Plastic is an indispensable material in the modern world. It’s used in everything from everyday appliances to packaging and construction materials to clothing. Plastic’s broad range of uses comes from the varying plastic types available, all of which are made with organic polymers.
The prevalence of plastic is due to its numerous benefits. Manufacturing is inexpensive and simple to mass produce. Along with being water and shock-resistant, plastic is electrically and thermally insulating. Plus, one of its most significant advantages is its lightweight nature, an aspect that is all the more noteworthy due to its high-level strength-to-weight ratio.
Plastic and its chemical properties
Plastics come in two primary forms: thermoset plastic and thermoplastic. As expected, the application determines the use of either , with each featuring different physical characteristics
Thermoset plastics
Due to the molecular cross-linking of their polymers, thermoset plastics are similar yet typically stronger than thermoplastics. As the “set” part of the name implies, a thermoset plastic, once mixed and molded during processing forms an unchangeable chemical bond. This means the plastic is “set” once it is cured, meaning formed and solidified. Even though it cannot be changed back to a liquid state or re-molded, thermoset plastics are known for being ultra-strong and solvent-resistant.
Thermoplastics
Unlike thermoset plastic, thermoplastics don’t chemically bond when heated, which means the plastic material remains unaffected. While thermoset plastics cannot be changed after processing, they can be melted, molded, and re-molded over and over again. These plastics can be transformed into a different size, shape, or even an entirely new object.
The many uses of plastic
Even if you’re knowledgeable about plastic and its versatility, you may still find it surprising just how widespread plastic is in everyday life. It’s part of what you wear and yet also used for space stations. A large percentage of plastic is found in your electronic devices, and it’s also found throughout the realm of medical devices.
The list goes on and on endlessly.
Of course, certain plastics are only used for specific applications. For instance, when it comes to clothes, polyamide nylon (PA) and polyester (PES) are two plastics that are commonly found in everything from suits to lingerie.
One of the most resourceful thermoplastics is undoubtedly polypropylene (PP). Below is just a snippet of common PP products:
- Packaging
- Labeling
- Stationery
- Carpeting
- Plastic containers
- Loudspeakers
- Automotive parts
- Laboratory equipment
- Underwear
- Outdoor furniture
- Reusable water bottles
- Toys
The advantages of plastic over metal
In terms of working with metal or plastic, there are more benefits to plastic. It is highly malleable, boasts a low melting point, and easily molds into complex forms. Furthermore, unlike metals where post-treatment processes like painting are required, colors and finishes can be added to plastics prior to fabrication. Plastic is also lower in weight, lower in cost, and produces less waste than metal.
Beyond the production stage, plastic is also more resistant to corrosion. Metals can be affected by rusting and oxidation, whereas plastic is much less susceptible to these types of chemical reactions.
Plastic is here to stay. And with its abundance of capabilities, we’re sure to see a continuing use of it as technologies and innovations progress.