Plastics 101 (Part 1)

Plastics 101

 

The word plastic derives from ‘plasticus’ (Latin meaning ‘Capable of moulding’) and ‘plastikos’ (Greek meaning ‘fit for moulding’). So plastic refers to organic polymers of high molecular weight which are mixed with other substances. 

 

1.    Plastics are made from raw materials like natural gas, oil or plants which are transformed into ethane and propane

2.    Ethane and propane are treated through “Cracking Process” which turns them into ethylene and propylene

3.    The monomer ethylene and propylene are combined into different polymers which looks like powdery laundry detergent.

4.    The polymer is fed into an extruder, where it is melted and fed into a pipe.

5.    The plastic forms a long tube as it cools.

6.    The tube is cut into pellets

7.    Pellets are shipped to factories to be melted and moulded into water bottles, food packaging, auto parts, medical devices etc. 

 

Types of Plastics

Plastics can be classed into two main polymer families:

·      Thermoplastics (softens on heating and hardens on cooling)

·      Thermosets (never softens once moulded) 

 

FAQ

1.    What is the main ingredient in plastic?

a.    Main ingredients in plastics are derivatives of crude oil and natural gas

2.    What was earliest form of plastics or plastic like material used by human?

a.    Natural latex and rubber were used by meso americans to make containers and clothes water-resistant.

3.    What was plastic alternatives before its usage?

a.    Wood, metal, glass, ceramic and animal products such as horn, bone and leather. For storage purpose, moulded clay with glass were extensively used.

4.    Is there biodegradable plastics?

a.    Yes there is. Plastic made without oil is marketed as bioplastics. Usual ingredients are:

                                               i.     Lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose,

                                             ii.     Terpenes,

                                            iii.     Vegetable fats and oils,

                                            iv.     Carbohydrates (sugars from sugar cane etc)

                                             v.     Recycled food waste

                                            vi.     Bacteria