YOUR AIMS

At the end of this lesson you should be able to:

- decide which method or methods are capable of producing a particular polymeric component
- understand the reasons for your choice based on the structural changes brought about by the processing operations.

SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

1. Outline the need for the range of processing additives used in polymer compound formulations and explain their functions.

2. Explain the primary differences in the use of fillers and reinforcing agents in polymer compounds.

3. Why is compounding efficiency essential for subsequent manufacturing operations?

4. How and why do the differences in the molecular structures of thermoplastics and thermosets influence the methods of component manufacture used for these materials?

5. Outline the reasons for the continuing expansion of the polymer industry, particularly in engineering applications.