Introduction to Plastics

Materials that can be repeatedly softened by heating and hardened by cooling, allowing them to be reshaped or remolded.

Materials that undergo a permanent chemical change during molding, becoming hard and inflexible. They cannot be melted and reshaped after initial processing.

Long chains of repeating molecular units, often composed of carbon atoms, that form the basis of plastics.

A process where used plastic is collected, sorted, and reprocessed to create new products.

A measure of how easily a material can be deformed under stress. Plastics often have varying degrees of flexibility.

A measure of how easily a material can be scratched. Plastics vary widely in their resistance to scratching.

A measure of how well a material resists the passage of heat. Some plastics are better insulators than others.

A measure of how easily a material can be broken. Plastics can be brittle or tough depending on their composition and structure.

A synthetic material that is not biodegradable, meaning it does not decompose naturally like organic materials.

A type of plastic that sets permanently after being heated and cannot be re-melted.

A common plastic with a high melting point, used in making bottles, fibers, and films.

A strong and durable plastic used for making milk jugs, detergent bottles, and some food containers.

A softer and more flexible plastic used for making plastic bags, films, and some food containers.

A strong and resistant plastic used for making containers, pipes, and some food packaging.

A versatile plastic used for making food containers, bottle caps, and some packaging.

A lightweight and easily moldable plastic commonly used for disposable cups, plates, takeout containers, and insulation.

Includes a variety of plastics that don't fit into the other categories, often made for specific applications and may have unique properties.

A type of plastic that is known for its lower density and flexibility compared to HDPE, making it suitable for packaging, but less resistant to tearing.

A type of plastic polymer commonly used for food and drink packaging. Its strong barrier properties prevent oxygen from entering and spoiling the product, and it keeps carbon dioxide in carbonated drinks from escaping.

This plastic is known for its strength and toughness. It's commonly used for bottles, containers, and other durable applications.

This type of plastic is known for its flexibility and ability to be molded into various shapes. It's commonly used in toys, films, and packaging.

A chemical compound found in some plastics, including PET. It is a potential carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer.

The process of converting raw materials into plastic products can be a source of environmental pollution. Improper disposal of plastic can also contribute to environmental issues.

A chemical compound found in some plastics, including PVC. It is considered a potential endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with hormone balance in the body.

A group of chemicals that are commonly used as plasticizers to soften PVC. Some phthalates are suspected of being endocrine disruptors.

The release of harmful chemicals from plastics, especially when they are heated or exposed to certain conditions.

The harmful effects of plastics on human health and the environment, including potential for cancer and endocrine disruption.

A measure of how strong a material is under tension. HDPE has higher tensile strength than LDPE, making it more durable.