General Characteristics of Polymers

CAMEO: Conservation and Art Materials Encyclopedia Online at cameo.mfa.org page1 General Characteristics of Polymers

polymer Date Solubility Flame test (copper wire) Characteristics Uses Brand names developed (marketed)

acetal resin 1959 Soluble in dimethylformamide, blue mantle with yellow very high tensile strength and mechanical parts (gears, Delrin [DuPont]; Celcon [Celanese]; benzyl alcohol. Insoluble in flame and formaldehyde stiffness; high chemical and bushings), automotive parts, methanol, diethyl ether, smell; no soot abrasion resistance communication equipment, aliphatic hydrocarbons videocassettes, cosmetic containers, latches, pipes, and plumbing parts. acrylonitrile butadiene 1948 Resistant to water, salts and slow burning with smoke inexpensive, strong, resilient and used for appliances, automobile Abson; Cycolac styrene oils. May be degraded by difficult to break parts and fittings, telephones, oxidizing acids and many radios, televisions, pipes and organic solvents (aromatics, conduits, luggage, boats, toys, and ketones, and alcohols). bottles. casein 1897 Insoluble in water and acids, but flame=yellow with gray becomes hard and insoluble when buttons, beads, buckles, combs, Lactoid (England in 1904); Aladdinite (U.S. contact with water, acids, and smoke and burnt milk odor treated with formaldehyde fountain pens, umbrella handles, in 1919); Galalith (Deut.); Galalite (It.); alkalis may cause crazing. cutlery handles, and knitting Erinoid (Br.); Syrolit (Ire.); Karolith; needles; often pigmented to Kyloid; Ameroid; Dorcasine; Casolith simulate ivory, horn, or tortoise shell. cellulose acetate 1910s soluble in furfuryl alcohol, flame = dark yellow, plasticizers may migrate to surface lacquers, photographic film, Celanese [British Celanese]; Kodacel acetonitrile mauve blue with sparks leaving an oily film; degrades in transparent sheeting and as fibers. [Eastman Kodak] and vinegar odor sunlihgt, heat and high humidity

cellulose acetate 1938 soluble in acetone, methylene flame=dark yellow, with photographic film, varnishes and Tenite; Urex; Hercose C; Ester EAB-171 butyrate (1932) chloride vinegar and vomit odor moldings

cellulose nitrate 1832 soluble in ketones and esters. flame=intense white birefringent; burns with a bright, clear lacquer, fabric dope, Parkesine; Celluloid; Xyloidine; Durofix (1838) Insoluble in water, ethanol and violent flame; smells of nitrogen adhesives, high-gloss paints [Rawlplug]; Duco cement [DuPont]; UHU hydrocarbons oxides Hart [Linger & Fischer, Germany]; Zapon- lack [Dulux]; HMG [H.Marcel Guest] chlorinated rubber 1918 soluble in toluene, ethylene flame=green servicable temperature range = - used primarily in the 1930s -60s Duroprene [ICI]; Parlon; Hypalon dichloride. Insoluble in aliphatic 35 to 100 for paints, varnishes, adhesives, and alcohols. inks and paper coatings; still used Resistant to acids and alkalis. for waterproof paints on floors and swimming pools cyanoacrylate resin 1941 cured glue is slightly soluble in ultraviolet light and contact with for gluing glass, ceramics and Super Glue Gel [Loctite]; Krazy glue (1958) DMF or nitromethane. Soaking alkaline materials (glass and some other hard materials. They also [Borden]; Super Attack [Loctite]; Zap; in acetone may decrease stones) will accelerate the have medical and dental Eastman 910 [Eastman Chemical]; ELFY adhesion degradation process. applications to suture skin and weld crowns epoxy resin 1939 flame=yellow; smells of high strength, good abrasion and adhesive, fills, printed circuit Ablebond 342-1 [Ablestix]; Rutapox phenol; self-extinguishing chemical resistance, low water boards, molded products and [Bakelite], Aradlite AY103/HY951 [Ciba absorption, good dimensional baked enamel surface coatings Geigy]; Hxtal Nyl-1 [Conservation stability Materials]; Phillyseal (formerly Pliacre); Epon; CM Bond, Epotek; UHU ethyl cellulose soluble in esters, alcohols, forms a tough, flexible, transparent food containers; hot-melt Ethulose [Hercules]; Ethocel [Dow]; aromatic hydrocarbons, film that is very wear resistant adhesives, inks, and as protective Ethylcellulose [Aqualon] chlorinated hydrocarbons. coatings for paper and textiles Insoluble in water and glycerol

polymer Date Solubility Flame test (copper wire) Characteristics Uses Brand names developed (marketed)

fluorocarbon non-flammable Servicable temperature range = - examples of fluorocarbon polymers Teflon 20 to 200; very good heat and are polytetrafluoroethylene chemical resistant (Teflon®), polyvinylidene fluoride, and fluorinated ethylene propylene

hydroxyethyl cellulose 1930s soluble in water, ethylene glycol. discolors and becomes insoluble used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, Natrosol [Aqualon]; Cellosize [Union Insoluble in ethyl ether with thermal aging thickener and film former in many Carbide]; Tylose H [Hoechst] types of solutions such as foods, cosmetics, paints and glazes. It is also used as a sizing agent and consolidant hydroxypropyl soluble in cold water, ethanol, good photochemical stability, it has emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener, Klucel [Hercules] cellulose acetone and many organic poor thermal stability and discolors and film former in foods, solvents. Insoluble in hot water with age cosmetics, paint removers, paints and glazes; also used as a sizing agent for paper and consolidant for leather. melamine 1933 decomposed by acids self-extinguishing; fishy cure to a hard, durable glossy film decorative homeware, circuit Arigal C; Melmac; Formica [Formica]; formaldehyde odor that isresistant to chemicals and breakers, paints and enamels amino resin Basofil [BASF] heat

methyl cellulose 1930s Soluble in cold water, ethylene good stability with negligible used in sizing pape, as an Methocel [Dow]; Polycell; Tylose® MB glycol. Insoluble in hot water, discoloration or weight loss adhesive in textile and paper [Hoechst]; Glutolin; Sicho-Zell; Cellothyl; ethyl ether conservation, as a poulticing Syncelose; Celevac; Cellumeth; Hydrolose; material Nicel; Culminal [Aqualon]; Methofas® [ICI, England]

nylon (polyamide) 1930s resistant to alkalis, and insoluble self-extinguishing; good impact, tensile and flexural fibers, paints, films, foams, and Akulon; Caprolan: Celon; Durethan; Nylon in most organic solvents. flame=yellow with blue strengths, elasticity, and wear molded parts 66; Nylon #66; fiber 66: Tynex; Rilsan®; Soluble in hot phenols, cresols mantle and odor of burnt resistance as well as low water and mineral acids hair absorption

phenol formaldehyde 1907 soluble in alkalis, decomposed low burning rate; phenolic inexpensive, good chemical and fibers, adhesives, plywood, textile Bakelite resin (1909) by acids odor heat resistance, darkens in sizing, leather processing, paper sunlight; may corrode copper and strengthening, foams, chemical brass as it degrades resistant coatings, printed circuit boards polycarbonate 1956 dissolves in ketones, aromatic self-extinguishing; high dielectric strength, good unbreakable windows, bank Lexan [1959; General Electric Co.]; and chlorinated solvents. flame=orange yellow with mechanical properties; strong UV screens, police shields, helmet Makrolon [1956; Bayer]; Solvex; Merlon Attacked by alkalis, ammonia sweet phenolic odor and absorber visors, and household appliances [Mobay Chemical]; Panlite and amines soot

polycyclohexanone 1930 soluble in turpentine, mineral oxidize with age to become brittle picture varnishes and for Ketone Resin N [BASF]; MS2A [Laporte]; spirit and less soluble. retouching AW-2 [BASF]; Rembrandt Varnish [Talens]

polyester 1946 soluble in ketones and slow burning rate; Inexpenxive, easy to fabricate, sheeting, films, autos and boats, Fabrisil [Shelley]; PET chlorinated solvents flame=yellow; dense versatile, good chemical resistance pipping boxes smoke, sweet smell

polyethylene glycol 1930s soluble or miscible in water and can remain tacky and attract dirt solvents, plasticizers, consolidants Carbowax [Union Carbide]; Polywax [Huls] most organic solvents

polymer Date Solubility Flame test (copper wire) Characteristics Uses Brand names developed (marketed)

polyethylene clear, tough, crack resistant and paper coatings, shrink-wrap, and Elvax [DuPont]; A-C Copolymr 400 vinylacetate retain flexibility at low hot melt adhesives [Allied]; Vinamul 3250 [Vinyl Products]; temperatures Mowilith DM155 [Hoechst]; Elvace 1874; Jade 834-403N [Aabbitt] polyethylene, high 1954 soluble in toluene. esistant to slow burning rate; flame inexpensive, tough, lightweight, containers, packaging films, fibers, density most other solvents except nitric color=blue yellow; little good flexibility and chemical pipes, molded pieces, toys, bowls, and hydrochloric acids smoke; odor =candles resistance and milk bottle crates

polyethylene, low 1933 soluble in dipropylene glycol and slow burning rate; flame compared to HDPE, LDPE is softer sheeting, films, paper coatings, density hot organic solvents. Resistant color=blue yellow; little and more flexible butt also has toys, bags and packaging to nonoxidizing acids, alkalis, smoke; odor =candles lower tensile strength materials salt solutions. polyimide resistant to organic solvents nonflammable adhesives, binders, fibers; flame- Vespel [DuPont]; P-84 [Inspec] retardant clothing

polyisoprene 1790s soluble in aliphatic and aromatic dark yellow sooty flame servicable temperature range = - solvents. Insoluble in acetone, that smells of burnt rubber 55 to 70 diethyl ether polymethylacrylates 1901 soluble in mineral spirits, flame=blue mantle with high optical clarity, excellent paints, coatings, adhesives, Plexigum [Rohm & Haas]; Lucite [DuPont]; (acrylic resins) turpentine, aromatic yellow orange, smoky weatherability, food chemical fabrics, textile and leather finishes, Paraloid [Rohm & Haas]; Elvacite hydrocarbons, chlorinated flame and acrid burnt fat resistance, Will craze when windows, mounts, optical lenses, [DuPont]; Plexiglas [Rohm & Haas]; hydrocarbons, esters, and odor stressed. tailights, glazing, signs, glass- Perspex; Magna [Bocour]; Liquitex ketones substitute, [Permanent Pigments]; Shiva [Shiva]; Hyplar Acrylic Colors [Grumbacher]; Aqua- tec [Bocour] polypropylene soluble in some hydrocarbons, slow burning; flame excellent stress and scratch toys, bottles, fishnets, pipe, Coroplast; Propylex; Herculon; Microfoam isoamyl alcohol. slightly soluble color=blue yellow; little resistance, good chemical and heat clothing, vapor barrier films, road in toluene smoke; odor =heavy resistant, lightweight signs, molded parts, carpet, artificial grass, laminates, food packages, furniture, and photographic enclosures polystyrene 1839 soluble in most hydrocarbon slow burning; inexpensive; good stability, approved for contact with food; Styrofoam [Dow]; Luran; Styron; Lustrex; (1929) solvents, oils, ketones, esters, flame=orange-yellow with stiffness, and impact strength; used in insulation, toys, Fome-Cor; Algil [Polymers, Inc.]; Permene inorganic acids dense smoke and flowery degrades in UV light appliances, cabinets, containers, [Modglin Co.]; Shalon [Polymers, Inc.]; smell and furniture Polyfil [Mack Molding]; Durastran

polyurethane 1937 attacked by aromatic solvents, slow burning with bright thermosetting (rigid) or elastomer, sealants, adhesives, Xylamon [Desowag]; Viacryl [Vianova]; chlorinated solvents, ozone, and flame and sharp odor (toxic thermoplastic (elastomeric); films, furniture, mattresses, Desmodur N75 [Bayer]; Perlon U nitrogen oxides fumes) servicable temperature range = - laminates, carpet cushions, [Germany]; Lycra [DuPont] 50 to 70; excellent hardness, gloss, upholstery, soundproofing, and resistance to weathering, flotation devices, packaging, and abrasion, acids, and alkalis filtration polyvinyl acetate 1912 soluble in benzene, chloroform, flame=dark yellow with odorless, tasteless, nontoxic, slow latex house paints, artists' media Vinamul [Vinyl Products]; Mowilith methanol, acetone, butyl acetic odor burning, lightweight, colorless (since 1938), and common [Hoechst]; Vinylite [Union Carbide]; AYAT acetate. household white glues [Union Carbide]; Elmers Glue-All [Borden]; Duratite White Glue [DAP]; Gelva [Solutia]; Rivit Glue; Polymer Tempera [Borden]

polymer Date Solubility Flame test (copper wire) Characteristics Uses Brand names developed (marketed)

polyvinyl alcohol 1933 soluble in water and alcohols, elestomeric, adhesive, films, finishes Lamatec [Archival Aids] resistance to organic solvents

polyvinyl butyral 1920 soluble in esters, ketones, flame=yellow with blue tough, flexible, weather-resistant used as shatterproof safety-glass Butvar [Monsanto]; Mowital [Hoechst]; alcohols and chlorinated mantle and rancid butter interlayer Rhovinal [Rhone-Poulenc]; Vinal hydrocarbons. odor

polyvinylchloride 1838 soluble in aromatics, ketones, self-extinguishing; resistant to ignition, corrosion and gramophone records, sheeting, Geon [B.F.Goodrich]; Koroseal (1930) aldehydes and chlorinated flame=green/yellow/orange stains. gaskets, tubing, raincoats, [B.F.Goodrich]; Tygon; Vinagel; Elaston; solvents with acrid chlorine smell waterproof coatings Trovidur; Bexan [BX Plastics]; Bristrand and smoke [Polymers Inc.]; Pe-Ce-U [Farbenfabriken Bayer A.G.] polyvinylidene 1940s discolors when exposed to self-extinguishing; high strength and abrasion packaging, barrier films, fibers Saran F310 [Dow]; Cryovac; Diurit; Pe Ce chloride alkalis flame=green/yellow/orange resistance, dimensionally stable, 120 [Casella Farbwerke, Germany] with acrid chlorine smell good durability and smoke

polyxylylene 1950s soluble in hot excellent barrier properties agains as a coating to provide mechanical Parylene [Union Carbide] orthodichlorobenzene or hot gases and moisture,weather strength and flexibility choronaphthalene. Insoluble in resistance is poor, deteriorates in most other chemicals. UV light siloxane 1940s soluble in chloroform, heptane, burning rate = none to Servicable temperature range = - electrical appliances and boards, benzene, diethyl ether. Insoluble slow 60 to 200; good heat reistance aerospace, gaskets, molds in methanol, ethanol sodium 1947 soluble I cold and hot water; dust is flammable good stability with negligible used commercially in detergents, Bianose [Hercules]; CM cellulose; Cellulose carboxymethyl insouble in most organic discoloration or weight loss food product and as size for Gum CMC 7HSP [Aqualon]; Cellofas® B- cellulose solvents textiles and paper 3500 [ICI]; Cellosize® CMC P-75-M [Union Carbide]; Tylose® C [Hoechst] soluble nylon 1940s Initially soluble in methanol and becomes insoluble and shrinks with Calaton [ICI, Britain]; Maranyl Nylon DV used in the mid-20th century as an ethanol. age 45 [ICI]; Ultramid [BASF]; Elvamide adhesive, coating and sizing agent [DuPont] to add strength to wet paper and consolidate friable pigments urea formaldehyde 1896 soluble in water degraded by heat, acids, and foams, insulation, coatings (baked Chinaglaze; Pollapas; Kaurit S resin (1923) alkalis enamels) and adhesives (plywood, particle board)