Alexei Volkov
Plastic is a synthetic material derived from crude oil, natural gas, or coal. The first fully synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland, who coined the term plastics. Plastics are composed primarily of polymers, which are large molecules made of smaller ones called monomers. These monomers are derived from natural sources such as natural gas, oil, and plants. The process of creating plastics involves extracting and refining these raw materials, which are then treated with heat and pressure to form the desired shape. While most plastics are produced from non-renewable resources, a growing minority are made from renewable sources such as polylactic acid, carbohydrates, starch, vegetable fats and oils, and waste biomass.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Raw materials | Crude oil, natural gas, coal, plants, carbohydrates, starch, vegetable fats and oils, bacteria, and other biological substances |
| Petrochemical industry raw material | Naphtha and natural gas |
| Polymerization process elements | Ethylene and propylene |
| Polymerization process catalyst | Addition of a catalyst |
| Polymerization process output | Polyethylene and polypropylene resins |
| Plastic manufacturing regions | Europe, North America, Asia (especially China) |
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What You'll Learn
Crude oil and natural gas
The distillation process breaks down the complex hydrocarbons into simpler hydrocarbons with lower relative molecular masses. This process, known as cracking, can be performed in two ways: steam cracking and catalytic cracking. Steam cracking uses high temperatures and pressures to break the hydrocarbon chains, while catalytic cracking uses a catalyst to allow the process to occur at lower temperatures and pressures. The resulting small molecules, such as ethylene and propylene, are linked together to form long molecular chains called polymers, which are the basis of plastic.
Natural gas, another fossil fuel, is also used as a raw material for plastic production. Natural gas, specifically ethane, undergoes a similar cracking process to produce ethylene, which is then converted into polyethylene through polymerization. Polyethylene is a versatile plastic polymer used in a variety of everyday products.
While crude oil and natural gas are the predominant sources of plastic, there is a growing demand for plastics derived from renewable resources. Bio-based plastics, or bioplastics, are made from renewable products such as carbohydrates, starch, vegetable fats and oils, bacteria, and other biological substances. These plastics have the advantage of being more environmentally friendly, although they may still persist in the environment and not biodegrade. Overall, the production of plastic from crude oil and natural gas involves complex processes of extraction, distillation, cracking, and polymerization, resulting in the versatile material we encounter in various forms in our daily lives.
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Naphtha
Petroleum naphtha, which contains both heavy and light naphtha, typically constitutes 15-30% of crude oil by weight. Naphtha is used to dilute heavy crude oil to reduce its viscosity and enable or facilitate transport. Undiluted heavy crude cannot normally be transported by pipeline and may also be difficult to pump onto oil tankers. Naphtha is a particularly efficient dilutant and can be recycled from diluted heavy crude after transport and processing.
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Ethylene and propylene
These small molecules are then linked together to form long molecular chains called polymers, which are the main structure of plastics. The process of converting ethylene and propylene into polymers is called polymerization. During polymerization, a catalyst is added to transform the two elements into the resins polyethylene and polypropylene. These resins can then be molded using heat and pressure into various shapes.
Polyethylene is a polymer of ethylene and is the most widely used plastic globally. It is commonly used in plastic bags, film paper, packaging plastic, and boxes with grids due to its adaptability, flexibility, and resistance. Polyethylene can also be classified into different types, such as linear or branched polyethylene, based on its chemical structure.
Polypropylene, on the other hand, is a polymer of propylene. It is the second-most widely produced commodity plastic after polyethylene. Polypropylene is known for its toughness, flexibility, and high chemical resistance. It is commonly used in food packaging, carpets, ropes, and plastic parts. Polypropylene has a higher melting point than polyethylene, making it suitable for applications that require higher temperature resistance.
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Polyethylene and polypropylene
Polyethylene, also known as PE, is a polyolefin that can be made from various monomers, with ethylene being the most common. It is widely used in product packaging due to its translucency and low cost, ranging from $0.80 to $1.60 per kilogram. High-density polyethylene can be recycled up to ten times, making it a more sustainable option than polypropylene.
Polypropylene, or PP, is also a polyolefin and the second-most widely produced commodity plastic. It is made through the polymerization of propylene gas, which creates a partially crystalline and non-polar structure. Polypropylene is tougher and more heat-resistant than polyethylene, with a higher melting point, and is used in a wide range of applications, including packaging, automotive parts, and medical devices. Its cost is generally lower than polyethylene, ranging from $0.55 to $0.80 per kilogram.
Both polyethylene and polypropylene have advantages and disadvantages depending on the specific application. For example, polypropylene's higher heat resistance makes it suitable for engineering plastics, while polyethylene's translucency may be preferred for certain packaging materials. Additionally, polypropylene's toughness and flexibility make it ideal for electronic components, whereas polyethylene's recyclability gives it an edge in terms of sustainability.
In summary, polyethylene and polypropylene are crucial polymers with distinct properties that lend themselves to various applications. Their production involves complex processes that transform raw materials into versatile plastics, showcasing the intricate nature of modern materials science.
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Renewable resources
Plastic is derived from a variety of natural and synthetic materials, with most modern plastics being made from fossil fuel-based petrochemicals. However, there is a growing trend towards using renewable resources as raw materials for plastic production. These renewable resources include waste biomass, vegetable fats and oils, carbohydrates, animal-waste products, corn or cotton derivatives, and CO2.
Bioplastics, or biobased plastics, are terms used to describe plastics made from renewable materials. These plastics are not necessarily a more sustainable alternative, but they do help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and can contribute to more environmentally friendly production methods. Softwood, for example, is the most common raw material used in the production of cellulose plastics, but its use is limited by anti-deforestation laws and the low cost of conventional plastics.
The shift towards renewable resources in plastic production is driven by the growing demand for limited oil reserves and the desire to foster the sustainable use of plastics. This transition is supported by initiatives such as the Circular Plastics Alliance in the European Union, which aims to facilitate the use of recycled plastics and promote a circular economy for plastics.
Plastics are also being used to generate renewable energy through solar panels and windmill blades, and modern plastics can be used in 3D printing without creating waste. Additionally, polymers can be recycled into new items through mechanical or chemical processes, further reducing waste and promoting the reuse of plastic materials.
Overall, the use of renewable resources in plastic production is a growing trend that has the potential to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and promote more sustainable practices in various industries.
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Frequently asked questions
The raw materials used to make plastic include natural gas, oil or plants.
Crude oil is the type of oil used to make plastic.
Ethane and propane are the "building blocks" of plastic.
Polymers are large molecules made of smaller molecules called monomers.
