Omar Khalid
Plastic is derived from natural, organic materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, crude oil, and even plants. 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 a variety of shapes. This discovery was revolutionary as it freed human manufacturing from the limits of nature. Today, most plastic is derived from hydrocarbons found in crude oil, natural gas, and coal, which are processed through polymerisation or polycondensation to create the plastic products we use every day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Source of raw materials | Crude oil, natural gas, coal, cellulose, salt, plant crops |
| Type of plastic | Synthetic, semi-synthetic, biobased, bioplastics |
| Chemical composition | Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, chlorine, silicon |
| Production process | Distillation, polymerisation, polycondensation |
| Catalysts | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Crude oil and natural gas
Naphtha is a term used to describe a group of volatile mixtures of liquid hydrocarbons, obtained by the distillation of crude oil. It is a mixture of C5 to C10 hydrocarbons. Naphtha is decomposed thermally at high temperatures in a steam cracker in the presence of water vapour, where it splits into light hydrocarbons known as major intermediaries. These are olefins (C2 ethylene, C3 propylene, C4 butane and butadiene) and aromatics (benzene, toluene and xylene).
These small molecules are then linked together to form 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). The polymer chains are long flexible chains of chemical compounds and they represent the main structure of plastics. In this "polymerisation" process, the two elements ethylene and propylene are transformed into the resins polyethylene and polypropylene thanks to the addition of a catalyst.
The resins are then melted and cooled, ready to be chopped up into small, plastic pellets known as nurdles. These particles of plastics can then be transported to manufacturers who use heat to mould them into different types of plastic products.
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Coal
Plastic is derived from natural, organic materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and crude oil. Synthetic plastics are made from fossil fuels, which include crude oil, natural gas, and coal. Fossil fuels are composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur, oxygen, and other minerals. The generally accepted theory is that fossil fuels are formed from the remains of living organisms, such as plankton, that existed during the Jurassic era. Over time, these organisms were buried beneath heavy layers of sediment in the Earth's mantle, compressed by heat and pressure, and decomposed without oxygen, transforming into tiny pockets of oil and gas.
The use of coal in the production of plastic is particularly attractive due to its popularity and availability as a fuel, which can reduce the cost of production of composite materials. However, the environmental impact of coal mining and the accumulation of discard threaten the environment. As such, there is a growing interest in non-energy coal applications and the development of polymer composites using coal as a filler feedstock.
In the future, plastics will increasingly be made from waste, renewable materials, or CO2. This shift towards a circular economy for plastics is vital, with initiatives such as the Circular Plastics Alliance aiming to bring more recycled plastics to the EU market.
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Synthetic vs biobased
Plastic is a material that has become integral to modern life. However, it is also a major contributor to environmental pollution and climate change. Conventional plastics are derived from petroleum or natural gas, and the process of extracting these fossil fuels has severe health and environmental consequences.
Bioplastics, on the other hand, are plastics made from renewable biomass sources such as vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, straw, woodchips, and recycled food waste. They can be natural polymers (biopolymers) or synthetic polymers derived from renewable feedstock. Bioplastics have the potential to play a crucial role in transitioning to a more sustainable and circular economy. They offer a reduced carbon footprint, and their biodegradable nature can address the problem of plastic waste persisting in the environment.
However, the term "bioplastic" is controversial. Being bio-based does not necessarily imply superiority in terms of environmental impact, and bioplastics are not without their drawbacks. For example, bioplastics may compete with food production for resources, and their end-of-life management can be unclear. Additionally, the cost and performance of bioplastics compared to conventional plastics remain problematic, hindering their widespread adoption.
While bioplastics are not a silver bullet solution to the plastic problem, they do have their advantages. Bioplastics are less toxic than conventional plastics and do not contain bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disruptor. They are also more compatible with existing recycling streams and can be composted, although their biodegradability depends on environmental conditions.
As of 2018, bioplastics represented approximately 2% of global plastic output, but with continued research, investment, and scrutiny on fossil-based plastics, they are becoming more dominant in some markets. The development of effective downstream recycling routes for bioplastics and addressing their trade-offs will be crucial in making them a truly sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.
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Biodegradable plastics
Plastic is typically derived from fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas, and coal. However, with growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable alternatives, biodegradable plastics have emerged as a promising solution. Biodegradable plastics are a unique category of plastics that can be broken down by microorganisms in the environment, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics.
Types of Biodegradable Plastics
- Polylactic Acid (PLA): Polylactic acid is a biodegradable plastic derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugar canes. It is one of the most commonly used biodegradable plastics and is known for its versatility and ease of processing. PLA is often used in packaging materials, disposable tableware, and even 3D printing filaments.
- Polybutylene Succinate (PBS): Polybutylene succinate is a synthetic biodegradable plastic that offers excellent durability and heat resistance. It is produced from petroleum-based sources but can also be derived from biomass, making it a more sustainable option. PBS is commonly used in agricultural applications, such as mulch films and plant pots.
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs): Polyhydroxyalkanoates are naturally occurring biodegradable polymers produced by microorganisms as a form of energy storage. PHAs are known for their biocompatibility and biodegradability, making them ideal for medical applications such as sutures and drug delivery systems.
- Starch-Based Plastics: These plastics are derived from renewable resources such as potatoes, corn, and tapioca. They are often blended with other polymers to improve their mechanical properties. Starch-based plastics are commonly used in disposable bags, food packaging, and agricultural products.
- Cellulose-Based Plastics: Cellulose-based plastics are produced from cellulose, which is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth and can be found in wood, cotton, and other plant sources. These plastics are known for their transparency and flexibility, making them suitable for packaging and film applications.
Benefits and Applications
- Reduced environmental impact: Biodegradable plastics can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans, minimizing their negative impact on the environment.
- Compostability: Many biodegradable plastics are compostable, meaning they can be broken down into organic matter, contributing to soil health and diverting waste from landfills.
- Renewable resource utilization: Some biodegradable plastics are derived from renewable resources, such as plant-based materials, reducing our reliance on finite fossil fuel resources.
- Biocompatibility: Biodegradable plastics, especially PHAs, have biocompatible properties, making them suitable for medical applications where implantable devices or drug delivery systems are required.
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Bioplastics
The concept of bioplastics dates back to the early 20th century, but significant advancements were made in the 1980s and 1990s when researchers began developing biodegradable plastics from these natural sources. Bioplastics are now gaining renewed interest due to their potential to reduce the environmental impact of conventional plastics, which are largely derived from fossil fuels such as crude oil, natural gas, and coal.
One of the most studied bioplastics is polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are produced by organisms as carbon and energy reserves. PHAs are biodegradable and biocompatible, making them eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. They are also resistant to water and moisture, and have a high range of temperature tolerance. However, the most common PHA, polyhydroxybutyrate, is brittle and stiff, limiting its applications.
Another commonly used bioplastic is polylactic acid (PLA), which is produced from maize or dextrose. PLA is transparent and biodegradable, making it suitable for eco-friendly insulation materials.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastics are made from natural materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt and crude oil.
Synthetic plastics are made from crude oil, natural gas or coal.
The production of plastics begins with the distillation of crude oil in an oil refinery. This separates the heavy crude oil into lighter components, called fractions. One of these fractions, naphtha, is crucial for the production of plastics.
Some innovators are developing bioplastics, which are made from plant crops instead of fossil fuels. Others are working to make plastics that are truly biodegradable.
