Introduction
Most plastic is made up of organic polymers. The chains of carbon atoms that make up these polymers may or may not be linked together with oxygen, sulphur, and nitrogen atoms. Given that they are made up of numerous repeating monomers, plastics can be thought of as both macromolecules and polymers. Different polymers have different backbones and side chains, which is how plastics differ chemically from one another.
What are Plastics?
A wide variety of synthetic and semisynthetic materials are used to create plastics. Different polymers have different backbones and side chains, that is how plastics differ chemically from one another. Polyesters, Silicon, Polyurethanes, Acrylics, and Halogenated are significant groups into which Plastic is divided into various polymers. Different physical characteristics of plastic include its hardness, tensile strength, density, thermal conductivity, and resistance.
What are Thermoplastic Plastics?
- Thermoplastics are soft and less brittle and are created by additional polymerization.
- In organic solvents, they can be dissolved.
- The thermoplastics become softer when heated and can therefore be moulded into any shape while still warm.
- However, once cooled, the material hardens and rigidifies, holding the moulded shape. Without changing their chemical makeup, they can be repeatedly heated up and moulded into any other shape.
Mention some characteristics of Thermoplastic Plastics
- Have high molecular mass
- As the temperature rises, the intermolecular force between the chains weakens, producing a viscous liquid.
- These polymers are moldable.
- Easy to recycle
- These polymers are strong yet lightweight.
What are Thermosetting Plastics?
The macromolecular chains in thermosetting polymers tend to bond with one another to form a cross-linked 3D network. Thermosets are other names for these polymers. The word “thermosetting” is defined as a term that refers to permanently setting upon heating. Thus, after being heated to their pre-thermoset form, the thermosetting polymers acquire their hard texture.
Mention some characteristics of Thermosetting Plastics
- Typically, thermosetting plastics can withstand heat. They tend to break down before melting, though, when heat is applied at a high intensity.
- Thermosetting polymers are brittle by nature because heating causes them to lose their elasticity.
- These polymers cannot be heated again after they have been cured or moulded.
- The constituent elements used to make the polymer have an impact on the Thermoset density.
- Typically, thermosets are resistant to chemical harm.
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Advantages of Plastics
- Plastics are incredibly flexible and can be moulded into a wide variety of designs to suit our needs.
- It is extremely lightweight and strong in construction.
- It can be altered into various forms, colours, and textures and gives us a significant marketing advantage.
- Plastic products are corrosion-resistant and very inexpensive to produce.
- Instead of other metal materials, plastic products can be handled and stored more easily. They can also be recycled and reused repeatedly.
- Because plastic is water and moisture-resistant, it is also simple to store and transport food in plastic packets or containers.
Disadvantages of Plastics
- The biggest issue in the world is how to dispose of plastics because they cannot easily decompose through any natural process, such as the action of bacteria or microbes. Since plastic takes a long time to decompose, it is not environmentally friendly.
- Plastic contributes to environmental pollution because it releases a lot of harmful fumes into the air when it is burned.
- Unlike metals, plastics cannot be recycled repeatedly into a wide variety of products because doing so compromises their integrity and quality.
- Plastics are made from non-renewable resources like petroleum, natural gas, and coal, which contribute to the depletion of these resources and increased dependence on fossil fuels.
- Plastic production generates significant greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change and its related negative impacts on ecosystems and human societies.
- Plastics can have adverse effects on human health, with exposure to certain chemicals in plastics linked to various health issues, such as endocrine disruption, cancer, and reproductive problems.
- The plastic manufacturing process can also negatively impact local communities and ecosystems near production facilities, often releasing toxic chemicals into the air and water, leading to pollution and potential health problems for nearby residents.
Summary
A wide variety of synthetic and semisynthetic materials are used to create plastics. One of the most significant chemical industry products that have an impact on modern life is polymers. The most prevalent examples of polymers are plastics, synthetic fibres, synthetic rubber, etc. Compared to materials prepared with other metals like iron and copper, plastic-based products are more robust.
Plastic is more effective than metal for the preparation of various materials due to their distinct differences in characteristics. Plastics are incredibly flexible and can be moulded into a huge variety of patterns, vibrant colours, and forms. Consequently, many packaging materials are frequently made of plastic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is plastic employed in the healthcare sector?
Ans. Yes, plastic is useful in the healthcare sector. This is because it is water and temperature-resistant, making it perfect for packaging medications, wound-sealing threads, syringes, gloves, and other medical equipment.
2. Why are plastics naturally non-corrosive?
Ans. The plastics are not corrosive because the materials inside them do not react or go through any chemical reactions. Plastic is used to make a lot of containers, including buckets, mugs, water bottles, and food containers.
3. Why is it necessary to recycle plastic?
Ans. Since almost all types of plastic materials are non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment, recycling plastic is crucial.