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A Summary of the Properties and Uses of Polymers.

The table below shows the properties and uses of some polymers.
The properties of a polymer can be changed in a number of ways.

Name Properties Uses
Poly(ethene)
 (PE)		 Cheap, strong,
waterproof,
easily moulded.		 Film wrapping,
carrier bags,
bottles, kitchenware,
shrink-wrap.
Poly(ethenol)
(PVOH)
Polyvinyl Alcohol		 Water soluble,
 can make slime.		 Laundry bags
for
hospitals.
Poly(propene)
 (PP)		 Tough, hard, strong,
can be moulded.		 Ropes, Thinsulate,
carpets,
crates, furniture.
Poly(phenylethene)
(PS)
 Polystyrene		 Strong, brittle,
strength at low
temperature.		 Containers, toys,
fridge parts.
Foam used for
packing and insulation.
Poly(tetrafluorothene)
(PTFE)
Teflon		 Unreactive, slippery,
shiny.		 Non-stick pans,
Waterproof clothing,
Other Uses.
Poly(chloroethene)
 (PVC)
 Polyvinyl Chloride		 Cheap, flexible,
good insulator.		 Wellington boots,
raincoats, drain pipes,
window frames,
electrical equipment,
wire insulation,
shrink-wrap.

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