Molecular Microstructure Characteristics
Long-chain polymer structure: Plastics use high-molecular-weight polymers as the matrix, consisting of numerous repeating chain units linked together to form long molecular chains. The average molecular weight of commercial plastics is typically between 10,000 and 500,000, with the molecular chains intertwined to form a unified whole.
Differences in structural types: Most thermoplastics are linear or branched macromolecules. Only a small number of thermosetting plastics possess a three-dimensional cross-linked rigid network structure. The degree of cross-linking is much lower than that of rubber, and the degree of orientation is also lower than that of fiber materials.
Intermolecular force characteristics: The molecular chains are bound together by weak forces such as van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds, rather than covalent bonds. This makes the molecular chains of plastics prone to sliding when heated, exhibiting typical viscoelastic characteristics.
Macroscopic Molding Structural Characteristics
Strong molding adaptability: Plastics can be processed using more than thirty processes, including injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and vacuum forming, to produce various structural products ranging from complex precision parts to large hollow containers.
Diverse product structures: It can produce continuous pipes, profiles and other long cross-section structures, as well as irregular structures with fine buckles and grooves. It can also prepare lightweight composite structures with internal micropores through foaming process.
