subject: Properties Of Some Common Polymers [print this page] Plastic is said to be the most brilliant innovations of the past millennium. The word plastic itself comes out of the Greek word 'Plastikos' which refers to the ability of taking any shape or mold. This quality of plastic is unmatchable by any other naturally occurring element. Not only that it can be transformed into any shape itself, there are several applications of its resins as well. For example, manufacturers who offer contract vinyl coating and OEM vinyl coating use polyvinyl chloride, which is a common plastic resin.
Plastic is generally categorized into two types: thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers. Thermoplastic melt when heated and can be transformed again. The thermosetting plastic is melted and molded, and after that it remains solid. Over all both kinds of plastic have replaced metals in most application. The reason can be be the light weight of this substance and its ease of production. This article defines some of the most commonly used plastics and few of their most common applications.
Polypropylene:
It is one of the most commonly used polymers. Its chemical formation is C6H3. The properties that make it the most commonly used option are its solidity and resistivity to many acids and bases. It is used in making food containers, bottles and containers' hinges, car fenders and plastic pressure pipes.
Polystyrene:
It is a polymer made from Styrene. It is employed in making Styrofoam for packaging and making disposable dishes. It is also a usual material for CD and Cassette cases.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene:
It is well admired for its rigidity as well as sheen. Hence, it is majorly used in musical equipment cases.
Polyester:
This is probably the one we hear the commonly about. Polyester is mixed with yarn and other natural fibers to make a tough fabric. It is also employeed in polishing high quality wooden furniture.
Poly Amides:
Also called Nylon, this material is another type of plastics which is used as a fabric as well. It is mainly used in car moldings. It is also used in making the bristles of a toothbrush. Nylon is also used for making fishing lines.
Polyethylene terephthalate:
Also called PET, this is the material from which PET bottles of soft drinks and mineral water are composed up of. It is also a common material in making microwavable packing.
Polyvinyl Chloride:
This is the material typically used in Vinyl tiles and coatings around the buildings and it also makes good material for hosing and tubes. Because of its flexibility, it is used to make inflatable objects.
Polycarbonate:
Polycarbonates are normally used in chemical and manufacturing industries for different purposes. Polycarbonates are are both heat and Impact resistant. Many household plastic products such as CDs, sunglasses, lab equipments and lightning lenses are made up of this material.
There are many other types of plastic with many general and special purpose kinds of plastic. The properties of all these plastics are different from one another. Plastic offers a wide range of products to fulfill many of manufacturers' requirements. Yet, ecological issues and hazards call for a cutback on this usage.
