GCSEDesign & TechnologyAQARevision Notes2. Specialist Technical PrinciplesUsing & Working With MaterialsProperties of Polymers

Properties of Polymers (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note

Exam code: 8552

Philip Holton

Written by: Philip Holton

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

Properties of polymers in commercial products

  • Commercial products are made from polymers because of the properties that these materials have

  • For each commercial product, the material used will have properties which benefit the use of that product

Commercial products made from polymers

  • Signs, windows and screens

  • Electrical wiring and pipes

  • Polymer chair or children's furniture

  • Food packaging

Properties of polymer products and their uses

  • There is a wide range of polymer commercial products

  • The material that the manufacturer uses for each depends on the properties that the material has

Polymer chair

Material

Polypropylene

General properties

Translucent or opaque

Performance properties

Chemical resistance

Mechanical properties

Excellent fatigue resistance

Physical properties

Moderate surface hardness

Electrical fittings

Material

Polyvinyl chloride

General properties

Durable and resistant to the weather/outdoors

Performance properties

High chemical resistance and excellent insulator

Mechanical properties

High tensile strength and very hard

Physical properties

Good density with excellent resistance to water absorption

Shop signage

Material

Acrylic

General properties

Excellent transparency

Performance properties

Insulator, easy to cut and shape

Mechanical properties

Impact resistance, good tensile strength and hard

Physical properties

Dense. resistant to water absorption

Food packaging

Material

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

General properties

Clear/translucent

Performance properties

Good barrier to gas and moisture

Mechanical properties

High tensile strength and stiffness

Physical properties

Lightweight

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Author
Reviewer
Philip Holton

Author: Philip Holton

Expertise: Design and Technology Content Creator

Phil is a Design and Technology specialist with over 22 years of experience across education, curriculum development, and assessment, working with major exam boards and organisations across the UK. He focuses on making GCSE D&T clear and accessible, helping students build the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in their exams.

Bridgette Barrett

Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Development Editor

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 30 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.