Ethan Clarke
Plastic is a synthetic material that can be molded when soft and formed into a solid shape. It is used in a wide range of products, from toys and lawn chairs to computer components and car bodies. The world's first fully synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was invented in 1907, and since then, dozens of different types of plastics have been produced. These include polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, and polystyrene, each with unique properties and applications. The versatility of plastics has led to their widespread use, with an estimated 9.2 billion metric tons produced between 1950 and 2017. However, the environmental impact of plastics, including their slow decomposition rate and the release of potentially hazardous chemicals, has raised concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Synthetic material that can be moulded when soft and formed into a solid shape |
| Other names | Bakelite, Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Acrylic, Polycarbonate, Polystyrene, Polypropylene (PP) |
| Uses | Packaging, building and construction, toys, credit cards, car bodies, computer cases, coatings, adhesives, electric insulators, telephone receivers, etc. |
| Environmental impact | Not easily biodegradable, contributes to aquatic pollution, not easily recycled |
| Manufacturing techniques | Injection moulding, blow moulding, rotational moulding, casting, film blowing |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic used in optical devices
Optical plastics, also known as optical resins, are plastic materials specifically designed for use in optical applications. They are used in optical devices such as ophthalmic glasses, optical fibers, and optical components. Optical plastics have several advantages over traditional optical materials such as glass. For instance, optical plastic lenses have about 10 times the impact resistance of glass, making them a safer option. They also have good shape adaptability and can be used to create complex shapes like aspheric lenses, providing more design possibilities.
However, optical plastics also have some limitations. They have relatively low heat resistance and may deform in high-temperature environments. The surface has poor abrasion and chemical resistance and may require additional protective measures. Optical plastics are also typically quite soft, which means they can be easily deformed or scratched.
Some common types of optical plastics include PSU, PES, polystyrene (PS), PMMA, and polycarbonate. PSU is known for its excellent mechanical strength and dimensional stability, making it suitable for applications that require high precision, such as laser systems and medical optics. PES exhibits remarkable temperature stability and low transmission against UV light, making it suitable for use in electronic assemblies. Polystyrene is a flint-type thermoplastic with a transmittance of 88% and a high refractive index. It is often combined with PMMA to create lenses for F and C spectra. PMMA is commonly used as the core in plastic optical fibers, with a refractive index of 1.49. Polycarbonate materials can withstand higher temperatures of up to 130°C.
In addition to these standard options, there are also micro-optics and plastic polarizers made from plastic materials. The special properties of polymers, such as high thermo-optic coefficients and optical nonlinearities, are exploited in certain devices. For example, significant optical birefringence can be achieved by simply stretching a polymer material.
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Plastic used in packaging
Plastic is widely used for packaging, constituting about 40% of its usage globally. The primary reasons for its popularity are its durability, low cost, ease of manufacturing, and lightweight nature. However, the environmental impact of plastic packaging has come under scrutiny in recent years, with biodegradable alternatives gaining traction.
One of the most well-known types of plastic used in packaging is PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate), commonly identified by its Resin Identification Code 1. It is a tough yet lightweight plastic that is widely recycled and deemed safe for food contact by the FDA. However, there are concerns about potential chemical leaks when exposed to high temperatures.
Polystyrene is another commonly used plastic in packaging. While it is also FDA-approved for food contact, there are concerns about the leaching of styrene over time. Polystyrene is recyclable, but it is not a preferred option by recycling centres due to its complex nature.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a widely used plastic known for its strength, durability, and resistance to oil and chemicals. However, it is the least environmentally friendly type of plastic, and concerns have been raised about the toxic by-products of its manufacturing process.
With the growing environmental concerns associated with traditional plastics, bioplastics like PLA (Polylactic Acid) have emerged as a popular alternative for food and beverage packaging. PLA is derived from plants, is biodegradable, and does not rely on crude oil for production. However, proper conditions are necessary for its decomposition.
In conclusion, while plastic has been a dominant force in the packaging industry due to its cost-effectiveness and versatility, the environmental and health implications of certain plastic types have spurred the development and adoption of more sustainable alternatives.
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Plastic used in construction
Plastic is a generic name for synthetic materials derived from petrochemicals. It is often a product of two or more components. The construction industry favours plastic because it is versatile, durable, lightweight, and inexpensive.
There are several types of plastics used in construction, including acrylics, composites, expanded polystyrene, polycarbonates, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride. Acrylics are used for light fixtures, LCD screens, windows, and other applications that require transparent sheeting. Composites are made of two or more materials that improve each other's characteristics. Polycarbonates are thermoplastics that can be melted down and reused, and they have high impact resistance and transparency. Polypropylene is the most widely produced plastic globally and is used for products that require heat, fatigue, or shatter resistance. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is widely used in construction due to its low cost and durability.
Plastics are used in construction for piping, flooring, roofing, window and door frames, and insulation. Plastic piping is used for rainwater, sewage, gas distribution, and organizing wires. Plastic flooring is easy to clean and hygienic, making it ideal for households. Plastic is used for roofing to create a waterproof barrier and provide additional insulation. Window and door frames made of plastic are durable and resistant to scratches and bumps. Plastic insulation helps to keep warm air in during the winter, prevent energy leakage, and reduce noise pollution.
While plastic is widely used in construction, it also has limitations and environmental concerns. Plastic is not suitable for load-bearing unless it is added to a composite, and it may pose health risks. Additionally, plastic is not flame-resistant and has high thermal expansion rates, so it may not be ideal for high-temperature environments.
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Plastic used in medical devices
Medical devices and equipment have traditionally been made from ceramics, steel, glass, or other metals. However, plastic medical devices are now steadily replacing these materials wherever possible. Plastic is preferred because it is lightweight, durable, cost-effective, biocompatible, and easy to sterilise.
There are many different types of plastic used in medical devices. The most common include:
- Polyethylene: This is a versatile, durable thermoplastic with high impact resistance and resistance to chemicals. It is often used for implants as it is biologically inert and does not degrade in the body.
- Polypropylene: This plastic can be configured to be a biocompatible thermoplastic with high chemical resistance. It is used to manufacture disposable syringes, connectors, and finger-joint prostheses.
- Polycarbonate: This is a naturally transparent plastic with excellent UV protection properties, making it a good alternative to glass.
- Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG): PETG is a transparent, durable, and machinable thermoplastic polymer widely used in the food prep area of hospitals and clinics. It can also withstand sterilisation procedures, including radiation and liquid chemicals.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC is available in different forms, but the thermoplastic grades are the most used in the medical industry. PVC is used to make catheters, feeding tubes, and IV bags.
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS): This plastic can be injection or blow-moulded, extruded, melted, or reshaped. It is used to manufacture tracheal tubes, non-absorbable sutures, tendon prostheses, and drug-delivery systems.
Medical-grade plastics must meet regulatory requirements and be manufactured under a physician's license.
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Plastic used in credit cards
Credit cards are typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of plastic that is not biodegradable and is difficult to recycle. This material is dense and water-resistant, making it durable. However, the production of PVC cards relies on toxic chemicals, including vinyl chloride, a known human carcinogen. As a result, there is a growing movement to find more sustainable alternatives to PVC credit cards.
One alternative material is polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-based plastic derived from non-food corn. Cards made from recycled ocean plastic or bioplastics derived from Thai sugar or Nebraskan corn are also being explored. Mastercard, for example, is working with financial institutions in 46 countries to develop more sustainable cards, and they have launched a directory of eco-friendly alternatives to PVC.
Other potential substitutes for PVC credit cards include recycled ABS, which is highly durable and recyclable, and PETG, which is made from polyester, fully recyclable, and biodegradable.
The shift towards more sustainable alternatives to PVC credit cards is driven by consumer demand for eco-friendly options and the need to reduce plastic waste and carbon emissions. With 6 billion cards in circulation, contributing to the billions of metric tons of plastic in landfills and the ocean, the environmental impact of credit cards is significant.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic wrap is commonly made from polyethylene, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC).
Plastic bags are made from petroleum products and natural gas. They are typically made of thin, flexible plastic film, fabric, or plastic textile.
Polycarbonate is a clear and hard engineering plastic that is 250 times stronger than glass and 30 times stronger than acrylic. Acrylic is another transparent plastic, often used as a shatter-resistant alternative to glass.
Non-woven plastics are used in clothing and can be sterilised by gas. They are porous and used for medical purposes, such as isolating infectious body fluids.
