Maya Ellison
Plastic is a material that is cheap and easy to produce, which is why it is so commonly used. Plastic is derived from natural, organic materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and crude oil. The production of plastic begins with the distillation of crude oil in an oil refinery, which separates the heavy crude oil into lighter components called fractions. One of these fractions, naphtha, is crucial for plastic production. The two main processes used to produce plastics are polymerisation and polycondensation. Plastic is easy to produce because it has a low melting point and is highly mouldable, allowing it to be manufactured in various densities, sizes, and forms. The moulds used in plastic production can be expensive to make, but they last a long time and can produce thousands of parts very quickly, making the process highly efficient and cost-effective.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Raw material | Waste products from the petroleum industry |
| Cost | Low due to the high volume of production |
| Production process | Straightforward, speedy, and energy-efficient |
| Moldability | Easy to mould into desired shapes |
| Durability | High |
| Reusability | Can be broken down, repurposed, or melted into oil and fuel |
| Safety | Resistant to electricity, sterile |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic is easy to mould
The moulding process for plastic is also rapid and energy-efficient, with some sources claiming a decrease in energy usage by up to 50% in the last decade. The speed of production is especially notable when compared to the time-consuming process of making parts from wood or metal, which often involves multiple steps and complex machining.
The mouldability of plastic makes it versatile and useful for a wide range of applications. It is used in packaging, car parts, safety measures, artificial hips, furniture, and even contact lenses. Its toughness and resilience make it particularly suitable for improving safety in industries such as automotive, where plastic bumpers can absorb tremendous amounts of shock during a crash.
The ease of moulding plastic also contributes to its affordability and durability. It is made from raw materials that are often waste products from the petroleum industry, and its reusability further reduces the need for new materials. When properly recycled, plastic can be broken down, repurposed, or melted into oil and fuel.
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Plastic is a cheap raw material
Additionally, the development of synthetic polymers has made it possible to create plastic entirely from synthetic sources, further reducing the reliance on natural resources. Synthetic polymers are made from carbon atoms derived from petroleum and other fossil fuels, which are abundant and relatively inexpensive.
The process of plastic production, including distillation and polymerisation or polycondensation, contributes to the overall affordability of the material. While the initial investment in creating injection moulds for plastic production can be costly, the long-term returns are significant. Once the moulds are created, they can produce thousands of plastic parts rapidly, with short cycle times and negligible material usage. This high volume of production with minimal time and resource investment results in a low amortised equipment cost per item, making plastic an economical choice for manufacturers.
Moreover, plastic is a versatile material that can be moulded into various shapes and sizes, enhancing its appeal as a cost-effective option. Its low melting point, mouldability, and toughness make it adaptable for multiple applications, from packaging to car parts and furniture. The ease and speed of plastic production, coupled with its decreasing energy requirements, further contribute to its reputation as a cheap and efficient raw material.
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Plastic is durable
Plastic is a durable material with a wide range of applications in our daily lives. Its durability makes it attractive to manufacturers, as it is resistant to scratches, dents, and other damage, ensuring that products last longer. This durability is due to the long chains of atoms in polymers, which also make them strong, lightweight, and flexible.
The first fully synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was invented in 1907 and was known for its durability. During World War II, the need for durable synthetic materials led to a surge in plastic production, with nylon being used for parachutes, ropes, body armour, and helmet liners, while Plexiglas provided an alternative to glass for aircraft windows.
In the automotive industry, plastic is used for bumpers, dashboards, and door panels due to its toughness, resilience, and ability to absorb shock in the event of a crash. Plastic's durability also makes it suitable for safety measures like artificial hips and surgical gloves in hospitals.
However, the durability of plastic has a downside, as it contributes to the growing issue of plastic pollution. Plastic products, especially single-use items, accumulate as waste and can persist in the environment for thousands of years. While recycling can help reduce plastic waste, the majority of plastic is not recycled and ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the natural environment.
Overall, the durability of plastic is a key factor in its widespread use across industries, but it also presents challenges in terms of waste management and environmental impact.
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Plastic is versatile
Plastic is a versatile material that can be moulded into any shape or size. Its versatility stems from its chemical composition, which makes it pliable and easily shaped. The word "plastic" itself originally meant "pliable and easily shaped". The long chains of molecules that make up polymers, of which plastic is a synthetic form, can be arranged in various patterns and lengths, making polymers strong, lightweight, and flexible.
The mouldability of plastic, along with its low melting point, makes it easy to manufacture in various densities, sizes, and forms. Injection moulding allows for the quick and cheap creation of plastic parts in any desired shape. The ability to produce plastic parts in a wide range of shapes and sizes has made plastic a ubiquitous material in our everyday lives. It is used in packaging, furniture, car parts, safety measures, artificial hips, contact lenses, and more.
The automotive industry, in particular, has benefited from the versatility of plastic. Plastic is used in car interiors, such as dashboards and door panels, and for safety features like bumpers, which can absorb tremendous amounts of shock in the event of a crash. During World War II, the versatility of plastic was demonstrated as it provided synthetic alternatives to scarce natural resources. Nylon, for example, was used for parachutes, ropes, body armour, and helmet liners, while Plexiglas was used instead of glass for aircraft windows.
The reusability of plastic further adds to its versatility. When properly recycled, plastic can be broken down and repurposed for new products or melted down to produce oil and fuel. However, it is important to note that a significant portion of plastic is not recycled, contributing to environmental concerns.
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Plastic is reusable
Plastic is a ubiquitous material in our daily lives, used for everything from packaging to furniture, car parts, safety measures, artificial hips, garden furniture, and even contact lenses. Its affordability, durability, toughness, and resilience make it an attractive choice for manufacturers.
Plastic is also reusable and recyclable. When properly recycled, plastic can be broken down and repurposed for new products or melted down to produce oil and fuel. This reduces the need for new materials and helps decrease the environmental impact of production. For example, Polyethylene terephthalate, one of the most commonly recycled plastics used in beverage bottles, can be transformed into a range of new products, from automotive parts to new beverage bottles.
However, it is important to note that a significant portion of plastic is not recycled. According to the OECD, 91% of plastic is not recycled and ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment. Single-use plastics, such as straws, bags, and cutlery, are challenging to recycle due to their small size and often end up as waste in the environment.
The reusability of plastic is an important aspect of its life cycle, and efforts to improve recycling rates and promote sustainable practices can help reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. Proper recycling and repurposing of plastic can lead to a more circular economy and a more sustainable future.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic is easy to produce because it is made from readily available raw materials, such as crude oil, and can be moulded into any shape or size.
The raw materials used to make plastic include natural, organic materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and crude oil.
The use of these raw materials, particularly crude oil, makes plastic easy to produce because they are readily available and can be processed into plastic through distillation and polymerisation.
Plastic's mouldability means it can be used for a wide range of applications, from packaging to car parts and furniture. It is also durable, scratch-resistant, and safe for use in hospitals due to its sterility.
Plastic production is cost-effective because the raw materials are inexpensive and the process of moulding plastic is quick, requiring minimal additional cleanup or machining. This high volume of production at a low cost makes plastic a popular choice for manufacturers.
