A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids that are mouldable.

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. Most plastics contain organic polymers.

The vast majority of these polymers are based on chains of carbon atoms alone or with oxygen, sulphur, or nitrogen. Plastics are usually classified by their chemical structure of the polymer's backbone and side chain. Some examples are acrylics, polyesters, silicones, polyurethanes, and halogenated plastics. Plastics can also be classified by the chemical process used in their synthesis, such as condensation, polyaddition, and cross-linking.

 Most plastics contain other organic or inorganic compounds blended in. The amount of additives ranges from zero percentage for polymers used to wrap foods to more than 50% for certain electronic applications. The average content of additives is 20% by weight of the polymer. Fillers improve performance and/or reduce production costs. Stabilizing additives include fire retardants to lower the flammability of the material. Many plastics contain fillers, relatively inert and inexpensive materials that make the product cheaper by weight.

 Typically fillers are mineral in origin, e.g., chalk. Some fillers are more chemically active and are called reinforcing agents. Since many organic polymers are too rigid for particular applications, they are blended with plasticizers, oily compounds that confer improved theology. Colorants are common additives, although their weight contribution is small. Many of the controversies associated with plastics are associated with the additives.

Thermoplastic
Thermo means heating and plastic is the ability to melt and mold to a desire shape A thermoplastic is a type of plastic made from polymer resins that becomes a homogenized liquid when heated and hard when cooled. When frozen, however, thermoplastic becomes glass-like and subject to fracture. These plastics do not resist heat very well and so can be easily formed into other shapes. On heating this type of plastic does not undergo a chemical change and waste can be re-ground into granules and re-used. A heated sheet of thermoplastic which has been moulded into a shape can be reheated and it will go back to its original shape. This returning to shape is referred to as plastic memory.

Thermosetting
Thermosetting Plastics are polymer materials that irreversibly cure. The cure is executed through heat above 200 degrees c or through a chemical reaction with a two part epoxy or through irradiation such as electron beam processing. Thermosets are permanently set once they are initially formed and cannot be melted. If they are exposed to enough heat, they become brittle and crack or become charred. It is produced by the petrochemical industries. Thermosetting plastics cannot be repeatedly molten, then moulded and given new shapes.

Properties Of Plastic
Plastics are poor conductors of heat and electricity. Plastics are non-reactive to chemicals. Plastics are lightweight, strong and durable. Plastics are used to conserve food. Plastics are cheap. Plastics are available in many colours. Plastics are easy to manufacture. Plastics are resistant to water. Plastics are resistant to corrosion. Plastics are resistant to shock. Plastics have a high strength to weight ratio. Some plastics are heat resistant. Some plastics have low toxity.

Uses Of Plastics
Plastics are used to make coverings of electrical wires. Plastics are used to make handles of tools. Plastics are used to make containers of food . Plastics are used to make containers of chemicals. Plastics are used to make parts of aircrafts, cars and spacecrafts. Plastics are used to make waterproof containers, toys and decorative articles. Plastics wrappers are used to keep food fresh in containers. Some plastics are used to make kitchenware ,floor tiles and special suits for firemen. Some plastics are used as non-stick coating in cookware.

Uses of Plastics

 These are some of the hazards associated with using plastic: Polyethylene, contained in plastic articles including shopping bags, disposable bottles and glasses, chewing gum and toys, is believed to be carcinogenic (cancer causing). Polystyrene, the form of plastic used to make Styrofoam articles such as disposable cups and plates, it is believed, enters the body with food and accumulates in fat tissues. It can also cause irritation in the eyes, nose and throat. Tetrafluoro-ethylene, the plastic compound used to manufacture non-stick cooking ware, can irritate the eyes and nose and cause respiratory problems.

Hazard of Plastics

 Acrylic, used in clothes, contact lenses, dentures, adhesives, articles used to prepare food, diapers, sanitary napkins, and other products, can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, respiratory difficulties and headaches. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a form of plastic used in packaging, containers, utility items and cosmetics has been linked to onset of cancer and birth and genetic conditions. It which can also cause bronchitis, skin disease, deafness and vision problems, and digestion and liver related problems. Phthalates, present in emulsions, inks, footwear and toys among other products, is associated with hormonal disturbances, developmental issues, cancer, reduced sperm count and infertility and weakened immunity.

Hazards of Plastics

Non-biodegradable plastics
Plastic wastes present formidable problems as they are at present not biodegradable, are bulky and can resist incineration. Incineration in fact may not be possible due to production of noxious or toxic fumes. Inadequate levels of recycling aggravate the waste problem. In addition, in a world where plastic production may, in a decade, reach over 60 million metric tons per year, plastic waste is a major loss of an important commodity.

Disadvantages of Plastics
Plastic is a nonrenewable resources. Plastic is softness. Plastics are embrittlement at low temperature. Plastics are deformation under load. Plastics are low heat resistant and poor ductility. Plastics are combustibility. Avoid plastic is very helpful to us because it destroys soil. It is a recycle process, but it is very costly.

Disadvantages Of Plastic
Plastics are manufactured from petroleum. This brings a host of issues (destruction of habitat, extraction of crude oil, security issues from the volatile countries where oil is produced, processing of petroleum, chemical manipulation into various types of plastics). The manufacture involves many chemicals, many of which have not been sufficiently tested for their toxicological impact on humans or animals.

Disadvantages of Plastics
The final plastic product is often a chemical entity that in and of itself has had insufficient toxicological and ecotoxicological testing. An example would be PVC, forms of which are banned in Europe but exist widely in children 's toys in America. Recent controversies over plastic bottles (many toxicologists recommending not re-using plastic water bottles and not storing food in Tupperware) have highlighted the potential risks. Exacerbating the problem is that science is only now advancing to where it can detect plastic components in human blood and then trace concentrations and link them to human ailments and diseases.

 The plastics industry itself often spins plastic and related plastic chemicals into a variety of products, some of which are hazardous and controversial (Teflon, PVC, Polyethylene, polystyrene, various silicones in body and hair care). Plastic-producing companies are often chemical companies or subsidiaries of chemical companies, both with poor track records when it comes to their adherence to regulatory compliance and their willingness to perform toxicological analysis on the products they make. Plastics often leech component chemicals, including hazardous chemicals, through common temperature changes. It is for this reason that toxicologists do not recommend storing very cold foods in plastics or heating foods (microwaving especially) in plastics

Disadvantages of Plastics

Disadvantages of Plastics
Plastics are durable materials. Thus, they are hard to eliminate once used and create tremendous waste. While some common plastics can be recycled (plastics used in common soda and milk bottles), the vast majority cannot. They take up a lot of space in landfills and create air pollution when incinerated.

Hazards of Plastics

Summarizing Points
A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids that are mouldable. Plastics are typically organic polymers of high molecular mass, but they often contain other substances. Some examples are acrylics, polyesters, silicones, polyurethanes, and halogenated plastics. A thermoplastic is a type of plastic made from polymer resins that becomes a homogenized liquid when heated and hard when cooled.

Summarizing Points
This returning to shape is referred to as plastic memory. Thermosetting Plastics are polymer materials that irreversibly cure. It is produced by the petrochemical industries. Plastics are used to make waterproof containers, toys and decorative articles. Plastics wrappers are used to keep food fresh in containers. Some plastics are used to make kitchenware ,floor tiles and special suits for firemen.

Questions and Answers

1. What is the chemical process used in synthetic?
Ans: Condensation, poly-addition, and cross-linking.

2. Fillers improve __________ and reduce __________ performance production cost _____. 3. Thermoplastics do not resist heat very well and so ____________ can be easily formed into other shapes. Thermosetting 4. ____________is produced by the petrochemical industries.