⚫ synthetic or semi-synthetic organic amorphous solids

⚫ used in the manufacture of industrial products

⚫ typically polymers of high molecular mass
⚫ may contain other substances to improve performance
and/or reduce costs
⚫ Monomers of plastic are either natural or synthetic
organic compounds
⚫ Thermosets
⚫ Elastomers
⚫ Thermoplastics
⚫ hard and have a very tight-meshed
⚫ branched molecular structure.
⚫ Curing proceeds during shaping, after which it is no
longer possible to shape the material by heating.
⚫ Further shaping may then only be performed by
machining.
⚫ light switches.
⚫ crosslinked structure
⚫ looser mesh than thermosets
⚫ giving rise to a degree of elasticity.
⚫ Once shaped, elastomers also cannot be reshaped by
heating.
⚫ automobile tires.
⚫ linear or branched molecular structure
⚫ which determines their strength and thermal
behavior
⚫ they are flexible at ordinary temperatures.
⚫ At approx. 120 - 180°C, thermoplastics become a
pasty/liquid mass.
⚫ The service temperature range for thermoplastics is
considerably lower than that for thermosets.
⚫ The thermoplastics polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS) are used, for
example, in packaging applications.
⚫ In an attempt to bring order to plastics classification
for recycling purposes, the Society of the Plastics
Industry (SPI) devised some voluntary codes in 1988.
⚫ They are commonly called SPI codes, and the numbers
within the recycling arrows refer to different types of
plastic resins.
⚫ PET (polyethylene terephthalate): plastic soft drink
bottles, water bottles, beer bottles, mouthwash
bottles and many more
⚫ HDPE (high density polyethylene): milk bottles,
detergent bottles, oil bottles, toys, plastic bags
⚫ PVC (polyvinyl chloride): food wrap, vegetable oil
bottles, blister packaging
⚫ LDPE (low density polyethylene): bread bags,
frozen food bags, squeezable bottles, fiber, tote
bags, bottles, clothing, furniture, carpet,
shrink-wrap, garment bags
⚫ PP (polypropylene): margarine and yogurt
containers, caps for containers, wrapping to replace
cellophane
⚫ PS (polystyrene): egg cartons, fast food trays,
disposable plastic silverware
⚫ Other: This code indicates that the item is made
with a resin other than the six listed above, or a
combination of different resins.
⚫ polymerisation by addition
⚫ polymerisation by condensation
⚫ Polymerisation by addition involves monomers with
>C = C< bonding, where the
monomers join together to make a long chain without
losing any simple molecules from
it.
⚫ Examples of polymers produced through this process
are polythene, PVC perspex and
other plastics.
⚫ Polymerisation by condensation involves the
elimination of small molecules like water,methanol,
ammonia or hydrogen chloride during the process.
⚫ Examples of products ofthis process are terylene and
nylon-66
1. Synthetic polymers have used widely to replace
natural material such as wood, cotton, animal skin
and natural rubber.
2. Plastics are the largest group of synthetic polymers
with the following advantages
⚫ It is strong and light weight.
⚫ They have low density.
⚫ They have good flexibility.
⚫ Special electrical properties.
⚫ Cost effective.
⚫ They are able to resist corrosion.
⚫ Their inertness to chemical reactions.
⚫ They can be easily moulded and shaped.
⚫ They can be coloured.
3. The table below shows some the properties of some
commonly used plastics.
Types of Properties
plastics
Polythene Durable, light, impermeable, inert to
chemicals, easily melted, insulator

Polypropene Durable, light, impermeable, inert to

chemicals, easily melted, insulator, can be
moulded and coloured.

Polyvinyl chloride Low softening temperature, durable, elastic,

(polychloroethene) can be coloured.

Polystyrene Heat insulator, light, can be moulded,

impermeable
 Types of plastics Properties
Perspex Transparent, strong, light

Teflon Durable, non-stick, chemically inert, strong,

impermeable
 Name(s) Uses
Polyethylene • film wrap, plastic bags
• electrical insulation
bottles, toys
Polypropylene •film wrap, plastic bags

Poly(vinyl chloride) •pipes, siding, flooring

(PVC)
Poly(vinylidene chloride) •seat covers, films

Polystyrene •toys, cabinets packaging (foamed)

Polyacrylonitrile •rugs, blankets clothing

Polychloroprene •synthetic rubber oil resistant

⚫ Polypropylene (PP) -Food containers, appliances, car
fenders (bumpers), plastic pressure pipe systems.
⚫ Polystyrene (PS) -Packaging foam, food containers,
disposable cups, plates, cutlery, CD and cassette boxes.
⚫ High impact polystyrene (HIPS)-Fridge liners, food
packaging, vending cups.
⚫ Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-Electronic
equipment cases (e.g., computer monitors, printers,
keyboards), drainage pipe.
⚫ Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-Carbonated drinks
bottles, jars, plastic film, microwavable packaging.
⚫ Polyamides (PA) (Nylons)-Fibers, toothbrush bristles,
fishing line, under-the-hood car engine moldings.
⚫ Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-Plumbing pipes and
guttering, shower curtains, window frames, flooring.
⚫ Polyurethanes (PU)-Cushioning foams, thermal
insulation foams, surface coatings, printing rollers.
(Currently 6th or 7th most commonly used plastic
material, for instance the most commonly used plastic
found in cars).
⚫ Polycarbonate (PC) -Compact discs, eyeglasses, riot
shields, security windows, traffic lights, lenses.
⚫ Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC)-Food packaging.