Chloe Zhang
Plastic is an organic material, derived from natural gas and petroleum, with a small fraction also coming from renewable materials such as polylactic acid. Plastics are polymers, made by linking chains of molecules (monomers) to create a large molecule (polymer). Plastics are used to describe a group of materials that can be produced from natural resources or synthetically created resources. The raw materials used to produce plastics today are mostly found in the natural world, and include cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and crude oil. There are several types of plastic raw materials, and each type has different uses, properties, and impacts on the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of types | 7 |
| Raw materials | Natural resources or synthetically created resources, including cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and crude oil |
| Future raw materials | Waste, renewable materials, and CO2 |
| Recyclability | Recyclability varies between types; Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled |
| Reusable | Varies between types; some produce hazardous materials after several uses |
| Other names | Resin |
| Identification | Resin Identification Code (RIC) system with a standardized numbering system |
| Common types | Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS) |
| Common uses | Packaging, food containers, construction, bottles, pipes, clothing, medical devices, automotive parts, laboratory equipment |
| Physical properties | Rigid, flexible, tough, strong, lightweight, shatter-resistant, heat-resistant, acid-resistant, ductile, abrasion-resistant, impact-resistant, nontoxic, inexpensive |
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What You'll Learn
Natural and synthetic raw materials
Plastic is derived from organic materials, which can be natural or synthetic. Natural plastics are made from renewable sources such as carbohydrates, starch, vegetable fats and oils, bacteria, and other biological substances. Synthetic plastics, on the other hand, are derived from non-renewable fossil fuels, primarily crude oil, natural gas, and coal.
The vast majority of plastic in use today is synthetic due to the ease of manufacturing methods involved in processing crude oil. Synthetic plastics were first invented over 100 years ago, with the first being Bakelite, made from phenol and formaldehyde resin by Leo Baekeland in 1906. Bakelite revolutionised modern life with its high resistance to electricity, heat, and chemicals, as well as its non-conducting properties. Before the invention of synthetic plastics, natural materials such as wood, metal, glass, ceramics, and animal-derived materials like horn, bone, and leather were used.
Synthetic plastics are created through a polymerisation or polycondensation process. This process involves the extraction and distillation of crude oil, natural gas, or coal, separating these complex substances into lighter components called fractions. One of these fractions, naphtha, is crucial for plastic production. Polymerisation involves linking chains of molecules (monomers) to create large molecules (polymers), which are strong and durable. An example of this is polystyrene, which can be solid or foamed and is used in beverage cups, insulation, packing materials, egg cartons, and disposable dinnerware.
Natural plastics, also known as biobased plastics, are gaining prominence due to the growing demand for limited oil reserves and environmental concerns. Biobased plastics can be made from waste biomass, animal waste, and other waste or renewable materials. They can also be produced from CO2. An example of a renewable resource used in plastic production is cellulose, which is derived from natural materials such as wood and cotton.
Both synthetic and natural plastics can be classified into various types, each with distinct properties and applications. Some types of plastic are safer and more easily recyclable than others. For example, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) are considered safer options and are commonly picked up by recycling programs. However, not all types of plastic can be recycled, and some produce hazardous materials after multiple uses.
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Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is available in two basic forms: rigid and flexible. In its rigid form, PVC is used in the building and construction industry to produce door and window profiles, pipes (for drinking and wastewater), and bottles. It is also used in non-food packaging. When mixed with other substances, PVC can be made softer and more flexible and is used in plumbing, wiring, electrical cable insulation, and flooring.
PVC has strong resistance to chemicals, sunlight, and oxidation from water. It is also durable and affordable, making it useful across industries such as construction, manufacturing, and medicine. PVC pipes and fittings are common in plumbing systems due to their corrosion resistance and strength. PVC is also used in automotive components and medical devices, including blood bags, medical tubing, and IV bags.
PVC can be modified by chlorination, increasing its chlorine content to or above 67%. Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is produced by chlorinating an aqueous solution of suspension PVC particles and then exposing them to UV light. While PVC is a versatile and cost-effective material, it has come under scrutiny due to concerns about the leaching of hazardous chemicals and the presence of carcinogens.
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Polystyrene
Plastic is everywhere, from our televisions, computers, and refrigerators to our clothing and food packaging. There are seven different types of plastic, each with unique properties, uses, and impacts on the environment. One of these types is polystyrene, a versatile plastic that can be found in a wide range of products.
When made into a foam material, polystyrene is called expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS). This form of polystyrene is commonly used for insulation and cushioning, such as in building construction, refrigerators, freezers, and child protective seats. It is also used in foodservice packaging, where it helps keep food fresh for longer and is cost-effective. However, polystyrene foam is considered environmentally harmful as it is not biodegradable, often ending up as litter along shores and in waterways. Additionally, animals may mistake it for food, causing serious health effects if ingested.
While polystyrene has been deemed safe for food contact by the FDA, there are still concerns about the migration of tiny amounts of styrene from polystyrene containers into food and beverages. Despite this, polystyrene remains a popular choice for packaging and various consumer products due to its low cost, ease of processing, and overall functionality.
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Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene, also known as polypropene or PP, is a thermoplastic polymer with a wide variety of applications. It is the second-most widely produced commodity plastic, after polyethylene. The global demand for polypropylene is estimated at around 45 metric tons, and this figure continues to rise exponentially.
Polypropylene is produced via chain-growth polymerization from the monomer propylene. It belongs to the group of polyolefins and is partially crystalline and non-polar. Its properties are similar to polyethylene, but it is slightly harder, more heat-resistant, and has a higher softening point. It also has a higher rigidity and toughness. The presence of the methyl group attached to every alternate backbone chain carbon atom can alter its properties in a few ways: it can cause a slight stiffening of the chain and increase the crystalline melting point, or it can interfere with the molecular symmetry and decrease the melting point.
Polypropylene is resistant to fats and almost all organic solvents, except strong oxidants. Non-oxidizing acids and bases can be stored in containers made of polypropylene. It is also resistant to electrical and chemical corrosion. It has a slippery, tactile surface and is waterproof.
Polypropylene can be processed by virtually all thermoplastic-processing methods, the most typical being extrusion blow moulding, injection moulding, and general-purpose extrusion. Its different variations have led to it being known as the 'steel' of the plastic industry.
Polypropylene is used in a wide range of applications, including plastic packaging, plastic parts for machinery and equipment, fibres and textiles, plastic furniture, first aid products, and more. In the automotive industry, it is used for battery casings, trays and drink holders, bumpers, interior details, instrumental panels, and door trims. In the medical field, polypropylene is used for its waterproof properties, flexible strength, resistance to mould, bacteria, and chemical corrosion, and its ability to withstand steam sterilisation methods.
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Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET, is a type of plastic that is widely used in various applications, including packaging and textile production. It is a strong gas and moisture blocker and is often used in carbonated beverage bottles due to its high strength, toughness, and excellent dimensional stability. PET is also used in artificial fibres for textiles, such as blankets, bed sheets, comforters, carpets, and clothing.
PET is a thermoplastic polymer and is the most common polymer resin of the polyester family. It is produced through the polymerization of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid and can be easily processed by injection moulding and extrusion. One of the unique characteristics of PET is its ability to exist in both amorphous (transparent) and semi-crystalline forms, depending on its processing and thermal history.
PET is known for its durability, mechanical strength, and transparency. However, it has come under scrutiny due to its short useful life, large production volume, and non-biodegradability. Researchers have conducted life cycle assessment analyses to investigate and assess the environmental impact of PET packaging.
PET is recyclable and has a resin identification code (RIC) of 1. Its recyclability, combined with its excellent properties, makes it a popular choice for many products. PET can be modified with additives to enhance its properties or improve processability. For example, cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) can be added to lower its melting temperature, resulting in PETG, a clear amorphous thermoplastic suitable for injection moulding and 3D printing.
PET has found applications in various industries, including automotive and aeronautical sectors, where it is used for high-end applications such as surgical fracture tables. It is also used in combination with glass fibre for engineering resins and has become a popular 3D printing material due to its ease of use and modification capabilities.
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Frequently asked questions
There are dozens of different types of plastic, but seven categories of plastic raw materials.
The seven categories are LDPE, PE, Polyester, HDPE, PVC, PP, and PS.
LDPE stands for low-density polyethylene. It is a thinner and more flexible plastic.
HDPE stands for High-Density Polyethylene. It is a rigid, tough, and strong material.
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It is the third-most-produced synthetic plastic polymer. It can be manufactured to be rigid or flexible.
