Maya Ellison
Plastic is an incredibly useful and versatile material that has become integral to our daily lives. However, not all plastics are created equal. There are numerous different types of plastics, each with unique properties, uses, and environmental implications. The three main types of plastic are thermoplastics, thermosets, and bioplastics. Thermoplastics, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), can be moulded repeatedly without undergoing chemical changes when heated. Thermosets, on the other hand, can only be melted and shaped once; after solidifying, they retain their shape permanently. Bioplastics, which make up only around 1% of the global plastic market, are biodegradable and compostable, breaking down into water, carbon dioxide, mineral salts, and new biomass. Understanding the different types of plastics is essential for making informed decisions about their use and disposal, promoting recycling, and reducing our reliance on single-use plastics that harm the environment.
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What You'll Learn
Thermoplastics and thermosets
Thermosets, on the other hand, undergo a chemical change when heated, forming irreversible bonds that set their shape permanently. This process is irreversible, meaning that once thermosets have been set, they cannot be melted or reshaped. Thermosets are typically hard and strong, with excellent resistance to heat and chemicals. They are used in the automotive, lighting, appliance, and energy industries due to their higher structural integrity and resistance to impact and deformation.
The critical difference between the two types of plastics is how they behave during the curing process. Thermoplastics do not form any chemical bonds when curing, making them remouldable and recyclable. Thermosets, on the other hand, strengthen when cured and form chemical bonds that make them impossible to remould. Thermosets' ability to retain their strength and geometry when exposed to elevated temperatures sets them apart from thermoplastics.
It is important to note that some materials can be both thermoplastic and thermoset, such as polyester. The choice between using thermoplastics or thermosets depends on the specific product and its requirements.
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Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET, is a polymer produced through the polymerization of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. It is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in fibres for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with glass fibre for engineering resins.
PET is widely used to fabricate carbonated beverage bottles because it has high strength and toughness, good abrasion and heat resistance, low creep at elevated temperatures, good chemical resistance, and excellent dimensional stability. It is also suitable for fabricating thin-layer products like stretched film and thermoforming. PET is also used in the 3D printing plastic PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol). In 3D printing, PETG has become a popular material for high-end applications in the automotive and aeronautical sectors, among other industrial applications.
In the context of textile applications, PET is referred to by its common name, polyester. Fibres made from PET have outstanding wear resistance, low moisture absorption, and are very durable. Textile applications include blankets, bed sheets, comforters, carpets, cushioning in pillows, upholstery padding, and upholstered furniture. PET is also steadily gaining market share as a garment fibre due to its reuse and recycling and the significant surplus of post-consumer waste in the form of bottles and cans.
The chemical formula for PET is (C10H8O4)n. Depending on its processing and thermal history, PET may exist as an amorphous (transparent) or a semi-crystalline polymer. It is produced from the polycondensation of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. PET can be processed using common moulding methods like injection moulding, blown moulding, and extrusion. It is recyclable and shows resistance to impact, moisture, alcohols, and solvents.
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Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is a very versatile and cost-effective material used in a wide range of applications. It is commonly used in construction, healthcare, electronics, automobiles, and other sectors. In construction, PVC is used for piping, siding, windows, roofing, fencing, decking, wall coverings, and flooring. It has strong resistance to chemicals, sunlight, and oxidation from water. In healthcare, PVC is used for blood bags, tubing, and intravenous (IV) medical bags, playing a critical role in dispensing life-saving medicine. In electronics, PVC is used for wire and cable insulation, while in automobiles, it is used for piping, siding, and windshield system components.
The production and disposal of PVC have raised concerns due to its potential health and environmental risks. PVC may leach toxic chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, lead, dioxins, mercury, and cadmium. Some of these chemicals are linked to cancer, allergic symptoms in children, and disruption of the hormonal system. Additionally, PVC is rarely accepted by recycling programs. As a result, there is a growing interest in developing bio-based PVC formulations and resins to address these issues.
PVC is formed through the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). German chemist Eugen Baumann first synthesized PVC in 1872, and in 1926, Waldo Semon and the B.F. Goodrich Company developed a method to plasticize PVC by blending it with additives. Vinyl, the raw material used to create PVC, is primarily derived from salt and ethylene, making it an abundant and inexpensive resource. Vinyl products are energy-efficient, emitting fewer emissions during production and requiring less energy for manufacturing processes.
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Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene, also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer that is widely used in a variety of applications. It is the second-most produced commodity plastic globally, after polyethylene. Polypropylene is known for its flexibility, durability, heat resistance, acid resistance, and economical price point.
The production of polypropylene involves the chain-growth polymerization of the monomer propylene. Its properties are similar to polyethylene, but it is harder and more heat-resistant. It has a high chemical resistance, with a density between 0.895 and 0.93 g/cm3, making it the commodity plastic with the lowest density. The properties of polypropylene depend on various factors, such as molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, crystallinity, and the type and proportion of comonomers used.
Polypropylene's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including laboratory equipment, automotive parts, medical devices, and food containers. Its waterproof nature makes it especially useful in the marine and automotive industries. In the medical field, polypropylene is valued for its resistance to mould, bacteria, and chemical corrosion, as well as its ability to withstand steam sterilisation.
Polypropylene can be processed using various thermoplastic-processing methods, including extrusion blow moulding, injection moulding, and general-purpose extrusion. Its ability to adapt to different fabrication techniques has earned it the nickname the 'steel' of the plastic industry. The global demand for polypropylene is estimated at around 45 metric tons, and this figure continues to rise.
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Polycarbonate (PC)
PC is widely used in the automotive industry for components such as headlight lenses, interior components, and sunroofs. It is also used in electrical and electronics applications, such as optical media (compact discs), computer and audio equipment, and telecommunications. In general industries and packaging, PC is used for a variety of applications, including safety equipment, optical lenses, and food and beverage containers.
PC is available in a number of different grades, such as film, flame retardant, reinforced, and stress crack resistant. It is also used in blends with other polymers, such as ABS, polyesters, and PET. The use of PC in these blends improves impact properties, toughness at lower temperatures, and fuel and weather resistance.
One of the advantages of PC is its high impact strength, which makes it resistant to impact and fracture. It also has excellent optical properties due to its amorphous structure, with a refractive index of 1.584. PC is lightweight, with a density of 1.2–1.22, and can transmit over 90% of light. It is also thermally resistant, with a melting point of 155°C, and is rated as slow-burning.
However, PC has some constraints, including limited chemical and scratch resistance and a tendency to yellow upon long-term exposure to UV light. There are also concerns about the potential leaching of bisphenol A (BPA) from PC products, which is a potential environmental hazard and may pose health risks. Despite this, regulatory authorities such as the US FDA and the UK Food Standards Agency have recognized the safe use of PC in food contact applications.
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