Polymer: Understanding the basics
You may be wondering about polymer - specifically what it is and how it differs from the other materials used in safety barriers. This section will cover some FAQs.
What is polymer?
Polymer is a material that is made up of smaller molecules that link together in a chain to form larger molecules. ‘Poly’ means ‘many, ‘mer’ means ‘bits’.
There are both natural polymers and synthetic polymers
What are natural polymers?
Natural polymers are polymers that occur in nature and can be extracted from plants or animals for other uses. Examples of natural polymers include:
- Wool
- Silk
- DNA
What are synthetic polymers?
Synthetic polymers are manmade polymers that have been designed or engineered for specific uses. Examples of synthetic polymers include:
- Plastic
- Teflon
- Nylon
What are the different types of plastic polymer?
While plastic is an example of a synthetic polymer, there are thousands of different types of plastic. Different types of plastic polymer include:
- Polyethylene
- Polyvinyl chloride
- Polypropylene
- Polystyrene
Each of these plastic polymers has different properties and compositions, and they are designed for a range of functions.
We believe polymer is the best material for safety barriers. That's why we created the world's first advanced polymer safety barrier. Speak to a member of our team to find out how our products can help create cost-effective and low-maintenance solutions for your facility.
What are they and what do they do?
At A-SAFE, we design and manufacture world-leading polymer safety barriers and products. In this section, we will discuss polymer barriers and our role in creating them.
What are polymer safety barriers?
Polymer barriers are plastic barriers that are made up of millions of smaller molecules. The dense structure of polymer means that it is possible for the barriers to take an impact and reform to their original shape.
They provide more cost-effective and long-term industrial protection than standard steel or concrete safety barriers.
Learn more: Concrete, Steel and Polymer: Which Safety Barrier is Best?
Who is A-SAFE?
A-SAFE is the leading manufacturer of advanced polymer safety barriers and bollards.
The company began life as a polymer manufacturer specialising in film products, before turning to the world of safety. In 2001, A-SAFE invented and created the very first advanced polymer safety barrier. Twenty years later, A-SAFE products are trusted by the world's best-known brands. Now in their third generation, A-SAFE barriers uses patented design to deliver unrivalled impact protection. Our barriers are made with a unique polymer called Memaplex™.
What is Memaplex™?
Memaplex™ is a revolutionary three-layered polymer material designed exclusively by A-SAFE.
During manufacturing, the barrier undergoes a molecular reorientation that stretches the molecular structure of the polymer as it is being formed on the extrusion line. This realigns the molecules into a grid structure to create a unique built-in memory that allows the polymer to reform to its existing shape after an impact.
As a leading manufacturer of polymer barriers, A-SAFE has created safety systems for companies as diverse as Coca Cola, DHL, BMW and Gatwick airport. No matter what your industry, we can help you create bespoke protection for your workforce, machinery and facility.
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