Sofia Martinez
Laptops are made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, carbon fibre, and precious metals. The type of plastic used in laptops varies, with Polycarbonate (PC) and ABS plastic being the most common. PC/ABS plastics are used in the chassis/base of laptops, while other types of plastics are used in the keys, bevel, drives, and fans. Some laptops also feature carbon fibre mixed with polycarbonate plastics to keep the base cool to the touch. While most laptop components can be recycled, the plastic insulation from wire chopping is difficult to recycle due to its granulated particle size and mix of plastic resin types.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic used in laptop casings | ABS plastic, Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |
| Plastic used in laptop chassis/base | PC/ABS plastics, Polycarbonate, Carbon Fibre |
| Plastic used in keys and bevels | ABS plastic |
| Plastic used in LCD screens | Polycarbonate |
| Plastic used in packaging | Polyethylene |
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What You'll Learn
Laptop casings are made from ABS plastic and polycarbonate
Laptop casings are made from a variety of materials, but plastic is the most popular and cheapest option. Specifically, laptop casings are often made from ABS plastic and polycarbonate. ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and it is a type of plastic that is commonly used in the production of many devices. While ABS plastic is relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and convenient to manufacture, it also has the disadvantage of being fragile.
Polycarbonate is another type of plastic that is often used in laptop casings. It is more expensive than ABS plastic but offers greater durability. Combining ABS plastic with polycarbonate creates a mixture that is both strong and cost-effective. This mixture can be poured into any desired shape and does not require painting before sale, reducing production costs.
The choice between using ABS plastic, polycarbonate, or a mixture of both depends on the manufacturer's preferences and the specific requirements of the laptop model. Some laptops may also feature carbon fiber mixed with polycarbonate plastics to keep the base cool to the touch. This combination is not widely recycled, but it can be used in waste-to-energy processes.
While plastic is the most common material for laptop casings, other options are available as well. More expensive laptops may use metal alloys, such as magnesium alloy, aluminum alloy, or steel, for their casings. These metal alloys offer greater durability and better heat conduction than plastic. However, the cost of processing metal alloys is higher, which affects the final cost of the laptop.
Ultimately, the material used for laptop casings depends on various factors, including cost, manufacturing processes, and the desired features of the laptop, such as durability, weight, and heat conduction.
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Polycarbonate is used in Apple laptops
Polycarbonate is a type of plastic used in the construction of some Apple laptops, notably the MacBook line. Polycarbonate is a durable and impact-resistant material that was used for the casing of MacBooks, providing a protective shell for the internal components.
Apple's use of polycarbonate in laptops began with the original MacBook, released in 2006, which featured a polycarbonate unibody design. This construction method, where the main body of the laptop is machined from a single piece of polycarbonate, contributed to the structural rigidity and durability of the machine. The polycarbonate MacBook was available in black or white colours, with the black model being particularly popular among users who appreciated its sleek and uniform appearance.
In 2008, Apple transitioned from polycarbonate to aluminium construction with the introduction of the new MacBook model. However, the white polycarbonate MacBook continued to be sold until 2009, when Apple released a redesigned unibody polycarbonate MacBook with a more rounded shape. This updated model retained the polycarbonate construction while incorporating improvements such as faster DDR3 memory, a multi-touch trackpad, and an LED-backlit display.
Despite its advantages, Apple eventually discontinued the use of polycarbonate in its laptops, with the July 2011 discontinuation of the polycarbonate MacBook for consumer purchases. Apple shifted to aluminium construction for its subsequent laptop models, citing advantages such as thinner designs and improved signal strength. While polycarbonate provided a robust and uniform aesthetic, the transition to aluminium allowed for innovations in form factor and wireless technology.
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PC/ABS plastics are recyclable
PC/ABS plastics are indeed recyclable. PC/ABS is a type of plastic commonly used in electrical and electronic equipment, including laptops. When such equipment reaches the end of its life, it can be dismantled, shredded, and processed to separate the metals from the plastics. The remaining material, known as electronics shredder residue (ESR), contains plastics like PC/ABS.
Recycling PC/ABS plastic involves sorting, compounding, and granulating the material. This process can be challenging due to the small amounts and variable ratios of PC/ABS in ESR, as well as its sensitivity to moisture, acids, and bases, which can catalyze degradation. However, successful recycling of PC/ABS has been achieved, and the recycled plastic can be used in various applications, including housings for electronic devices and automotive components.
One company, MGG Polymers, has made significant progress in recycling PC/ABS. They have developed a tailor-made extrusion line in cooperation with an Austrian machine manufacturer, incorporating innovations like high-performance degassing devices. This system improves the removal of pollutants and the odour of the final product, making it suitable for customers in the automotive industry. MGG Polymers has been commercializing recycled PC/ABS since 2018, and their product has been certified as meeting all relevant properties, including optical requirements for high-gloss housings.
Other companies, such as Power Plastic Recycling, also specialize in PC-ABS Plastic recycling. They use advanced automation technology and a proficient workforce to process recycled plastic into new products, reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills. These companies buy scrap PC-ABS Plastic regrind and supply recycled plastic to various industries, including energy, consumer goods, automotive, and more.
Overall, the recycling of PC/ABS plastics is technically possible and has been successfully achieved by several companies. The recycled material has found new applications in electronics and automotive industries, contributing to a more sustainable future.
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Carbon fiber is mixed with polycarbonate to keep the base cool
The base of a laptop is typically made of plastic, with Apple's current laptops made of polycarbonate, and older models made of ABS plastic. Polycarbonate is a base polymer that can be mixed with other materials to form composite materials. One such material is carbon fibre, which is a popular additive for automotive and aerospace applications due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
Carbon fibre is created by oxidising a fibrous mix of carbon atoms at around 300°C to prevent the fibres from melting together. This process results in a material that is rigid and has a high strength-to-weight ratio. When carbon fibre is added to polycarbonate, it increases the material's stiffness, abrasion resistance, and reduces its weight. This makes the resulting composite ideal for laptop bases as it can withstand the weight of the laptop's components and everyday use without warping or cracking.
Additionally, carbon fibre generally reduces thermal shrinking by adding structural rigidity to parts. This is beneficial for keeping the base of a laptop cool as it prevents the material from shrinking and warping due to heat. The high thermal resistance of polycarbonate is further enhanced by the addition of carbon fibre, contributing to the overall cooling effect.
However, it is important to note that adding carbon fibre to polycarbonate can also decrease the impact resistance of the base polymer. This trade-off between increased stiffness and reduced impact resistance is a consideration when choosing materials for specific applications. In the case of laptop bases, the benefits of added stiffness and thermal resistance may outweigh the potential decrease in impact resistance.
Overall, the mixture of carbon fibre and polycarbonate provides a strong, lightweight, and thermally resistant material that is well-suited for laptop bases, contributing to the durability and performance of the device.
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Keys and bevels are made from plastic and are recyclable
Laptops are made from a variety of plastics, including polycarbonate and ABS plastic. While the focus is often on recycling the laptop itself, it is also important to properly dispose of and recycle laptop accessories, such as the keys and bevels, which are also made of plastic.
Laptop keys are small plastic components that can be recycled, but they are often too small to be picked up by curbside recycling services. Therefore, it is recommended to recycle them with other metals in a mixed metals bin at a local recycling center or through an independent scrap yard. Some local authorities may also provide specific drop-off points for e-waste, which is classified as any object with a plug, cord, or battery. Car keys, for example, are considered e-waste due to their electronic remote control systems.
Before recycling laptop keys, it is worth considering other options for reuse. Old keys can be used in arts and crafts or donated to artists for creative projects. They can also be offered to loved ones, colleagues, local schools, thrift stores, or nonprofits if they are still functional. Reusing laptop keys is generally preferable to recycling them, as it reduces waste and gives the items a second life.
In addition to recycling, some keyboard manufacturers offer robust e-waste recycling programs that accept and dispose of electronic waste responsibly. It is important to ensure that the chosen recycling service handles e-waste ethically and does not simply ship it to other countries, potentially causing environmental harm.
Overall, while laptop keys and bevels are made of plastic and can be recycled, it is essential to explore various disposal options to ensure environmental responsibility and reduce the potential impact of harmful metals and plastics.
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Frequently asked questions
Laptops are typically made of a mixture of ABS plastic and polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is more expensive, so ABS plastic is used to reduce costs.
The base of a laptop is primarily made of PC/ABS plastics, which is recyclable.
The keys on a laptop are made of plastic and are recyclable.
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