1. GCSE Design Technology
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
LESSON 2
Plastics & Polymers
Todays learning objectives:
Understand the classifications of plastics & polymers.
Develop familiarity of a range of thermosetting polymers.
Apply taught knowledge to a revision worksheet.

2. GCSE Design Technology
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
LESSON 2
Plastics & Polymers
Do Now activity – Match the statements with the descriptions.
HARDNESS
When a plastic bends and returns to its original shape.
PLASTICITY
Ability to withstand dents and scratching
OPTICAL
The way a plastic allows light to pass through it.
Slide to print or discuss/complete on a white board.
ELASTICITY
How much a plastic can bend without breaking.

3. GCSE Design Technology
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
LESSON 2
Plastics & Polymers
Do Now activity – Match the statements with the descriptions.
HARDNESS
When a plastic bends and returns to its original shape.
PLASTICITY
Ability to withstand dents and scratching
OPTICAL
The way a plastic allows light to pass through it.
Slide to print or discuss/complete on a white board.
ELASTICITY
How much a plastic can bend without breaking.

4. GCSE Design Technology
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
LESSON 2
Plastics & Polymers
What are polymers?
Polymers have become increasingly popular since their usage of consumer products back in the 1950s. As they are versatile and can be coloured, shaped, moulded; as well as being affordable they are used widely in all day to day products.
Most polymers are manufactured using crude oil which is non-renewable. This means it is not sustainable. The increase of use means that chemical engineers are looking for alternatives.
Polymers are split into two categories:
Thermoforming
Thermosetting
Today we will be learning about the properties of thermosetting polymers & named examples with principal uses.

5. Polymers Note sheet. Write personal notes during the lesson
Polymers Note sheet. Write personal notes during the lesson. Purple indicates todays tasks
WORKSHEET TO PRINT (Per student)
Key words
Thermosets - Thermosetting – Elastomers – long chain molecules – polymers – plastics – rigid cross links – inorganic - synthetic

6. GCSE Design Technology
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
LESSON 1
Thermosetting
Name
Properties
Principal uses
Epoxy resin
Good electrical insulator, hard, brittle unless reinforced, resists chemicals well
Casting and encapsulation, adhesives, bonding of other materials
Melamine formaldehyde
Stiff, hard, strong, resists some chemicals and stains
Laminates for work surfaces, electrical insulation, tableware
Polyester resin
Stiff, hard, brittle unless laminated, good electrical insulator, resists chemicals well
Casting and encapsulation, bonding of other materials
Urea formaldehyde
Stiff, hard, strong, brittle, good electrical insulator
Electrical fittings, handles and control knobs, adhesives
Phenol Formaldehyde
Hard, heat & chemical resistant, Good electrical insulator, limited colours available.
Electrical fittings, saucepan handles, bowling bowls.
Thermoforming polymers

7. GCSE Design Technology
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
LESSON 2
Plastics & Polymers
Thermosets
Long chain molecules held together by rigid cross links.
These links prevent the plastic being reshaped through the application of heat.
Elastomers
Long chain molecules considered to be coiled like sprigs.
When the material is distorted (compressed/stretched) the molecules distort, returning to their original shape when released.

8. GCSE Design Technology
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
LESSON 2
Plastics & Polymers
How many of the polymer names do you know from the symbol alone?
Discuss in pairs.
P.S. These materials are the ones commonly found at home for packaging. There are more which we will use in the workshop.

9. GCSE Design Technology
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
LESSON 2
Plastics & Polymers
PLENARY: What have you learnt so far this lesson?
Write a paragraph discussing the differences between the three types of plastics.
Discuss the main differences between polymers and plastics.
Key words
Thermosets - Thermosetting – Elastomers – long chain molecules – polymers – plastics – rigid cross links – Packaging symbols