics, textile and leather finishes, windows, mounts, optical lenses, tailights, glazing, signs, glass- substitute,		Plexigum [Rohm & Haas]; Lucite [DuPont]; Paraloid [Rohm & Haas]; Elvacite [DuPont]; Plexiglas [Rohm & Haas]; Perspex; Magna [Bocour]; Liquitex [Permanent Pigments]; Shiva [Shiva]; Hyplar Acrylic Colors [Grumbacher]; Aqua- tec [Bocour]
polypropylene				soluble in some hydrocarbons, isoamyl alcohol. slightly soluble in toluene		slow burning; flame color=blue yellow; little smoke; odor =heavy		excellent stress and scratch resistance, good chemical and heat resistant, lightweight		toys, bottles, fishnets, pipe, clothing, vapor barrier films, road signs, molded parts, carpet, artificial grass, laminates, food packages, furniture, and photographic enclosures		Coroplast; Propylex; Herculon; Microfoam
polystyrene		1839 (1929)		soluble in most hydrocarbon solvents, oils, ketones, esters, inorganic acids		slow burning; flame=orange-yellow with dense smoke and flowery smell		inexpensive; good stability, stiffness, and impact strength; degrades in UV light		approved for contact with food; used in insulation, toys, appliances, cabinets, containers, and furniture		Styrofoam [Dow]; Luran; Styron; Lustrex; Fome-Cor; Algil [Polymers, Inc.]; Permene [Modglin Co.]; Shalon [Polymers, Inc.]; Polyfil [Mack Molding]; Durastran
polyurethane		1937		attacked by aromatic solvents, chlorinated solvents, ozone, and nitrogen oxides		slow burning with bright flame and sharp odor (toxic fumes)		thermosetting (rigid) or thermoplastic (elastomeric); servicable temperature range = - 50 to 70; excellent hardness, gloss, and resistance to weathering, abrasion, acids, and alkalis		elastomer, sealants, adhesives, films, furniture, mattresses, laminates, carpet cushions, upholstery, soundproofing, flotation devices, packaging, and filtration		Xylamon [Desowag]; Viacryl [Vianova]; Desmodur N75 [Bayer]; Perlon U [Germany]; Lycra [DuPont]
polyvinyl acetate		1912		soluble in benzene, chloroform, methanol, acetone, butyl acetate.		flame=dark yellow with acetic odor		odorless, tasteless, nontoxic, slow burning, lightweight, colorless		latex house paints, artists' media (since 1938), and common household white glues		Vinamul [Vinyl Products]; Mowilith [Hoechst]; Vinylite [Union Carbide]; AYAT [Union Carbide]; Elmers Glue-All [Borden]; Duratite White Glue [DAP]; Gelva [Solutia]; Rivit Glue; Polymer Tempera [Borden]
polyvinyl alcohol		1933		soluble in water and alcohols, resistance to organic solvents				elestomeric,		adhesive, films, finishes		Lamatec [Archival Aids]
polyvinyl butyral		1920		soluble in esters, ketones, alcohols and chlorinated hydrocarbons.		flame=yellow with blue mantle and rancid butter odor		tough, flexible, weather-resistant		used as shatterproof safety-glass interlayer		Butvar [Monsanto]; Mowital [Hoechst]; Rhovinal [Rhone-Poulenc]; Vinal
polyvinylchloride		1838 (1930)		soluble in aromatics, ketones, aldehydes and chlorinated solvents		self-extinguishing; flame=green/yellow/orange with acrid chlorine smell and smoke		resistant to ignition, corrosion and stains.		gramophone records, sheeting, gaskets, tubing, raincoats, waterproof coatings		Geon [B.F.Goodrich]; Koroseal [B.F.Goodrich]; Tygon; Vinagel; Elaston; Trovidur; Bexan [BX Plastics]; Bristrand [Polymers Inc.]; Pe-Ce-U [Farbenfabriken Bayer A.G.]
polyvinylidene chloride		1940s		discolors when exposed to alkalis		self-extinguishing; flame=green/yellow/orange with acrid chlorine smell and smoke		high strength and abrasion resistance, dimensionally stable, good durability		packaging, barrier films, fibers		Saran F310 [Dow]; Cryovac; Diurit; Pe Ce 120 [Casella Farbwerke, Germany]
polyxylylene		1950s		soluble in hot orthodichlorobenzene or hot choronaphthalene. Insoluble in most other chemicals.				excellent barrier properties agains gases and moisture,weather resistance is poor, deteriorates in UV light		as a coating to provide mechanical strength and flexibility		Parylene [Union Carbide]
siloxane		1940s		soluble in chloroform, heptane, benzene, diethyl ether. Insoluble in methanol, ethanol		burning rate = none to slow		Servicable temperature range = - 60 to 200; good heat reistance		electrical appliances and boards, aerospace, gaskets, molds
sodium carboxymethyl cellulose		1947		soluble I cold and hot water; insouble in most organic solvents		dust is flammable		good stability with negligible discoloration or weight loss		used commercially in detergents, food product and as size for textiles and paper		Bianose [Hercules]; CM cellulose; Cellulose Gum CMC 7HSP [Aqualon]; Cellofas® B- 3500 [ICI]; Cellosize® CMC P-75-M [Union Carbide]; Tylose® C [Hoechst]
soluble nylon		1940s		Initially soluble in methanol and ethanol.				becomes insoluble and shrinks with age		used in the mid-20th century as an adhesive, coating and sizing agent to add strength to wet paper and consolidate friable pigments		Calaton [ICI, Britain]; Maranyl Nylon DV 45 [ICI]; Ultramid [BASF]; Elvamide [DuPont]
urea formaldehyde resin		1896 (1923)		soluble in water				degraded by heat, acids, and alkalis		foams, insulation, coatings (baked enamels) and adhesives (plywood, particle board)		Chinaglaze; Pollapas; Kaurit S

Synonyms and Related Terms

polymère (Fr.); polímero (Esp.)

For easy printing or to download

General Characteristics of Polymers

Physical Properties for Selected Thermoplastic Resins

Physical Properties for Selected Thermoset Resins

Resources and Citations

• Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)
• Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988
• Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology (older version called Man-made Fiber and Textile Dictionary, 1965), Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Charlotte NC, 1990
• Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997
• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998
• Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, https://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000