Sofia Martinez
Plastic containers are commonly used for storing chemicals, with their variety of shapes and sizes being a major bonus. The chemical makeup of plastic varies depending on the type of plastic and its intended use. The main ingredient in most plastic materials is a derivative of crude oil and natural gas, which contain hydrocarbons that make up the monomers. These monomers are chemically processed to make hydrocarbon monomers and other carbon monomers used in plastics. Plastics can be divided into two categories based on their chemical composition: polymers with only aliphatic (linear) carbon atoms in their backbone chains and heterochain polymers, which contain atoms such as oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur in their backbone chains, in addition to carbon. Some common types of plastics include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, and polypropylene. These plastics have different chemical properties and are used in a variety of applications, from beverage bottles to food containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredient | Carbon-containing compounds |
| Chemical composition | Polymers with aliphatic (linear) carbon atoms in their backbone chains or heterochain polymers with atoms such as oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur in their backbone chains |
| Examples of polymers | Polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, polymethylpentene (PMP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Bakelite |
| Monomers | Ethylene, propylene, styrene, vinyl chloride, acrylonitrile |
| Additives | Plasticizers, dyes, flame-retardant chemicals, antioxidants, stabilisers |
| Properties | Toughness, flexibility, elasticity, colour, transparency, low density, low electrical conductivity, shatterproof, corrosion resistance, hydrophobicity |
| Uses | Beverage bottles, garden hoses, food containers, windows, pipes, wire insulation, flooring, automotive parts, bottle caps, drinking straws, utensils, toys, cups, wiring, cars, grocery bags, garbage bins, drainpipes, bulletproof vests |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic types and their chemical composition
Plastic is a polymeric material that can be moulded or shaped, usually by applying heat and pressure. The chemical composition of plastics varies, but they are primarily made from carbon-containing compounds. These compounds are called monomers, which are linked together to form polymers. The specific combination of monomers and their arrangement determines the unique properties of each plastic.
Plastics can be broadly categorized into two types based on their chemical composition: those made up of polymers with only aliphatic (linear) carbon atoms in their backbone chains, and those composed of heterochain polymers. Polypropylene, a common thermoplastic, belongs to the former category. It is created by joining chains of propene or propylene and has the formula C3H6. Polypropylene is known for its flexibility, durability, and heat resistance, making it suitable for various applications, including automotive parts, bottle caps, and food containers.
Polystyrene, another widely used plastic, falls into the category of heterochain polymers. It is composed of styrene monomers (C8H8) and is often used in food containers, insulation, disposable utensils, and Styrofoam. However, polystyrene is considered environmentally detrimental due to its non-biodegradability and low specific gravity, which allows it to blow in the wind and float on water.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is another significant plastic with the formula C2H3Cl. It is composed of ethylene, containing hydrogen and carbon, combined with chlorine. PVC is versatile and can be made flexible or rigid by adding different additives. It is commonly used in pipes, wire insulation, flooring, and windows.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a well-known plastic for its use in beverage bottles and containers for food and liquids. It is highly resistant to organic materials and water and possesses excellent strength and shatter resistance. PET is widely recycled and has a positive track record in recycling programs.
Additionally, polycarbonate plastics, often referred to as engineering plastics, exhibit exceptional strength and impact resistance. They are used in a wide range of applications, including lenses for eye protection, mobile phones, compact discs, greenhouses, and police riot gear.
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How plastic is made
Plastic is derived from natural, organic materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, crude oil, and plant matter such as starch. In the case of crude oil, it must first be processed before it can be used to create plastic. This process involves heating the oil in a furnace and sending it to a distillation unit, where heavy crude oil separates into lighter components called fractions. One of these fractions, naphtha, is crucial for plastic production.
The next step is the polymerisation or polycondensation process, which involves converting light olefin gases (gasoline) such as ethylene, propylene, and butylene (monomers) into higher molecular weight hydrocarbons (polymers). This occurs when monomers are chemically bonded into chains. Polymerisation can occur through two mechanisms: addition polymerisation, where one monomer connects to the next, and dimer to the next one (trimer), and so on; or through another mechanism, which does not need to be detailed here.
The end result of polymerisation is a "resin," which can take many forms, including Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and Polystyrene (PS). Additives can be added at different stages of plastic production, depending on the type of plastic being produced. These additives can include plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers, pigments, and flame retardants.
The resins are then subjected to high temperatures, pressure, and cooling, resulting in long, solid strands that are cut into plastic pellets or "nurdles." These pellets are then melted and formed into the final product. Manufacturers compound, mix, and melt the plastic pellets with other ingredients according to specific recipes, which determine the characteristics and properties of the plastic product.
It is worth noting that over 99% of plastic is produced from fossil fuels, with gas being the main source in the United States. The production of plastic contributes significantly to carbon emissions, from deforestation during land clearing to methane emissions during the fracking process.
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Plastic's chemical properties
Plastic is a polymeric material that can be moulded or shaped, usually by applying heat and pressure. It is made from oil, a carbon-rich raw material, and is composed of large carbon-containing compounds called polymers. Polymers are made up of repeating units of shorter carbon-containing compounds called monomers. The monomers are obtained from the "cracking process" used in refining oil and natural gas. These hydrocarbons are then chemically processed to make hydrocarbon monomers and other carbon monomers used in plastics.
The versatility of plastic is due to the variety of monomers that can be combined to make polymers. For example, the monomer used in LDPE and HDPE is ethylene, but there is a difference in the degree of branching. The polymerization reactions produce polymer resins, which are collected and further processed. This processing can include the addition of plasticizers, dyes, and flame-retardant chemicals. The final polymer resins are usually in the form of pellets or beads, which are then processed into the final plastic products.
The different chemical compositions of plastics give rise to their distinct properties. For example, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is made up of ethylene (containing hydrogen and carbon) and chlorine. It can be combined with additives to make it flexible or rigid, and is used for pipes, wire insulation, flooring, and windows. Polypropylene, on the other hand, is created by joining chains of propene or propylene together. It is commonly found in automotive parts, bottle caps, and drinking straws. Polystyrene, made up of styrene monomers, is widely found in food containers, insulation, Styrofoam, and disposable utensils.
The chemical properties of plastics also make them ideal for storing chemicals. Most plastics are chemically inert and will not react with other substances, making them safe for storing a variety of chemicals. High-density polyethylene (HDPE), for instance, creates corrosion-resistant containers that can withstand temperature changes without significant degradation. PMP (polymethylpentene), a transparent thermoplastic polymer, is highly resistant to corrosion and is used for beakers. Teflon-coated plastic containers, made of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), are ideal for storing a wide variety of acids and bases due to their non-stick and non-reactive properties.
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Plastic's uses and benefits
Plastic is a polymeric material composed primarily of carbon-containing compounds called polymers. Polymers are large molecules formed from chains of carbon atoms, often with attached oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur atoms. The versatility of plastics stems from the ability of chemists to combine various types of monomers (shorter carbon-containing compounds) in different arrangements, resulting in plastics with diverse chemical properties. This "plasticity" allows plastics to be moulded, extruded, or pressed into a wide array of shapes, from films and fibres to tubes and bottles.
Plastics have a range of beneficial properties, including low density, low electrical conductivity, transparency, toughness, durability, flexibility, chemical resistance, and low toxicity. They are also lightweight, with a low cost of production. These characteristics have led to their widespread use across various industries. One of the primary uses of plastic is in packaging, accounting for about 40% of its usage in developed economies. Plastic packaging helps extend the shelf life of fresh foods and beverages, reducing food waste. It also allows for more efficient shipping by reducing the amount of packaging material needed.
Plastics are also commonly used in building and construction (about 20% of usage) and automobiles (up to 20%). Plastic insulation, sealants, and other building products contribute to more energy-efficient homes, reducing heating and cooling costs. Lightweight plastics in cars can increase fuel economy, saving drivers money on fuel. Additionally, plastics are used in safety features such as bicycle helmets, child safety seats, and automotive airbags, helping to protect us in our daily lives.
Plastics also offer significant benefits in the healthcare industry. They are used in medical devices, surgical equipment, aseptic packaging, and pill blister packs. Plastics facilitate access to clean drinking water and contribute to more affordable healthcare. Furthermore, plastics are used in clothing and footwear, with fleece clothing being made entirely of PET plastic, which can also be made from recycled PET.
While plastic has revolutionized various industries and offered numerous benefits, it is important to address the environmental concerns associated with its slow decomposition rate in natural ecosystems. Efforts are being made to improve recycling rates and explore alternative production methods using renewable resources.
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Chemicals of concern in plastics
Plastic is a polymeric material that can be moulded or shaped, usually by applying heat and pressure. It is made from oil, a carbon-rich raw material, and is composed of large carbon-containing compounds. These compounds are called polymers, which are made up of repeating units of shorter carbon-containing compounds called monomers.
While many of the chemicals added to plastics are useful and safe, some are of significant concern. These chemicals have properties that make them persist in the environment for long periods, exhibit high toxicity, and accumulate in animals. They are released from plastics during their entire life cycle, including the extraction of raw materials, production, and manufacture.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has identified ten groups of chemicals of major concern, including specific flame retardants, certain UV stabilizers, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), phthalates, bisphenols, alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates, biocides, certain metals and metalloids, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These chemicals have been found in a wide range of products, including toys, food packaging, electrical equipment, vehicles, textiles, furniture, medical devices, and building materials.
The adverse impacts of these chemicals on human health and the environment have been well-documented. Exposure to these toxic chemicals can cause severe and long-lasting effects, particularly during fetal development and in children, leading to neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral disorders. Men's fertility has also been significantly impacted by exposure to these chemicals.
The recycling of old plastics into new ones is another concern, as the old plastic may contain chemicals that are already restricted or banned. Biodegradable alternatives to plastics may also have similar toxicity and can persist in the marine environment for many years. The Australian Government has established the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) to manage the environmental risks associated with chemicals in plastics.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic containers are made of polymers, which are large molecules composed of repeating units of shorter carbon-containing compounds called monomers. The monomers are derived from hydrocarbons, which are extracted from crude oil and natural gas. Different types of monomers are combined in various arrangements to create an array of plastics with distinct chemical properties.
Polypropylene (PP), a common plastic used in containers, is composed of (C3H6) monomers with three carbon and six hydrogen atoms. It is often used to store corrosive chemicals. Polyethylene (PE), another plastic used in containers, has high-density variants that are resistant to corrosion and high temperatures, making it ideal for storing strong acids and bases.
Plastic containers are widely used for chemical storage due to their variety of shapes and sizes, environmental benefits, and safety advantages over glass or metal containers. Plastic does not react chemically with most substances, including strong chemicals like acids and bases, and is therefore ideal for storing hazardous substances without the risk of dissolving or breaking, which could lead to spills.
