Materials Know How

Tracing the History of Polymeric Materials: Part 31, The Conclusion

Let’s close this lengthy series with some personal anecdotes.

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Testing

Tracing the History of Polymeric Materials -- Part 30: Polyurethane

In the world of polymers, polyurethane chemistry is probably the most versatile. This a resulted in a wide range of products made from these materials and given the industry the flexibility to respond to the progressive march of regulatory concerns.  

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Elastomers

Tracing the History of Polymeric Materials -- Part 29: Polyurethane

This material family has unparalleled versatility, not only in terms of the forms the material can take, but in the different ways in which it can be processed.  

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Tracing the History of Polymeric Materials, Part 28: Making LCP's Melt Processable

Liquid-crystal polymers based on a single monomer produces a polymer with a very high melting point.This presents two problems. Here’s how they were solved.

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processing tips

The Effects of Time on Polymers

Last month we briefly discussed the influence of temperature on the mechanical properties of polymers and reviewed some of the structural considerations that govern these effects.

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The Effects of Stress on Polymers

Previously we have discussed the effects of temperature and time on the long-term behavior of polymers. Now let's take a look at stress.

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Tracing the History of Polymeric Materials, Part 27: Liquid-Crystal Polymers

Liquid-crystal polymers debuted in the mid-1980s, but the history of the chemistry associated with this class of materials actually starts a century earlier.  

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Tracing the History of Polymeric Materials, Part 26: High-Performance Thermoplastics

The majority of the polymers that today we rely on for outstanding performance — such as polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylsulfone and PPS — were introduced in the period between 1965 and 1985. Here’s how they entered your toolbox of engineering of materials.    

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Tracing the History of Polymeric Materials, Part 25: Silicones

The long road to the development of silicone resulted in a chemistry that is remarkably versatile.  

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processing tips

The Importance of Melt & Mold Temperature

Molders should realize how significantly process conditions can influence the final properties of the part.

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Blending & Dosing