plastics
plastic-def.
A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids that are moldable. Plastics are typically organic polymers of high molecular mass, but they often contain other substances. They are usually synthetic, most commonly derived from petrochemicals, but many are partially natural.
Plastics Characteristics
Plastics are made from fossil fuels--petroleum, natural gas, coal--, wood and some plant materials, air, water and sometimes other common materials. They are designed in many different formulas for different purposes. There are two main types:
Thermoplastics soften when heated, harden when cooled, so caution is required in use. Examples are: Acrylic, Cellulosic, Nylon, Polyethylene, Polystyrene, Polypropylene, and Vinyl.
Thermosetting plastics are set into permanent shape with heat. They do not soften when reheated. Examples are: Phenolic, Melamine, Urea and Thermoset Polyester.
Properties of basic plastics resins can be changed by adding fillers, plasticizers, or stabilizers. Examples are: Polystyrene, which cracks easily, can be made to resist impact by addition of rubber modifiers; Polyester resin, reinforced with glass fibers, makes durable products such as shower stalls or boats.
Plastics may be shaped by molding, casting extrusion, calendaring, and foaming. Examples are as follows:
Molded-dishes, furniture
Cast-furniture, cutlery handles
Laminated-materials for counter tops, furniture
Extruded-fibers
Calendared-plastic film, plastic-coated fabric
Foamed-upholstery foam, sponges
The Uses of Plastics
Whether you are aware of it or not, plastics play an important part in your life. Plastics' versatility allow it to be used in everything from car parts to doll parts, from soft drink bottles to the refrigerators they are stored in. From the car you drive to work in to the television you watch when you get home, plastics help make your life easier and better. So how is it that plastics have become so
A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids that are moldable. Plastics are typically organic polymers of high molecular mass, but they often contain other substances. They are usually synthetic, most commonly derived from petrochemicals, but many are partially natural.
Plastics Characteristics
Plastics are made from fossil fuels--petroleum, natural gas, coal--, wood and some plant materials, air, water and sometimes other common materials. They are designed in many different formulas for different purposes. There are two main types:
Thermoplastics soften when heated, harden when cooled, so caution is required in use. Examples are: Acrylic, Cellulosic, Nylon, Polyethylene, Polystyrene, Polypropylene, and Vinyl.
Thermosetting plastics are set into permanent shape with heat. They do not soften when reheated. Examples are: Phenolic, Melamine, Urea and Thermoset Polyester.
Properties of basic plastics resins can be changed by adding fillers, plasticizers, or stabilizers. Examples are: Polystyrene, which cracks easily, can be made to resist impact by addition of rubber modifiers; Polyester resin, reinforced with glass fibers, makes durable products such as shower stalls or boats.
Plastics may be shaped by molding, casting extrusion, calendaring, and foaming. Examples are as follows:
Molded-dishes, furniture
Cast-furniture, cutlery handles
Laminated-materials for counter tops, furniture
Extruded-fibers
Calendared-plastic film, plastic-coated fabric
Foamed-upholstery foam, sponges
The Uses of Plastics
Whether you are aware of it or not, plastics play an important part in your life. Plastics' versatility allow it to be used in everything from car parts to doll parts, from soft drink bottles to the refrigerators they are stored in. From the car you drive to work in to the television you watch when you get home, plastics help make your life easier and better. So how is it that plastics have become so