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 	polymer 	Date developed (marketed)	Date developed (marketed)	Solubility 	Solubility 	Flame test (copper wire) 	Flame test (copper wire) 	Characteristics 	Characteristics 	Uses 	Uses 	Brand names 	Brand names
acetal resin 	acetal resin 	1959 	1959 	Soluble in dimethylformamide, benzyl alcohol. Insoluble in methanol, diethyl ether, aliphatic hydrocarbons 	Soluble in dimethylformamide, benzyl alcohol. Insoluble in methanol, diethyl ether, aliphatic hydrocarbons 	blue mantle with yellow flame and formaldehyde smell; no soot 	blue mantle with yellow flame and formaldehyde smell; no soot 	very high tensile strength and stiffness; high chemical and abrasion resistance 	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. 	mechanical parts (gears, bushings), automotive parts, communication equipment, videocassettes, cosmetic containers, latches, pipes, and plumbing parts. 	Delrin [DuPont]; Celcon [Celanese]; 	Delrin [DuPont]; Celcon [Celanese];
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene 	acrylonitrile butadiene styrene 	1948 	1948 	Resistant to water, salts and oils. May be degraded by oxidizing acids and many organic solvents (aromatics, ketones, and alcohols).	Resistant to water, salts and oils. May be degraded by oxidizing acids and many organic solvents (aromatics, ketones, and alcohols).	slow burning with smoke 	slow burning with smoke 	inexpensive, strong, resilient and difficult to break 	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. 	used for appliances, automobile parts and fittings, telephones, radios, televisions, pipes and conduits, luggage, boats, toys, and bottles. 	Abson; Cycolac 	Abson; Cycolac
casein 	casein 	1897 	1897 	Insoluble in water and acids, but contact with water, acids, and alkalis may cause crazing. 	Insoluble in water and acids, but contact with water, acids, and alkalis may cause crazing. 	flame=yellow with gray smoke and burnt milk odor 	flame=yellow with gray smoke and burnt milk odor 	becomes hard and insoluble when treated with formaldehyde 	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. 	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 	Lactoid (England in 1904); Aladdinite (U.S. in 1919); Galalith (Deut.); Galalite (It.); Erinoid (Br.); Syrolit (Ire.); Karolith; Kyloid; Ameroid; Dorcasine; Casolith
cellulose acetate 	cellulose acetate 	1910s 	1910s 	soluble in furfuryl alcohol, acetonitrile 	soluble in furfuryl alcohol, acetonitrile 	flame = dark yellow, mauve blue with sparks and vinegar odor 	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 	plasticizers may migrate to surface leaving an oily film; degrades in sunlihgt, heat and high humidity 	lacquers, photographic film, transparent sheeting and as fibers. 	lacquers, photographic film, transparent sheeting and as fibers. 	Celanese [British Celanese]; Kodacel [Eastman Kodak] 	Celanese [British Celanese]; Kodacel [Eastman Kodak]
cellulose acetate butyrate 	cellulose acetate butyrate 	1938 (1932) 	1938 (1932) 	soluble in acetone, methylene chloride 	soluble in acetone, methylene chloride 	flame=dark yellow, with vinegar and vomit odor 	flame=dark yellow, with vinegar and vomit odor 	 	 	photographic film, varnishes and moldings 	photographic film, varnishes and moldings 	Tenite; Urex; Hercose C; Ester EAB-171 	Tenite; Urex; Hercose C; Ester EAB-171
cellulose nitrate 	cellulose nitrate 	1832 (1838) 	1832 (1838) 	soluble in ketones and esters. Insoluble in water, ethanol and hydrocarbons 	soluble in ketones and esters. Insoluble in water, ethanol and hydrocarbons 	flame=intense white 	flame=intense white 	birefringent; burns with a bright, violent flame; smells of nitrogen oxides 	birefringent; burns with a bright, violent flame; smells of nitrogen oxides 	clear lacquer, fabric dope, adhesives, high-gloss paints 	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] 	Parkesine; Celluloid; Xyloidine; Durofix [Rawlplug]; Duco cement [DuPont]; UHU Hart [Linger & Fischer, Germany]; Zapon- lack [Dulux]; HMG [H.Marcel Guest]
chlorinated rubber 	chlorinated rubber 	1918 	1918 	soluble in toluene, ethylene dichloride. Insoluble in aliphatic and alcohols. Resistant to acids and alkalis. 	soluble in toluene, ethylene dichloride. Insoluble in aliphatic and alcohols. Resistant to acids and alkalis. 	flame=green 	flame=green 	servicable temperature range = - 35 to 100 	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 	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 	Duroprene [ICI]; Parlon; Hypalon
cyanoacrylate resin 	cyanoacrylate resin 	1941 (1958) 	1941 (1958) 	cured glue is slightly soluble in DMF or nitromethane. Soaking in acetone may decrease adhesion 	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. 	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 	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 	Super Glue Gel [Loctite]; Krazy glue [Borden]; Super Attack [Loctite]; Zap; Eastman 910 [Eastman Chemical]; ELFY
epoxy resin 	epoxy resin 	1939 	1939 	 	 	flame=yellow; smells of phenol; self-extinguishing 	flame=yellow; smells of phenol; self-extinguishing 	high strength, good abrasion and chemical resistance, low water absorption, good dimensional stability 	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 	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 	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 	ethyl cellulose 	 	 	soluble in esters, alcohols, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons. Insoluble in water and glycerol 	soluble in esters, alcohols, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons. Insoluble in water and glycerol 	 	 	forms a tough, flexible, transparent film that is very wear resistant 	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 	food containers; hot-melt adhesives, inks, and as protective coatings for paper and textiles 	Ethulose [Hercules]; Ethocel [Dow]; Ethylcellulose [Aqualon] 	Ethulose [Hercules]; Ethocel [Dow]; Ethylcellulose [Aqualon]
fluorocarbon 	fluorocarbon 	 	 	 	 	non-flammable 	non-flammable 	Servicable temperature range = - 20 to 200; very good heat and chemical resistant 	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 	examples of fluorocarbon polymers are polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®), polyvinylidene fluoride, and fluorinated ethylene propylene 	Teflon 	Teflon
hydroxyethyl cellulose 	hydroxyethyl cellulose 	1930s 	1930s 	soluble in water, ethylene glycol. Insoluble in ethyl ether 	soluble in water, ethylene glycol. Insoluble in ethyl ether 	 	 	discolors and becomes insoluble with thermal aging 	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	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] 	Natrosol [Aqualon]; Cellosize [Union Carbide]; Tylose H [Hoechst]
hydroxypropyl cellulose 	hydroxypropyl cellulose 	 	 	soluble in cold water, ethanol, acetone and many organic solvents. Insoluble in hot water 	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 	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. 	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] 	Klucel [Hercules]
melamine formaldehyde 	melamine formaldehyde 	1933 	1933 	decomposed by acids 	decomposed by acids 	self-extinguishing; fishy odor 	self-extinguishing; fishy odor 	cure to a hard, durable glossy film that isresistant to chemicals and heat 	cure to a hard, durable glossy film that isresistant to chemicals and heat 	decorative homeware, circuit breakers, paints and enamels 	decorative homeware, circuit breakers, paints and enamels 	Arigal C; Melmac; Formica [Formica]; amino resin Basofil [BASF] 	Arigal C; Melmac; Formica [Formica]; amino resin Basofil [BASF]
methyl cellulose 	methyl cellulose 	1930s 	1930s 	Soluble in cold water, ethylene glycol. Insoluble in hot water, ethyl ether 	Soluble in cold water, ethylene glycol. Insoluble in hot water, ethyl ether 	 	 	good stability with negligible discoloration or weight loss 	good stability with negligible discoloration or weight loss 	used in sizing pape, as an adhesive in textile and paper conservation, as a poulticing material 	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] 	Methocel [Dow]; Polycell; Tylose® MB [Hoechst]; Glutolin; Sicho-Zell; Cellothyl; Syncelose; Celevac; Cellumeth; Hydrolose; Nicel; Culminal [Aqualon]; Methofas® [ICI, England]
nylon (polyamide) 	nylon (polyamide) 	1930s 	1930s 	resistant to alkalis, and insoluble in most organic solvents. Soluble in hot phenols, cresols and mineral acids 	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 	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 	good impact, tensile and flexural strengths, elasticity, and wear resistance as well as low water absorption 	fibers, paints, films, foams, and molded parts 	fibers, paints, films, foams, and molded parts 	Akulon; Caprolan: Celon; Durethan; Nylon 66; Nylon #66; fiber 66: Tynex; Rilsan®; 	Akulon; Caprolan: Celon; Durethan; Nylon 66; Nylon #66; fiber 66: Tynex; Rilsan®;
phenol formaldehyde resin 	phenol formaldehyde resin 	1907 (1909) 	1907 (1909) 	soluble in alkalis, decomposed by acids 	soluble in alkalis, decomposed by acids 	low burning rate; phenolic odor 	low burning rate; phenolic odor 	inexpensive, good chemical and heat resistance, darkens in sunlight; may corrode copper and brass as it degrades 	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 	fibers, adhesives, plywood, textile sizing, leather processing, paper strengthening, foams, chemical resistant coatings, printed circuit boards 	Bakelite 	Bakelite
polycarbonate 	polycarbonate 	1956 	1956 	dissolves in ketones, aromatic and chlorinated solvents. Attacked by alkalis, ammonia and amines 	dissolves in ketones, aromatic and chlorinated solvents. Attacked by alkalis, ammonia and amines 	self-extinguishing; flame=orange yellow with sweet phenolic odor and soot 	self-extinguishing; flame=orange yellow with sweet phenolic odor and soot 	high dielectric strength, good mechanical properties; strong UV absorber 	high dielectric strength, good mechanical properties; strong UV absorber 	unbreakable windows, bank screens, police shields, helmet visors, and household appliances 	unbreakable windows, bank screens, police shields, helmet visors, and household appliances 	Lexan [1959; General Electric Co.]; Makrolon [1956; Bayer]; Solvex; Merlon [Mobay Chemical]; Panlite 	Lexan [1959; General Electric Co.]; Makrolon [1956; Bayer]; Solvex; Merlon [Mobay Chemical]; Panlite
polycyclohexanone 	polycyclohexanone 	1930 	1930 	soluble in turpentine, mineral spirit 	soluble in turpentine, mineral spirit 	 	 	oxidize with age to become brittle and less soluble. 	oxidize with age to become brittle and less soluble. 	picture varnishes and for retouching 	picture varnishes and for retouching 	Ketone Resin N [BASF]; MS2A [Laporte]; AW-2 [BASF]; Rembrandt Varnish [Talens] 	Ketone Resin N [BASF]; MS2A [Laporte]; AW-2 [BASF]; Rembrandt Varnish [Talens]
polyester 	polyester 	1946 	1946 	soluble in ketones and chlorinated solvents 	soluble in ketones and chlorinated solvents 	slow burning rate; flame=yellow; dense smoke, sweet smell 	slow burning rate; flame=yellow; dense smoke, sweet smell 	Inexpenxive, easy to fabricate, versatile, good chemical resistance 	Inexpenxive, easy to fabricate, versatile, good chemical resistance 	sheeting, films, autos and boats, pipping boxes 	sheeting, films, autos and boats, pipping boxes 	Fabrisil [Shelley]; PET 	Fabrisil [Shelley]; PET
polyethylene glycol 	polyethylene glycol 	1930s 	1930s 	soluble or miscible in water and most organic solvents 	soluble or miscible in water and most organic solvents 	 	 	can remain tacky and attract dirt 	can remain tacky and attract dirt 	solvents, plasticizers, consolidants 	solvents, plasticizers, consolidants 	Carbowax [Union Carbide]; Polywax [Huls] 	Carbowax [Union Carbide]; Polywax [Huls]
polyethylene vinylacetate 	polyethylene vinylacetate 	 	 	 	 	 	 	clear, tough, crack resistant and retain flexibility at low temperatures 	clear, tough, crack resistant and retain flexibility at low temperatures 	paper coatings, shrink-wrap, and hot melt adhesives 	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] 	Elvax [DuPont]; A-C Copolymr 400 [Allied]; Vinamul 3250 [Vinyl Products]; Mowilith DM155 [Hoechst]; Elvace 1874; Jade 834-403N [Aabbitt]
polyethylene, high density 	polyethylene, high density 	1954 	1954 	soluble in toluene. esistant to most other solvents except nitric and hydrochloric acids 	soluble in toluene. esistant to most other solvents except nitric and hydrochloric acids 	slow burning rate; flame color=blue yellow; little smoke; odor =candles 	slow burning rate; flame color=blue yellow; little smoke; odor =candles 	inexpensive, tough, lightweight, good flexibility and chemical resistance 	inexpensive, tough, lightweight, good flexibility and chemical resistance 	containers, packaging films, fibers, pipes, molded pieces, toys, bowls, and milk bottle crates 	containers, packaging films, fibers, pipes, molded pieces, toys, bowls, and milk bottle crates 	 	
polyethylene, low density 	polyethylene, low density 	1933 	1933 	soluble in dipropylene glycol and hot organic solvents. Resistant to nonoxidizing acids, alkalis, salt solutions. 	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 	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 	compared to HDPE, LDPE is softer and more flexible butt also has lower tensile strength 	sheeting, films, paper coatings, toys, bags and packaging materials 	sheeting, films, paper coatings, toys, bags and packaging materials 	 	
polyimide 	polyimide 	 	 	resistant to organic solvents 	resistant to organic solvents 	nonflammable 	nonflammable 	 	 	adhesives, binders, fibers; flame- retardant clothing 	adhesives, binders, fibers; flame- retardant clothing 	Vespel [DuPont]; P-84 [Inspec] 	Vespel [DuPont]; P-84 [Inspec]
polyisoprene 	polyisoprene 	1790s 	1790s 	soluble in aliphatic and aromatic solvents. Insoluble in acetone, diethyl ether 	soluble in aliphatic and aromatic solvents. Insoluble in acetone, diethyl ether 	dark yellow sooty flame that smells of burnt rubber 	dark yellow sooty flame that smells of burnt rubber 	servicable temperature range = - 55 to 70 	servicable temperature range = - 55 to 70 	 	 	 	
polymethylacrylates (acrylic resins)	polymethylacrylates (acrylic resins)	1901 	1901 	soluble in mineral spirits, turpentine, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters, and ketones 	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 	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. 	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, 	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]	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 	polypropylene 	 	 	soluble in some hydrocarbons, isoamyl alcohol. slightly soluble in toluene 	soluble in some hydrocarbons, isoamyl alcohol. slightly soluble in toluene 	slow burning; flame color=blue yellow; little smoke; odor =heavy 	slow burning; flame color=blue yellow; little smoke; odor =heavy 	excellent stress and scratch resistance, good chemical and heat resistant, lightweight 	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 	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 	Coroplast; Propylex; Herculon; Microfoam
polystyrene 	polystyrene 	1839 (1929) 	1839 (1929) 	soluble in most hydrocarbon solvents, oils, ketones, esters, inorganic acids 	soluble in most hydrocarbon solvents, oils, ketones, esters, inorganic acids 	slow burning; flame=orange-yellow with dense smoke and flowery smell 	slow burning; flame=orange-yellow with dense smoke and flowery smell 	inexpensive; good stability, stiffness, and impact strength; degrades in UV light 	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 	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 	Styrofoam [Dow]; Luran; Styron; Lustrex; Fome-Cor; Algil [Polymers, Inc.]; Permene [Modglin Co.]; Shalon [Polymers, Inc.]; Polyfil [Mack Molding]; Durastran
polyurethane 	polyurethane 	1937 	1937 	attacked by aromatic solvents, chlorinated solvents, ozone, and nitrogen oxides 	attacked by aromatic solvents, chlorinated solvents, ozone, and nitrogen oxides 	slow burning with bright flame and sharp odor (toxic fumes) 	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	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 	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] 	Xylamon [Desowag]; Viacryl [Vianova]; Desmodur N75 [Bayer]; Perlon U [Germany]; Lycra [DuPont]
polyvinyl acetate 	polyvinyl acetate 	1912 	1912 	soluble in benzene, chloroform, methanol, acetone, butyl acetate. 	soluble in benzene, chloroform, methanol, acetone, butyl acetate. 	flame=dark yellow with acetic odor 	flame=dark yellow with acetic odor 	odorless, tasteless, nontoxic, slow burning, lightweight, colorless 	odorless, tasteless, nontoxic, slow burning, lightweight, colorless 	latex house paints, artists' media (since 1938), and common household white glues 	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] 	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 	polyvinyl alcohol 	1933 	1933 	soluble in water and alcohols, resistance to organic solvents 	soluble in water and alcohols, resistance to organic solvents 	 	 	elestomeric, 	elestomeric, 	adhesive, films, finishes 	adhesive, films, finishes 	Lamatec [Archival Aids] 	Lamatec [Archival Aids]
polyvinyl butyral 	polyvinyl butyral 	1920 	1920 	soluble in esters, ketones, alcohols and chlorinated hydrocarbons. 	soluble in esters, ketones, alcohols and chlorinated hydrocarbons. 	flame=yellow with blue mantle and rancid butter odor 	flame=yellow with blue mantle and rancid butter odor 	tough, flexible, weather-resistant 	tough, flexible, weather-resistant 	used as shatterproof safety-glass interlayer 	used as shatterproof safety-glass interlayer 	Butvar [Monsanto]; Mowital [Hoechst]; Rhovinal [Rhone-Poulenc]; Vinal 	Butvar [Monsanto]; Mowital [Hoechst]; Rhovinal [Rhone-Poulenc]; Vinal
polyvinylchloride 	polyvinylchloride 	1838 (1930) 	1838 (1930) 	soluble in aromatics, ketones, aldehydes and chlorinated solvents 	soluble in aromatics, ketones, aldehydes and chlorinated solvents 	self-extinguishing; flame=green/yellow/orange with acrid chlorine smell and smoke	self-extinguishing; flame=green/yellow/orange with acrid chlorine smell and smoke	resistant to ignition, corrosion and stains. 	resistant to ignition, corrosion and stains. 	gramophone records, sheeting, gaskets, tubing, raincoats, waterproof coatings 	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.] 	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 	polyvinylidene chloride 	1940s 	1940s 	discolors when exposed to alkalis 	discolors when exposed to alkalis 	self-extinguishing; flame=green/yellow/orange with acrid chlorine smell and smoke	self-extinguishing; flame=green/yellow/orange with acrid chlorine smell and smoke	high strength and abrasion resistance, dimensionally stable, good durability 	high strength and abrasion resistance, dimensionally stable, good durability 	packaging, barrier films, fibers 	packaging, barrier films, fibers 	Saran F310 [Dow]; Cryovac; Diurit; Pe Ce 120 [Casella Farbwerke, Germany] 	Saran F310 [Dow]; Cryovac; Diurit; Pe Ce 120 [Casella Farbwerke, Germany]
polyxylylene 	polyxylylene 	1950s 	1950s 	soluble in hot orthodichlorobenzene or hot choronaphthalene. Insoluble in most other chemicals. 	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 	excellent barrier properties agains gases and moisture,weather resistance is poor, deteriorates in UV light 	as a coating to provide mechanical strength and flexibility 	as a coating to provide mechanical strength and flexibility 	Parylene [Union Carbide] 	Parylene [Union Carbide]
siloxane 	siloxane 	1940s 	1940s 	soluble in chloroform, heptane, benzene, diethyl ether. Insoluble in methanol, ethanol 	soluble in chloroform, heptane, benzene, diethyl ether. Insoluble in methanol, ethanol 	burning rate = none to slow 	burning rate = none to slow 	Servicable temperature range = - 60 to 200; good heat reistance 	Servicable temperature range = - 60 to 200; good heat reistance 	electrical appliances and boards, aerospace, gaskets, molds 	electrical appliances and boards, aerospace, gaskets, molds 	 	
sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 	sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 	1947 	1947 	soluble I cold and hot water; insouble in most organic solvents 	soluble I cold and hot water; insouble in most organic solvents 	dust is flammable 	dust is flammable 	good stability with negligible discoloration or weight loss 	good stability with negligible discoloration or weight loss 	used commercially in detergents, food product and as size for textiles and paper 	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] 	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 	soluble nylon 	1940s 	1940s 	Initially soluble in methanol and ethanol. 	Initially soluble in methanol and ethanol. 	 	 	becomes insoluble and shrinks with age 	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 	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] 	Calaton [ICI, Britain]; Maranyl Nylon DV 45 [ICI]; Ultramid [BASF]; Elvamide [DuPont]
urea formaldehyde resin 	urea formaldehyde resin 	1896 (1923) 	1896 (1923) 	soluble in water 	soluble in water 	 	 	degraded by heat, acids, and alkalis 	degraded by heat, acids, and alkalis 	foams, insulation, coatings (baked enamels) and adhesives (plywood, particle board) 	foams, insulation, coatings (baked enamels) and adhesives (plywood, particle board) 	Chinaglaze; Pollapas; Kaurit S 	Chinaglaze; Pollapas; Kaurit S
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
polymère (Fr.); polímero (Esp.)
== For easy printing or to download ==
==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
Category:Materials database