Klarinet Archive - Posting 000245.txt from 1997/09

From: GTGallant@-----.com
Subj: ending the GreenLine plastic/composite thread
Date: Sat, 6 Sep 1997 11:01:45 -0400

To put to rest this silly subject, I have compiled some raw data for those of
you who are in the dark about plastics/composites. As I stated before, there
are many types of plastics, to name a few: thermoplastic (very broad),
phenolics or laminates, acrylics, composites, polycarbonate, etc. In order
to stay away from writing a plastics manual, I'll focus on composites and
what some of you deem as plastic - thermoplastic (ABS).

A composite plastic is made up of one or more filler materials, and a
synthetic resin or binding agent. In order to create a composite plastic, a
resin binder, added with a filler such as wood chips, paper, metal dust,
carbon fiber, fiberglass, etc., is applied under heat and pressure and is
transformed into a solid mass. The name of this chemical reaction is called
polymerization. Even though it may have many properties (ex. GreenLine has
carbon fiber, polycarbonate, wood dust, resin binder), it becomes a new
material - a COMPOSITE PLASTIC. Therefore, it no longer has the same
properties of grenidilla but has properties of its own. Different mixtures
produce varied results but defining characteristics of composites and/or
phenolics (laminates) are density, heat resistance, and hardness/strength.

A thermoplastic is a heat sensitive (varying degrees), injectable plastic
used in a wide variety of applications. Just look around the house and
you're bound to find dozens of thermoplastic products. For example, shampoo
bottles, computer housing, cd box, pen casings, etc. By changing the
properties of thermo, different results will occur (i.e. -hardness, heat
resistance, tensile strength, flexibility, etc.) defining characteristics
of thermoplastic are light weight to high strength ratio, varying
flexibility. ABS is a commercial name used in many applications - your
computer casing is thermoformed ABS, the Saturn automobile "polymer panels"
are a thermoformed plastic.
In conclusion, the term "plastics" is extremely broad and is not limited to a
few materials and cannot be judged by looks or external characteristics
alone. The GreenLine IS a plastic -a COMPOSITE PLASTIC - and possesses
properties of its contents, but is not wood. Plastics used in most
applications are not affected by temperature changes (the weather) hence,
will not crack unless physically done so. The reason why the GreenLine
apparently sounds the same as the wood model is that the two are manufactured
utilizing the same dimensions (bore, tonehole placement, fraising, etc.).
Buffet hasn't developed a new and ingenious product but have just
re-designed a composite plastic using their waste material.

I have personal opinions on lots of stuff but the above is purely factual
data. I have found most people on this list are intelligent and speak
knowingly about subjects they are familiar with. For those who told me I was
"shooting my opinions off" and for others who came up with their own wacky
opinions on plastic, this is for you!!!!!!!!

   
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