Page 35 - Plastics Nuews October 2017

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TYPES OF PLASTICS cabinetry, glasses and other impact-resistant surfaces. It
is also commonly added with a blowing agent to create
Overall, there are about 45 unique types of plastics foam insulation.
and each type has dozens of different variations.
Manufacturers can change the physical structure just Polyvinylidine Chloride (PVC) - Commonly known as
slightly to benefit the application for which they are Saran, this plastic is used in wraps to cover food. It is
using it. When manufacturers change or modify things impermeable to odors from food and can be drawn into
like the molecular weight distribution, the density or various films.
the melt indices, they alter the effectiveness and create Polytetrafluoroethylene - A growing popular choice is
plastics with many specific properties - and therefore this plastic also known as Teflon.First manufactured by
many different uses. DuPont in 1938, it is a heat-resistant form of plastic. It is
TWO PLASTIC CATEGORIES very stable and strong and is unlikely to be damaged by
chemicals. Moreover, it creates a surface that is almost
There are two main types of plastics, thermoset plastics frictionless. This is why it is used in various cookware
and thermoplastics. Breaking these down further, you (nothing sticks to it) and in tubing, plumbing tapes and
can see the everyday uses of each type. With thermoset in waterproof coating products.
plastics, the plastic will hold its shape long term once it
has cooled to room temperature and hardened thoroughly. Polypropylene - Commonly called just PP, this plastic has
various forms. However, it has uses in many applications
This type of plastic cannot return to its original form - including tubes, car trims, and bags.
it cannot be melted down into its original form. Epoxy
resins and polyurethanes are some examples of this type Polyethylene - Also known as HDPE or LDPE, it is one of
of thermosetting plastic. the most common forms of plastics. New formations of
it make it possible for this plastic to be flat. Its initial
It is commonly used in tires, auto parts, and composites.
uses were for electrical wires but it is now found in many
The second category is thermoplastics. Here, you have disposable products, including gloves and garbage bags.
more flexibility and versatility. Because it will return to its It is also used in other film applications such as wraps, as
original form when heated, these plastics are commonly well as in bottles.
used in various applications. They can be made into films, The use of plastics every day is more commonplace than
fibers, and other forms. many might think. By making small changes to these
SPECIFIC TYPES OF PLASTICS chemicals, new and versatile solutions are obtained.
Below are some of the specific types of plastics and how CHALLENGES FOR THE PLASTICS
they are in use today. Consider their chemical properties INDUSTRY
and benefits, too:
We have outlined just a small sample of the diverse uses
PET or Polyethylene terephthalate - This plastic is ideal of plastics, and it is clear that modern life would very
for food storage and water bottles. It is commonly used different without them. However, there are challenges
for things like storage bags, too. It does not leach into the ahead.
food, but is sturdy and can be drawn into fibers or films.
Because many plastics are based ultimately on crude oil,
PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride - It is brittle but stabilizers are there is a continuous rise in the cost of raw materials and
added to it. This makes it a softer plastic that's easy to this increasing cost is something that chemical engineers
mold into various shapes. It is commonly used in plumbing are trying to work around.
applications because of its durability.
The issue of environmental persistence is the other area
Polystyrene - Commonly known as Styrofoam, it is one of where plastics are challenged. We do need to solve the
the less ideal options today for environmental reasons. disposal issue and that is being actively addressed through
However, it is very lightweight, easy to mold and it works materials research, recycling policies and enhanced public
as an insulator. That is why it is heavily used in furniture, awareness.

35 Octob er 2017 | Plastics News