Maya Ellison
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing global crisis. There are an estimated 15-51 trillion pieces of plastic in the world's oceans, with plastic particles being present in every square mile of the ocean surface. The most common plastic pollutants include bags, bottles, food containers, cutlery, wrappers, synthetic rope, and fishing items. Plastic pollution is deadly to marine wildlife, with thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other marine mammals killed each year due to plastic ingestion or entanglement. The primary sources of ocean plastic pollution are middle-income countries with high plastic consumption and inadequate waste management systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Polymeric material that has the capability of being molded or shaped |
| Origin of the word | The word plastic derives from the Latin word 'plasticus' which means 'capable of shaping or molding a substance'. The Greek word 'Plastikos' means something similar |
| Types | Polypropylene, Polystyrene, Polycarbonate, Polyester, Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyethylene Terephthalate, High-Density Polyethylene, Low-Density Polyethylene, Medium-Density Polyethylene, Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene, Thermoplastics, Thermosets, Specialty resins, Commodity plastics |
| Properties | Low weight, durability, flexibility, chemical resistance, low toxicity, low electrical conductivity, toughness, transparency, shatter-resistance, abrasion resistance, bullet-resistance, UV-tolerance, anti-static, etc. |
| Usage | Practically everything we use on a daily basis is entirely or partly made of plastic material. Television, computer, car, house, refrigerator, beverage bottles, food containers, insulating food containers, shatterproof windows, vinyl records, DVDs, sunglasses, police riot gear, car parts, pipes, etc. |
| Environmental Impact | Plastic is often not recycled and is dumped in landfills or discarded in the environment and the ocean. It contributes to aquatic pollution and is hazardous to birds and marine animals. |
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What You'll Learn
Polypropylene (PP)
The history of polypropylene dates back to the mid-20th century when it was first polymerized in 1951 by Phillips Petroleum chemists J. Paul Hogan and Robert Banks. However, the stereoselective polymerization to isotactic polypropylene was discovered by Italian scientists Giulio Natta and Karl Rehn in 1954, leading to large-scale commercial production.
Polypropylene has a range of desirable characteristics that make it a popular choice for various applications. It is lightweight, durable, and strong, with high-impact resistance. PP is also resistant to corrosion and chemicals, and moisture, making it suitable for harsh and humid environments. Additionally, it has good electrical insulation properties, which is advantageous for electrical and electronic components.
Polypropylene is commonly used in the automotive industry for parts such as bumpers, interior trim, door panels, and battery cases due to its lightweight, impact resistance, and ease of molding. It is also used in the textile industry for carpets and fabrics, as well as in medical devices, packaging, and household goods. PP's versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness make it a preferred material for many manufacturing processes.
While polypropylene offers numerous benefits, it also has some disadvantages. It is not considered very eco-friendly due to the challenges in the recycling process. Additionally, it has limited resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause it to degrade and become brittle over time when exposed to sunlight, making it unsuitable for certain outdoor applications.
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Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene is widely used in consumer products, such as foodservice containers, cushioning for shipping delicate items, and insulation. It is valued for its lightweight, protective, and insulative properties. In its foamed variety, polystyrene is used for cushioning or insulation projects, and in electronics. It is also commonly used in food packaging and laboratory equipment due to its clarity and ease of sterilisation.
Polystyrene is produced through processes such as injection moulding, vacuum forming, extrusion, and extrusion moulding. It is used in a wide range of applications, including building and construction, medical applications, and packaging. For example, expanded polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, is used for egg cartons, protective packaging, and food containers.
Polystyrene has four types: GPPS, HIPS, EPS, and SPS. Each type has unique characteristics and applications. GPPS is transparent and used for food containers, disposable tableware, and stationery, while HIPS is used for packaging, appliances, toys, and automotive parts. EPS is a foam plastic used for packaging and construction, and SPS is used as engineering plastics for gears, bearings, and high-temperature applications.
While polystyrene is considered safe and hygienic, with low toxicity, it can undergo thermal decomposition at high temperatures, releasing harmful gases. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using polystyrene tableware for strong acidic or alkaline substances and to prevent microwave heating.
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Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
History
The history of PVC dates back to the 19th century when it was first prepared by French chemist Henri Victor Regnault in 1835. However, it was German chemist Eugen Baumann who synthesised PVC in 1872 by accident. Baumann found a white solid inside a flask of vinyl chloride that had been left on a shelf, sheltered from sunlight, for four weeks. In 1912, German chemist Friedrich Heinrich August Klatte used sunlight to initiate the polymerisation of vinyl chloride, and the process was patented. Waldo Semon and the B.F. Goodrich Company developed a method to plasticise PVC in 1926, leading to its commercial success.
Manufacturing
PVC is produced through the polymerisation of vinyl chloride monomers (VCM). This process involves reacting ethylene with chlorine or oxygen and hydrogen chloride using a catalyst, resulting in the formation of vinyl chloride gas. The gas is then subjected to polymerisation, where it combines to form long chains of PVC polymer. Polymerisation can be initiated through heat, chemical initiators, or UV light. Additives such as plasticisers, stabilisers, lubricants, fillers, pigments, and flame retardants are often incorporated to enhance specific properties.
Properties and Applications
PVC is a lightweight, rigid plastic in its pure form but can also be manufactured in a flexible "plasticised" form. It is known for its exceptional hardness and impact resistance due to its high density. It exhibits excellent chemical resistance and is widely used in the construction industry for pipes, fittings, window frames, profiles, and other structural components. PVC is also used in packaging applications such as shrink-wrap film, cling film, and bottles due to its transparency, flexibility, and ability to form an airtight seal. Additionally, PVC provides excellent cable insulation, making it suitable for electronics. It is also used in clothing, wires, toys, and medical applications.
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Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene is categorised into two main types: high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Both types are derived from the same raw material—ethylene gas. However, the manufacturing process, properties, and applications of HDPE and LDPE differ significantly. LDPE is very flexible and ductile but has low tensile strength, while HDPE is a cost-effective thermoplastic with a linear structure. It has excellent chemical resistance, strength, and temperature tolerance, making it suitable for storing and transporting aggressive chemicals, fuels, and solvents.
There are other types of polyethylene as well, such as linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), which is similar to LDPE but has a higher tensile strength and resistance to impacts. It is used to make thin films, toys, flexible pipes, and containers. Another type is ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which has excellent mechanical properties such as high abrasion resistance, impact strength, and a low coefficient of friction. Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX or XLPE) is used as an alternative to PVC and is popular in water-related applications.
Polyethylene has a wide range of applications due to its excellent insulation properties, good chemical resistance, low cost, good toughness and flexibility, good processability, reasonably low moisture permeability, and non-toxicity. It is used in automotive parts, packaging film, footwear, surface coatings, and carpet backing. It is also used for industrial fluid applications, such as storing and dispensing liquids and gels. However, polyethylene's chemical resilience also makes it a long-lived and decomposition-resistant pollutant when disposed of improperly.
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Polycarbonate (PC)
PC is mainly used for medical devices and parts, but it can also be used as a stronger substitute for glass. It is commonly used in eye protection and other projectile-resistant viewing and lighting applications that would normally indicate the use of glass but require much higher impact resistance. It is also used in optical lenses due to its optical clarity and lightweight nature. PC has several applications in the automotive industry, including headlight lenses, interior components, and sunroofs, thanks to its impact resistance and lightweight properties.
Polycarbonate is also used extensively in 3D FDM printing, producing durable and strong plastic products with a high melting point. It is commonly used in the professional community, but it is relatively difficult for casual hobbyists to print compared to other thermoplastics due to its high melting point and tendency to warp during printing.
PC is available in a variety of grades, such as film, flame retardant, reinforced, and stress crack resistant. It is also widely used in blends due to its excellent compatibility with a range of polymers. It is known for maintaining its colouring and strength over time, even in stressful conditions. It is also 100% recyclable and identified by recycling code '7'.
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Frequently asked questions
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), polypropylene, and polycarbonate are some of the most commonly used plastics in car parts. Polypropylene is used the most frequently due to its durability, heat resistance, and economical price.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS, ABS), and polycarbonate (PC) are some of the most common plastics used in toys. Polyethylene (PE) is also widely used in plastic toys and can be manufactured with different densities, making it suitable for various applications.
Polyamide, a type of nylon, is often found in water bottles as it helps filter and purify water. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is also commonly used to make bottles for water, soda, and other drinks and foods. Microscopic plastic particles have been detected in bottled water, but these are likely not from the bottles themselves.
