Alexei Volkov
Plastic is a synthetic polymer derived from natural, organic materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt and, most commonly, crude oil. The word 'plastic' comes from the Greek 'plastikos' and the Latin 'plasticus', both of which mean 'capable of being moulded'. The creation of synthetic plastic in the 19th and 20th centuries was revolutionary, as it allowed humans to create new materials without being limited by natural resources. However, plastic's slow decomposition rate has since become a major environmental concern, with most plastic produced ending up in landfills or causing plastic pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name origin | The word 'plastic' comes from the Latin 'plasticus' and the Greek 'plastikos' and 'plastikós', all of which mean 'capable of being moulded' or 'fit for moulding' |
| Composition | High molecular weight organic polymers composed of various elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, chlorine, and silicon |
| Sources | Crude oil, natural gas, coal, and other fossil fuels |
| Production process | Extraction, refinement, creation of ethane and propane, cracking phase, creation of usable material, and sending to the manufacturer |
| First appearance | Ancient Mesoamericans used natural plastic 3500 years ago; modern plastic first appeared during World War II |
| Boom | Since the 1950s |
| Environmental impact | Plastic has negative consequences for the environment, especially when it is not recycled; it has a slow decomposition rate, leading to the creation of garbage patches and microplastics |
| Recycling | Less than 10% of plastic has been recycled; recycled plastic has lower quality and loses some of its chemical properties |
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What You'll Learn
Crude oil and natural gas
Naphtha is decomposed at high temperatures in the presence of water vapor, splitting into light hydrocarbons known as olefins and aromatics. Among the olefins are ethylene and propylene, which are the main raw materials for oil-based plastic. These small molecules are then linked together into long molecular chains called polymers. When a polymer comes out of the chemical factory, it is in the form of granules or powders (or liquids). These resins are first melted and then cooled, ready to be chopped up into small, plastic pellets known as nurdles. These small particles of plastics are then transported to manufacturers who use heat to mold them into different types of plastic products.
The first synthetic polymer was invented in 1869 by John Wesley Hyatt, who treated cellulose derived from cotton fiber with camphor to discover a plastic that could be crafted into a variety of shapes. However, the first fully synthetic plastic, containing no molecules found in nature, was invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland. He called this plastic Bakelite.
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Fossil fuels
Following the war, commercial plastic demand greatly increased. Seeking methods to create newer and cheaper plastic, manufacturers began to rely on fossil fuels to make their products. In the 1960s, global plastic production increased by 400%, and it has continued to climb ever since. Fossil fuel industries are now counting on a dramatic increase in plastic use as the world moves towards renewable energy and away from oil and gas due to mounting climate change concerns.
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Synthetic polymers
The first synthetic polymer was invented in 1869 by John Wesley Hyatt, who treated cellulose derived from cotton fiber with camphor to create a plastic that could be crafted into various shapes and imitate natural substances. However, the truly synthetic plastic, containing no molecules found in nature, was invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland. He created Bakelite, a synthetic substitute for shellac, a natural electrical insulator, to meet the needs of the rapidly electrifying United States.
The creation of synthetic polymers has had a significant impact on human society and the environment. On the one hand, plastics have revolutionized manufacturing by providing a cheap and versatile alternative to natural materials. They have contributed to various industries, from medical devices to construction materials, and have helped alleviate the strain on natural resources. For example, the creation of synthetic ivory reduced the demand for natural ivory obtained through the slaughter of wild elephants.
On the other hand, the dominance of plastics since the early 20th century has also led to significant environmental concerns. Plastics have a very slow decomposition rate, with most plastic produced ending up in landfills or as pollution. Microplastics, in particular, have been shown to have detrimental effects on marine life and terrestrial ecosystems. As a result, there is a growing demand for biodegradable plastics and more sustainable alternatives derived from renewable resources.
Overall, synthetic polymers have played a crucial role in shaping modern society, but addressing their environmental impact and transitioning towards more sustainable practices are essential for the future.
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Biobased plastics
Plastic can either be synthetic or biobased. Biobased plastics, as opposed to synthetic plastics, are derived from renewable biomass sources, such as plants. Some common plants used to make bioplastics include sugarcane, cassava, corn, and other biological substances like carbohydrates, starch, vegetable fats, and oils. The term biobased refers to the origin of the material, which can be partially or fully biobased.
As of 2018, bioplastics represented approximately 2% of the global plastics output. With continued research on bioplastics, investment in bioplastic companies, and rising scrutiny on fossil-based plastics, bioplastics are becoming more dominant in some markets.
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Biodegradable plastics
Plastic is derived from natural, organic materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and crude oil. The vast majority of plastic in use today is synthetic, derived from crude oil, natural gas, or coal. However, there is growing demand and interest in newer plastics from renewable resources, such as waste biomass or animal waste products.
There are two classes of biodegradable plastics: bioplastics, whose components are derived from renewable raw materials, and plastics made from petrochemicals with biodegradable additives that enhance biodegradation. Bioplastics are not always biodegradable, and some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based. Bioplastics are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, micro-organisms, petrochemicals, or combinations of these.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a class of biodegradable plastic naturally produced by various micro-organisms, such as Cuprividus necator. Specific types of PHAs include poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV), and polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH). In 1983, the first broad-application biodegradable plastic, PHBV, was manufactured and named Biopol.
Starch blends are another type of biodegradable plastic. While all starches are biodegradable, not all plasticizers are, so the biodegradability of the plasticizer determines the biodegradability of the starch blend. Biodegradable starch blends include starch/polylactic acid, starch/polycaprolactone, and starch/polybutylene-adipate-co-terephthalate.
Recent innovations have focused on making biodegradable plastics truly compostable. For example, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a way for compostable plastics to break down more easily with just heat and water, eliminating microplastics.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic is derived from natural, organic materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt and, most commonly, crude oil.
Synthetic plastic is derived from crude oil, natural gas or coal.
Synthetic plastic is a man-made substance that uses polymers as a main ingredient.
Ancient Mesoamerican populations used naturally occurring plastic from trees to create rubber balls.
