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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science
Qualification
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science
Unit number and title Unit 22: Materials Science
Learning aim C: Investigate the benefits and limitations of polymer technology.
Assignment title Polymers for a purpose.
Assessor
Issue date
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You are materials science student studying for Pearson BTEC Level 3
National Extended Diploma in Applied Science. The British Plastics
Federation is an employer partner of your College and they have
invited you to write a briefing paper that it will publish on its website
for non-technical members such as finance, logistics and marketing
Vocational Scenario or staff to access for professional development. The aim is that the
Context members reading your briefing paper will gain a sufficient
understanding of their industry to be more effective in working with
their technical colleagues and customers. Your focus will be on case
studies of different types of polymers for specific applications, the
modification of polymer properties through the addition of additives,
and testing the suitability of polymers for specific applications.
Using your lesson notes and research you have carried out polymer
chemistry, produce a briefing paper for ‘The British Plastics
Federation’ that includes:
An explanation of the uses (e.g. construction, transport,
electronics and computing, sport and leisure, packaging,
domestic household uses), benefits and limitations of
polyvinylchloride (PVC), poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)
Task and Nylon 6,6. Include correct terminology (e.g. natural
and synthetic, thermosetting and thermoplastics,
polymerisation, monomer, polymer and co-polymer,
polymer composites, elasticity and plasticity) to provide
appropriate evidence and reasons for their suitability and
limitations.
Select at least THREE different types of additives (e.g.
fillers, plasticisers, cross-linking agents, impact modifiers,
antioxidants, stabilisers and decolourants) and explain and
justify the benefits of using these additives with reference
to how they modify the properties of specific polymers.
Choose THREE different polymers from the examples
already used to exemplify the benefits of additives and
justify the methods used to test the suitability of your
three examples of modified polymers for a specific purpose.
Choose THREE different applications of polymers (such as
non-stick coatings, bags, window frames, electrical
insulators, fabrics, paint, medicines and automotive parts).
Evaluate the methods of testing, the uses, benefits,
limitations and environmental risks of different types of
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polymers for each of your chosen applications. You must
use evidence to draw valid conclusions.
Checklist of evidence A briefing paper which:
required Explain the uses, benefits and limitations of polyvinylchloride
(PVC), poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and Nylon 6,6.
An explanation of the benefits of using at least THREE
different types of additives (e.g. fillers, plasticisers, cross-
linking agents, impact modifiers, antioxidants, stabilisers and
decolourants) and how they modify the properties of specific
polymers;
A justification of the methods used to test the suitability of
your three examples of modified polymers for a specific
purpose;
An evaluation of the methods of testing, the uses, benefits,
limitations and environmental risks of different types of
polymers for each of your three chosen applications.
Sources of information must be appropriately referenced.
Correct scientific terminology must be used.
Criteria covered by this task:
Unit/Criteria
To achieve the criteria, you must show that you are able to:
reference
Evaluate the methods of testing, the uses, benefits, limitations and
C. D3
environmental risks of different types of polymers for given applications.
Justify the uses of additives and the methods used for testing the suitability of
C. M3
different types of polymers for given applications.
C. P4 Explain the uses, benefits and limitations of polymers.
C. P5 Explain the benefits of using additives to modify the properties of plastics.
Sources of information
to support you with this http://essentialchemicalindustry.org/polymers/polymers-an-
Assignment overview.html
http://chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genchem/topicreview/bp/1polymer/
types.html
http://www.chem1.com/acad/webtext/states/polymers.html
http://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/additives/Default.aspx
Edexcel A Level Science – A2 Chemistry Students Book
ISBN 9781408206058
Edexcel A Level Science – AS Chemistry Students Book
ISBN 9781405896351
Other assessment
materials attached to
this Assignment Brief
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Unit 22C - Benefits and limitations of polymer technology
Polymer: a polymer is a chemical compound with molecules bonded together in long repetitive
chains. Since polymers have different structures, the polymers obtain unique properties which have
many different uses, because of the way the molecules are being bonded. Some advantageous
properties of polymers are being: ductile, translucent, brittle, impact resistant and having reflective
properties. Most polymers are obtained from crude oil and found deep within the Earth. Whilst
other polymers can be derived from natural sources such as plants.
Polyethene: this resin is made from the polymerization of ethylene. It is mostly used as plastic and is
used to make products ranging from clear food wrap and shopping bags to automobile fuels tanks.
Polyethene can also be broken down into synthetic fibres and modified to be suitable to have similar
elastic properties of rubber.
Polyester: This is a synthetic polymer which is made using polyester yarns, it is made by mixing
ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. The material is very durable and resistant to chemicals, it is
most common within the fashion industry due to its resistance to shrining and stretching, and the
fibres used to create polyester are strong but very light weight.
Poly(tetrafluoroethene): this is a synthetic polymer which has slippery and chemically unreactive
properties, this makes it ideal for non-stick coatings for pans and it is also used as containers for
laboratory substances.
Uses, Benefits and limitations of Polymers
Polymer: a polymer is a chemical compound with molecules bonded together in long repetitive
chains. Since polymers have different structures, the polymers obtain unique properties which have
many different uses. Polymers can be both naturally occurring and man-made, rubber is a natural
polymeric material and has been used for thousands of years. it has many elastic properties due to
its molecular polymer chain, which is naturally occurring. Some man-made polymers have similar
rubber-like properties or resemble plant and animal fibres, and are found in swimsuits in materials
like polychloroprene which is used in wet suits.
Polyvinylchloride (C2H3Cl)n
Structure: polyvinylchloride is a thermoplastic made of 57% chlorine
and 43% carbon.
Where it is used: Polyvinylchloride is versatile and rigid, it can also be
completely clear or matched to any colour desired. Due to its strength
and resistance to moisture and abrasion, Polyvinylchloride is ideal for
cladding, fencing, decking and flooring. The material does not corrode
and is easy to use. The material is useful in windows as it helps conserve energy when
heating and cooling homes.
Benefits: PVC is a non-toxic safe material which has been used in constriction. The low cost
of the material is very beneficial due to the materials flexibility and high impact strength.
The material is a good insulator and an excellent material to use for electrical applications.
The PVC material is extremely versatile this allows designers to design products where PVC is
a refurbishment material with ease.
Limitations: PVC has restrictions so its use in construction is limited, the material is fire
resistant so as the PVC products burn, they emit toxic substances such as carbon monoxide,
which is very deadly. The materials also emit acids which can be smelled and are irritating.
