Introduction to Plastics
Plastics are polymersized molecules composed of at least two differently bonded carbon atoms linked in a chain. The molecules form polymers chains with a repeating number of atoms, or residues, which is why plastic polymers are classified by their chemical composition. These polymers are used for the manufacture of the wide variety of objects used in everyday life.
Polyethylene (PE): It is an inexpensive and easily shaped form of plastic that is widely used. It is marked with the abbreviation PE. It is resistant to water but sensitive to heat. It is used for synthetic fabric, containers, food packaging, toys, and containers for hazardous materials.
Polypropylene (PP): It is a light and flexible plastic with a slightly greasy feel. PP is more expensive than other plastics and is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, which means it can be molded into almost any shape. It is generally used for automotive parts, furniture, food packaging, and medical supplies.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): It is a tough, lightweight and high impact plastic used primarily for home appliances, electronic equipment, toys and automotive parts. It is referred to as ABS plastic. It is also resistant to temperature and chemicals, making it a popular choice for construction applications.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): It is a versatile plastic used in a range of applications, including construction, electronics, medical equipment, furniture and electrical wiring. It is identified with the abbreviation PVC. It is relatively inexpensive and has good chemical resistance.
Polycarbonate (PC): It is a strong and lightweight plastic used for many applications, such as protective eyewear, aircraft windshields and mobile phone covers. It is marked with the abbreviation PC. It has very good thermal stability, meaning it is able to withstand higher temperatures without deforming.
Polystyrene (PS): It is a widely used plastic with a low melting point. It is strong and lightweight and widely used for insulation, food packaging, containers and cups. It is marked with the abbreviation PS.
Polyamide (PA): It is a tough and rigid plastic used in lots of applications, such as the manufacture of shoe soles, nuts and bolts, gears and other machine components. It is marked with the abbreviation PA. It is also used to fabricate synthetic fibers and fabrics.
Polyurethane (PU): It is a versatile plastic used in many industrial products. It is marked with the abbreviation PU. It is generally used for insulation, automotive components, medical products and furniture. Its high strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for cushioning and flexing applications.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): It is a heat-resistant plastic used for many industrial and consumer applications. It is marked with the abbreviation PTFE. It is often used for non-stick cookware, electrical insulators, oil seals and fuel lines. It is also used for low friction components such as bearings and gears.
Conclusion
Plastics are some of the most versatile materials, used in a wide range of everyday products and applications. They can be formed into a wide variety of shapes and provide higher strength-to-weight ratios than many other materials. Different properties, such as electrical insulation, chemical and heat resistance, give plastics an advantage over other materials. Different plastics are identified by their abbreviation, such as PE, PP, ABS, PVC, PC, PS, PA, PU and PTFE.
