Omar Khalid
Plastic is a synthetic or semi-synthetic material made of polymers that can be molded into solid objects. The word plastic comes from the Ancient Greek πλαστικός (plastikos), meaning capable of being shaped or molded. Plastics are classified based on the degree to which the chemical processes used to make them are reversible. Thermoplastics can be molded repeatedly without undergoing chemical changes when heated, while thermosets can only take shape once and will decompose if reheated. Plastic is also classified based on its arrangement of particles, with amorphous solids having constituents that are not arranged in an orderly fashion. The majority of plastics are derived from natural gas and petroleum, but a growing number are produced from renewable resources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Synthetic or semi-synthetic organic compounds, commonly known as polymers |
| Bonding | Intermolecular forces |
| Malleability | High |
| Moldability | High |
| Durability | High |
| Weight | Low |
| Flexibility | High |
| Chemical Resistance | High |
| Toxicity | Low |
| Cost of Production | Low |
| Biodegradability | Low |
| Fossil Fuel Dependency | High |
| Recyclability | Low |
| Colour | Wide range |
| Texture | Wide range |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic is an amorphous solid
Plastic is a synthetic or semi-synthetic material that is composed primarily of polymers. The word "plastic" is derived from the Ancient Greek πλαστικός (plastikos), meaning "capable of being shaped or molded". This characteristic of plasticity allows plastics to be molded, extruded, or pressed into a diverse range of solid forms.
Plastics can be classified based on the arrangement of their constituent particles. Amorphous solids are obtained from this arrangement classification, wherein the constituents are not arranged in an orderly fashion. Plastic is an amorphous solid, as the large molecules in plastic are interconnected in a disorderly manner.
The classification of plastics as amorphous solids is further supported by their ability to undergo non-reversible changes in form when subjected to external forces. This property of plasticity allows plastics to be molded into various shapes, such as films, fibers, plates, tubes, bottles, and boxes.
Additionally, the majority of plastics contain organic polymers formed from chains of carbon atoms, which contribute to their amorphous structure. These polymer chains can consist of thousands of repeating units, with some polymers containing pendant methyl groups (CH3) attached to every other carbon atom.
While most plastics are produced from natural gas and petroleum, a growing number are derived from renewable resources, such as polylactic acid. Despite their varying chemical compositions and sources, plastics are generally classified as amorphous solids due to the arrangement of their constituent particles.
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Commodity resins
Plastic is an amorphous solid. The word plastic comes from the Ancient Greek πλαστικός (plastikos), meaning "capable of being shaped or moulded". Plasticity, the deformability of materials used in plastic manufacturing, allows plastics to be moulded into various solid forms like films, fibres, plates, tubes, bottles, and boxes.
Some examples of commodity resins include:
- Polystyrene (PS): PS is a versatile plastic that is used in a variety of consumer products. It is food contact acceptable and flame retardant. Polystyrene is often used in products requiring clarity, such as food packaging, product casings, and laboratory ware.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC is economical and versatile. It can be soft and flexible or more rigid as seen in industrial pipes. PVC has many uses in the construction, healthcare, and automotive industries. It is commonly found in siding, wiring, packaging, IV bags, and medical tubing.
- Styrene: Styrene is a commodity resin that provides good weatherability, processability, and high clarity. It is found in many products, including food containers, appliance housings, building insulation, tub enclosures, and car body panels.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): ABS is a low-cost resin that is chemical-resistant, flame retardant, and easily processed. It is commonly used in consumer goods like auto interiors and toys.
- Acrylic: PMMA is a medium-cost resin that provides good weatherability and insulation. It can be clear but can also have colour added to it. Acrylic is commonly used as a glass replacement for lenses, casings, and aquariums.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is a low-cost commodity resin that provides excellent material flow. It is food contact acceptable and easily processed but has some trouble with weather resistance.
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Specialty resins
Plastic is an amorphous solid, with large molecules that are interconnected. Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic materials composed primarily of polymers. The word resin dates from the early years of the plastics industry, referring to naturally occurring amorphous solids. Commodity resins are plastics that are produced at high volume and low cost for common disposable items and durable goods.
Some companies, such as Crest, offer tailor-made specialty resins for diverse applications. Nexeo Plastics is another global resin distributor, providing resins for automotive parts, medical applications, and 3D printing. They offer biobased, recycled, and compostable plastics that contribute to a lower carbon footprint.
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Thermoplastics
Plastic is an amorphous solid. It is a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic materials composed primarily of polymers. Their defining characteristic, plasticity, allows them to be moulded, extruded, or pressed into a diverse range of solid forms.
Common examples of thermoplastics include acrylic, polyester, polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, and Teflon. Thermoplastics are used in a wide variety of manufacturing products, from clothing and non-stick cookware to carpets and laboratory equipment.
Polycarbonate (PC) thermoplastics are easily worked, moulded, and thermoformed for many applications, including electronic components, construction materials, automotive and aircraft parts, and security glazing. Polyoxymethylene (POM), an engineering thermoplastic, is used in precision parts requiring high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability.
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Thermosets
Plastic is an amorphous solid. It is a synthetic or semi-synthetic material composed primarily of polymers, which are formed from chains of carbon atoms. The defining characteristic of plastics is their plasticity, or deformability, which allows them to be moulded, extruded, or pressed into a diverse range of solid forms.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic is a synthetic or semi-synthetic material made of polymers that can be moulded into solid objects.
Polymers are long chains of molecules. The majority of polymers are formed from chains of carbon atoms, with or without the attachment of oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur atoms.
Thermoplastics can be moulded repeatedly without undergoing chemical change when heated. Thermosets, or thermosetting polymers, can only melt and take shape once. After solidifying, they retain their shape permanently.
Examples of thermoplastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Examples of thermosets include epoxy resin, polyimide and Bakelite.
