Alexei Volkov
Plastics are a group of materials that can be produced from natural resources or synthetically created resources. They are derived from hydrocarbons, which are mostly obtained from crude oil, natural gas, and coal. Plastics are large organic molecules known as polymers, which are formed by linking chains of smaller molecules called monomers. This process is called polymerization. The word 'plastic' comes from the Greek 'plastikos' and the Latin 'plasticus', meaning 'fit for moulding' or 'capable of being moulded into various forms'. Plastics are versatile and lightweight, making them ideal for a wide range of consumer and industrial applications, from food packaging to automotive parts. They contribute to sustainability by reducing waste, lowering emissions, and improving energy efficiency. However, they can also be harmful to the environment if not properly recycled or disposed of.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Description | Large organic molecules called polymers |
| Raw materials | Natural resources or synthetically created resources, including cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and crude oil |
| Malleability | Can be moulded, extruded, or compressed into a variety of shapes, including films, fibres, plates, tubes, bottles, and boxes |
| Composition | Polymers, which are made by linking chains of molecules (monomers) together to create a large molecule |
| Additives | Contain polymer stabilisers and other additives that may be weakly bound to the polymers or react in the polymer matrix |
| Sustainability | Can help protect the environment by reducing waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and saving energy |
| Medical use | Help save lives and protect people, making healthcare more affordable |
| Insulation | Can be used in houses to save energy and improve safety due to their thermal properties and corrosion resistance |
| Renewable energy | Used in solar panels and windmill blades to generate renewable energy |
| Recycling | Can be recycled and reused, contributing to a circular economy |
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What You'll Learn
Plastics are large organic molecules called polymers
Polymers are substances composed of large molecules called macromolecules, which are multiples of simpler chemical units called monomers. They are formed by linking together a large number of repeat units formed from monomers. The continuously linked backbone of a polymer used for the preparation of plastics consists mainly of carbon atoms. The chains of carbon atoms may or may not have attached oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur atoms.
The majority of plastics contain organic polymers, which are crucial for living things, providing basic structural materials and participating in vital life processes. For example, the solid parts of all plants are made up of polymers, including cellulose, lignin, and various resins. Wood resins are polymers of a simple hydrocarbon, isoprene, and another familiar isoprene polymer is rubber.
The properties of a polymer are determined by the arrangement and length of the molecular chain. Longer chains result in stronger polymers. For example, when more than a thousand carbon atoms line up in a chain of ethylene monomers, the resulting polymer, polyethylene, is strong and flexible.
Additives are blended into plastics but remain chemically distinct. They can gradually leach back out during normal use, in landfills, or following improper disposal in the environment. Plasticizers are an example of additives, which are small molecules that create gaps between polymer chains for greater mobility and fewer interchain interactions.
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Plasticity and moulding
The word plasticity refers to the deformability of the materials used in the manufacture of plastics. This property of plasticity allows plastics to be moulded, extruded, or compressed into a variety of shapes, including films, fibres, plates, tubes, bottles, and boxes.
Plastic moulding is the process of pouring liquid plastic into a container or mould so that it hardens in that customized shape. There are five types of plastic moulding: extrusion moulding, compression moulding, blow moulding, injection moulding, and rotational moulding.
In extrusion moulding, hot melted plastic is pressed through a shaped hole to create a lengthy shaped plastic part. The shape that the liquid plastic is pressed through is called a die, which is custom-made for the desired outcome. This process is similar to pressing dough through a press to make shaped cookies.
Compression moulding involves placing heated plastic inside a heated mould, then closing it to compress the plastic into the desired shape. Once cooled, the part is removed from the mould. This process is cost-effective, versatile, and yields stronger, more durable parts, making it popular across a range of industries.
Blow moulding involves inflating a heated plastic mass, usually in the shape of a tube (called a parison), with air until it fills the mould and conforms to its shape. This process is especially useful for economically manufacturing one-piece, hollow objects in large volumes, such as bottles, storage containers, and drums.
Injection moulding involves melting raw polymer resin granules into a liquid and injecting them into a mould, where the plastic takes the desired shape. Varying levels of heat and pressure may be applied to create the final profile for the end product.
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Plastic is derived from natural and synthetic resources
The word "plastic" comes from the Ancient Greek "plastikos", meaning "capable of being shaped or moulded", and the Latin "plasticus", meaning "capable of moulding". Plastics are organic materials composed of polymers, which are large molecules formed by covalently joining many monomer-repeating units together in the form of chains.
Plastics are derived from both natural and synthetic resources. The raw materials used to produce plastics today are mostly found in the natural world, including cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and crude oil. Synthetic plastics are derived from crude oil, natural gas, or coal, while bio-based plastics come from renewable products such as carbohydrates, fats, and oils.
The development of plastics has evolved from the use of naturally occurring plastic materials, such as gums and shellac, to the chemical modification of these materials, and finally to completely synthetic plastics. Early plastics were bio-derived materials such as egg and blood proteins, which are organic polymers. In the nineteenth century, as chemistry developed during the Industrial Revolution, many new materials were discovered. The development of plastics accelerated with Charles Goodyear's 1839 discovery of vulcanization to harden natural rubber. The world's first fully synthetic plastic was Bakelite, invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland, who coined the term "plastics".
Today, dozens of different types of plastics are produced, such as polyethylene, which is widely used in product packaging, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), used in construction and pipes due to its strength and durability. Many other types of plastics are used in a wide range of applications, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene, polypropylene, and polycarbonate.
Plastics are lightweight, durable, flexible, chemically resistant, non-toxic, and low-cost, making them widely used around the world. They contribute to sustainability by reducing waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and saving energy. For example, plastic packaging helps extend the shelf life of fresh foods and beverages, and plastic insulation and sealants make homes more energy-efficient.
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Plastic is used in healthcare and renewable energy
Plastic is a versatile material with numerous applications in healthcare. Its tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to bacterial growth make it ideal for medical devices such as sutures, staples, bandages, tubing, catheters, syringes, and braces. Plastic is also used for packaging and protecting medical equipment and medications from contamination and damage. Additionally, plastics like polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl chloride are utilised in manufacturing implants due to their sterilisability and durability.
However, the extensive use of plastic in healthcare has led to significant waste generation, with plastics accounting for around 30% of all healthcare waste. This waste contributes to environmental concerns, especially when improperly disposed of. The healthcare sector is exploring ways to reduce plastic waste, such as substituting materials and adopting more sustainable practices.
In the context of renewable energy, plastic waste can be converted into energy through a process called "cold plasma pyrolysis." This method breaks down plastics into hydrogen, methane, and ethylene, which can be used as clean fuels, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. Renewable energy sources like solar and hydroelectric power can also be utilised in the manufacturing processes for plastic alternatives, contributing to a more sustainable future.
The integration of renewable energy in plastic recycling is gaining traction. Technologies powered by renewable energy, such as AI-driven sorting systems and biotechnological solutions, enhance recycling efficiency and reduce landfill waste. Additionally, renewable energy plays a crucial role in producing biodegradable alternatives and eco-friendly materials, further minimising the environmental impact of plastics.
While plastic has valuable applications in healthcare, the challenge lies in managing its waste sustainably. Renewable energy offers a promising solution by providing alternative energy sources for plastic production and recycling, reducing the environmental footprint associated with plastic waste management.
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Plastic is recyclable
Plastic is one of the world's most concerning waste materials. It is disposed of in non-environmentally friendly ways, causing polluted oceans, landfills, and ecological damage. Therefore, recycling plastic is critical for improving the environment and waste management.
In principle, almost all plastic can be recycled. However, in practice, there are several barriers to this process. Firstly, many plastic items include multiple types of plastic and different layers, making separation challenging and costly. For example, polypropylene recycling is difficult and expensive, and the recycled product often retains the smell of its previous contents. Additionally, recycled polypropylene usually ends up as black or grey material, making it unsuitable for packaging.
The ease of recycling plastic varies with its type. The general rule is that plastics with lower resin codes, ranging from 1 to 7, are more easily recyclable. Thermoplastics, for instance, can be remelted and remolded, whereas thermoset plastics contain irreversible chemical bonds that prevent recycling. The most widely recycled plastic globally is PET, which is used to make plastic bottles. Recycled PET is often transformed into fashion items such as polar fleece clothing, backpacks, and carpets. Alternatively, PET bottles can be recycled into new PET bottles, as the polymer can be recycled into the same form.
Despite the environmental benefits of recycling plastic, it does not always make financial sense to do so. In many cases, recycled plastic is not actually recycled and ends up in landfills or incinerators, contributing to pollution and health issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastics are large organic molecules called polymers. They are made by linking chains of molecules called monomers.
Plastics are made from natural or synthetic resources. The raw materials used to produce plastics include cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and crude oil.
Examples of plastics include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene.
Plastics are versatile and durable materials used in various applications, from household items to industrial products. They contribute to sustainability by reducing waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and saving energy. For example, plastic packaging helps extend the shelf life of fresh foods and beverages, reducing food and packaging waste.
