Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, and it's important to understand the different types of plastic and their potential environmental impact. While plastic is often seen as waste, it is a reusable resource, and some types are safer and more recyclable than others. There are seven main types of plastic, each with unique properties, uses, and recycling potential. These include Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), and Polycarbonate (PC). Understanding these types of plastic and their effects on health and the environment can help consumers make informed choices and contribute to better recycling practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Plastic | Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Recycling Code | 7 |
| Recyclability | Not recyclable in most factories |
| Toxicity | Contains highly dangerous BPA (Bisphenol A) |
| Common Uses | Baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, water gallons, metal food can liners, ketchup containers, dental sealants |
| Other Names | Lexan, Makrolon, Makroclear |
| Safer Alternatives | Metals and glass |
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What You'll Learn
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl Chloride, commonly known as PVC, is one of the most important thermoplastics globally. It is the third-most-produced synthetic plastic polymer and is used in a wide range of applications across various sectors. PVC is a durable plastic that can be manufactured to possess rigid or flexible properties, making it suitable for construction, domestic, packaging, automotive, medical, and electrical applications.
History
PVC was first synthesized in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann. However, early attempts to use PVC in commercial products faced challenges due to the rigid and brittle nature of the polymer. In 1926, Waldo Semon and the B.F. Goodrich Company developed a method to plasticize PVC by blending it with additives, improving its processability.
Forms
PVC is available in two primary forms: rigid and flexible. Rigid PVC, also known as unplasticized PVC, is a stiff, impact-resistant, and cost-effective plastic. It exhibits high resistance to water, weather conditions, chemicals, and corrosive environments. Flexible PVC, on the other hand, is formed by adding plasticizers to PVC, reducing its crystallinity. This softer form of PVC is commonly used in plumbing products, electrical cable insulation, clothing, and medical tubing.
Uses
PVC is widely used in the building and construction industry due to its durability, moisture resistance, and abrasion resistance. It is used for pipes, windows, roofing, fencing, decking, wall coverings, and flooring. In addition, PVC is commonly employed in medical applications, such as blood bags, medical tubing, and tamper-proof medication packaging. PVC is also found in the automotive sector, used for wire and cable insulation, as well as in the production of toys and clothing.
Environmental Impact
While PVC is a long-lasting plastic, its disposal can be challenging. Burning PVC releases chlorine gas, which poses significant health risks. Additionally, there have been concerns about the leaching of chemicals from PVC, particularly lead compounds, which can contaminate drinking water. However, life-cycle studies suggest that PVC may offer environmental benefits in terms of low greenhouse gas emissions and resource conservation.
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Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET, is the most important polyester and the fourth-most-produced synthetic plastic. It is a polymer produced through the polymerization of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. It is also known as poly(ethylene terephthalate), PETE, PETG, PET-G, or the obsolete PETP or PET-P.
PET is a clear, durable, and versatile plastic with a high strength-to-weight ratio. It is also shatterproof and has excellent chemical resistance to organic materials and water. These characteristics make it suitable for a wide range of applications, including packaging, textiles, and engineering resins. PET is commonly used in plastic bags, plastic trays, and plastic drink bottles for water, cooking oil, and soda. It is also used in the fabrication of carbonated beverage bottles due to its high strength, toughness, good abrasion and heat resistance, and excellent dimensional stability.
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 used in combination with glass fibre for engineering resins.
PET is widely recycled and has a positive track record in this regard. It is the most widely recycled plastic in the United States and the world, with PET bottles being the most commonly recycled plastic globally. Recycled PET (rPET) is a highly sought-after material as it reduces the environmental impact of producing new bottles and other products. Using rPET reduces total energy consumption and limits greenhouse gas emissions.
In 3D printing, PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) has become a popular material for various applications, including surgical fracture tables, automotive and aeronautical sectors, and the fabrication of traffic signs and LED spotlights. PET can exist in both amorphous (transparent) and semi-crystalline forms, depending on its processing and thermal history.
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Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene, also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer with a wide range of applications. It is produced through chain-growth polymerisation from the monomer propylene. It is a type of polyolefin and has a partially crystalline and non-polar structure. It is similar to polyethylene but harder and more heat-resistant. It is a mechanically strong material with high chemical resistance.
Polypropylene is the second-most widely produced commodity plastic, after polyethylene. Its global demand is estimated at around 45 metric tons and continues to rise exponentially. It is used in a variety of domestic and industrial applications, including plastic packaging, plastic parts for machinery and equipment, and fibres and textiles. It has a slippery, tactile surface, making it ideal for plastic packaging. It also has excellent fatigue resistance and elasticity, contributing to its reputation for toughness and durability.
Polypropylene has a high insulation capacity and is electrically safe for use in electrical goods and cables. Its waterproof properties make it especially useful in the marine and automotive industries. In the automotive sector, polypropylene is used for battery casings, trays, bumpers, interior details, instrumental panels, and door trims. It is also valued in the medical field for its waterproof qualities, flexible strength, and resistance to mould, bacteria, and chemical corrosion. Its ability to withstand steam sterilisation is particularly advantageous.
The versatility of polypropylene is attributed to its adaptability to various fabrication methods and applications. It can be processed by almost all thermoplastic-processing methods, such as extrusion blow moulding, injection moulding, and general-purpose extrusion. Its flexibility, lighter density, and ease of manipulation have earned it the moniker of the 'steel' of the plastic industry.
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Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene, abbreviated as PS, is a synthetic polymer made from monomers of the aromatic hydrocarbon styrene. It is one of the most widely used plastics, with several million tonnes produced annually.
PS can be solid or foamed, and it is a very inexpensive resin per unit weight. It is also lightweight, durable, and FDA compliant, meaning it is certified safe for use with food and beverages. These qualities make it popular across industries, from household products to manufacturing and machinery.
The two most common types of standard solid plastic polystyrene are:
- General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS): GPPS is a hard, brittle homopolymer that is naturally clear but can be coloured. It is used for items such as CD plastic jewel cases.
- High-impact polystyrene (HIPS): HIPS is opaque, less brittle than GPPS, and contains a polybutadiene rubber impact modifier. It is used in household and food packaging.
PS is slow to biodegrade and is not widely recycled. It is also highly inflammable and can leach harmful chemicals when heated, making it dangerous for use in microwave ovens. Despite these disadvantages, PS is still in demand for its versatility and ease of production.
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Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate has a unique chemical structure, with organic functional groups linked by carbonate groups (–O–(C=O)–O–). It has a high glass transition temperature of about 147 °C (297 °F) and a melting point of 155°C. Unlike most thermoplastics, PC can undergo large plastic deformations without cracking or breaking, making it valuable for prototyping applications. It is processed and formed at room temperature using sheet metal techniques, and can be bent without heating. PC is also used in medical applications, with some grades complying with ISO 10993-1 and USP Class VI standards. Aliphatic polycarbonates have been developed for nanomedicine applications.
Polycarbonate is a durable material with high impact resistance, but it has low scratch resistance. Therefore, a hard coating is often applied to polycarbonate lenses and automotive components. It has better light transmission than many kinds of glass, with polycarbonate sheets transmitting over 90% of light. PC is also lightweight, providing virtually unlimited design possibilities. It offers excellent optical properties due to its amorphous structure, with a refractive index of 1.584.
Polycarbonate is known for maintaining its coloring and strength over time, even under stressful conditions. It is eco-friendly and recyclable, with some polycarbonate plastics being BPA-free. However, PC can be more expensive than other plastics. Some types of PC may not be suitable for direct food contact due to concerns about the potential leaching of bisphenol A (BPA). Polycarbonate is a versatile plastic with a range of applications, making it a popular choice for many industries.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic type 'other' refers to plastic type number 7, which includes plastics that do not fall under the previous six categories. This includes new plastics, bioplastics, and items composed of multiple types of plastics.
Some examples of plastic type 'other' include acrylic, nylon, and polycarbonate (PC).
Plastic type 'other' is considered a separate category because it includes plastics that are not identified by the first six plastic types. These plastics may be made from different polymers or a combination of different plastics.
Plastic type 'other' can be identified by the recycling logo with the number 7 inside it. This logo indicates that the plastic is not commonly recycled and may be more harmful to the environment and human health.
