From Practical Guide to Rotational Moulding
4.3 Materials Used in Rotational Moulding
Currently polyethylene, in its many forms, represents about 90% of all polymers that are rotationally moulded. PVC plastisols are also widely used, and other materials such as polycarbonate, nylon, polypropylene, unsaturated polyesters, ABS, acetal, acrylics, cellulosics, epoxies, fluorocarbons, phenolics, polybutylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes and silicones account for less than 3% of the market. This is summarised in Figure 4.1 and Table 4.1.
Figure 4.1: Typical usage of plastics in North American rotational moulding industry
Courtesy of Plastics Consulting Research Services
| Resin Type | Mouldability | Impact strength | Characteristics | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | Fair | Poor | Paintable, rigid | Univ. of Akron Report AMCP-706-312 |
| ABS (suspension polymerized) | Good | Good | Paintable, rigid | Material from Daicel, Japan |
| Acetal copolymer | Fair | Good | Excellent stiffness, chemical resistance | Was used commercially |
| Acrylic | Unknown | Poor | Transparent | |
| Cellulosics | Fair/Poor | Fair | Translucent | |
| Ethylene butyl acetate (EBA) | Good | Good | Flexible | Available in powder |
| Epoxy | Fair | Poor | Used in statuary | Thick, heavy |
| Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) | Good | Good | Flexibility, impact | |
| Fluoropolymers (PVDF, etc) | Good | Good | Excellent chemical resistance | Commercial applications as liners |
| Elastomers | Good | Good | Fuel resistant/flexibility | |
| lonomers | Fair | Good | Impact strength | Some commercial use |
| Polyamide/ Nylon | Good | Good |
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