blow moulded or vacuum formed). You would be amazed by just how many types of plastic there are, and how some, like Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), are quickly taking the place of metals in a wide range of applications. The "father of the plastics industry," as he is often called, created an inexpensive and versatile material that can be used in a wide range of products, and nearly any human activity. Since then, the world produced 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic, the majority of which still exists on the surface of the Earth. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) can be recycled. Thermoplastic products have the ability to be continually softened, melted and reshaped/recycled, for instance in injection molding or extrusion resins. Thirty times stronger than acrylic, clear polycarbonate sheets are also easily worked, molded, and thermo-formed or cold-formed. Polyurethanes can be used to make almost anything from cushions to varnish. Types of plastics used for commercial purposes include: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Polypropylene (PP) Polystyrene (PS) Other. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): LDPE has the simplest structure of all the plastics, making it easy to produce. Plastic Type #4: LDPE Low-density polyethylene - LDPE is safe for human use but not exactly recyclable. PS is most commonly know for it’s packaging protection uses especially electronic goods and toys whilst in transit. This rigid plastic formula is used to produce plumbing and sewage pipes, window frames, non-food packaging, cards, electrical cable insulation, flooring, and phonograph records. British surfers fall ill after sewage pollution incidents, Kelvin-Helmholtz: the clouds that look like breaking waves, © 2020 SurferToday.com | All Rights Reserved. It is used to manufacture grocery bags and a variety of bottles. Learn more on our About section. What is the physical and emotional impact the big ball of fire has on you? However, all plastics are not made alike. Plastic Recycling and Plastic Recycling Codes for the Different Types of Plastic and Their Uses. Once cooled and hardened, these plastics retain their shapes and cannot return to their original form. Code 7 is used to designate miscellaneous types of plastic not defined by the other six codes. You use them every day. For example, expanded PVC sheets are a foamed polyvinyl chloride material that is ideal products like kiosks, store displays, and exhibits. Each one serves different purposes: PET was patented in 1941, and it is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family. It can be manufactured in a range of thicknesses from 200 microns to 5mm with a maximum width of 1600mm. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Whether you realize it or not, practically everything you see and use on a daily basis is entirely or partly plastic material. Acrylic is typically used in sheet form create products such as acrylic mirrors and acrylic plexiglass. Plastic Type #5: … Let’s take a look at each of these distinctive plastics in more detail. 1. Well-known for its use in optical devices and products, acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic used as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass. They are hard and durable. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) can be recycled. 2. The third-most produced synthetic plastic polymer, PVC can be manufactured to possess rigid or flexible properties. An economical alternative to HDPE or ABS, polypropylene plastics offer an excellent balance of thermal, chemical, and electrical properties. Plastics are everywhere. For the sake of the environment, it’s important to know the different types of plastic and their uses, as well as the resin identification codes found on each. They are formed or expanded to produce materials of low density. Understanding the seven plastic codes will make it easier to choose plastics and to know which plastics to recycle. Monomer is a kind of simple compound, which can be polymerized to become macromolecular compound. Embrace the most powerful quotes about the Sun. Of course, there are many differences in the plastics classified as miscellaneous by recycling programs. Background Plastic Recycling Codes Number 1 Code - Polyethylene Terephthalate, PETE Number 2 Code - High Density Polyethylene, HDPE Number 3 Code - Polyvinyl Chloride, PVC Number 4 Code - Low Density Polyethylene, LDPE Number 5 … Uses of Plastics in Building Construction Plastics are manufactured in different forms such as moulding pipes, sheets and films. If you drink water from a bottle, that bottle is most likely plastic. 7 Different Types of Plastic and How They Are Used, Sign up for A&C Plastics Updates, Promotions, Acrylic or Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). There are numerous plastic-based products that cannot break down and cannot be recycled. This plastic material is in fibers for clothing, containers for foods and liquid, glass fiber for engineering resins, carbon nanotubes, and many other products that we use on a daily basis. Polyvinyl Chloride is perhaps most well known for its use in residential and commercial property construction applications. These include tough and lightweight beverage bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), flexible garden hoses made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), insulating food containers made of foamed polystyrene, and shatterproof windows made of polymethyl methacrylate. It is more heat resistant and slightly harder than polyethylene and is used to produce flip-top bottles, plastic diapers, Tupperware containers, margarine tubs, yogurt containers, prescription bottles, bottle caps, and even chairs. It is used in plastic bags, computer components, trays, six-pack rings, milk and juice cartons, packaging for computer hardware, Ziploc frozen food bags. Just to name a few. Although extremely strong and impact-resistant, polycarbonate plastic possesses inherent design flexibility. These plastics are used to produce baby feeding bottles, car parts, water cooler bottles, and sippy cups. It is used to produce soda bottles, water bottles, polyester film, containers for food, jars, fibers for clothing, and even carpets. Three ways are used to polymerize the monomer: high-pressure process, middle-pressure process, and low … Thinking all plastics are recyclable? We had to work with the materials that nature provided, but no more—we now design our own materials. It can be recycled in specific centers; otherwise, it may contaminate an entire batch of plastic. Good examples are acrylic, polypropylene, polystyrene, polythene and PVC. Well-known for its use in optical devices and products, acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic used as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass. The most common thermoplastic resin of the polyester family, PET is the fourth-most produced synthetic plastic. Miscellaneous plastic is used in the preparation of the plastic CDs, as well as in the DVDs and in the bottles of the small children. Used to make flexible foam in upholstered furniture and rigid foam such as shoe soles.It also comes in a fluid form in varnishes, adhesives and sealants. The "Other" plastic category is catch-all for all polycarbonate (PC), Bisphenol A-based (BPA), and remaining types of plastic. 1. Polyethylene Terephthalate has excellent chemical resistance to organic materials and water and is easily recyclable. ©2020 Curbell Plastics, Inc. PS is one of the most widely used types of plastic, but it biodegrades slowly. The transparent plastic can be made colored and fluorescent, abrasion-resistant, bullet-resistant, UV-tolerant, non-glare, anti-static and many more. PS is not typically recycled, but please check with your local recycling facility. HDPE sheet is a versatile and malleable alternative to acrylic and polycarbonate sheeting. The seven types of plastic and their uses, Coca-Cola says consumers still want plastic bottles, China announces major ban on single-use plastics, The Ocean Cleanup will transform Pacific Ocean's plastic trash into products, CleanMyBeach: the app for setting up beach cleanups, The Interceptor prevents river plastic from entering the oceans. All other trademarks, service marks and logos used herein are property of their respective owners. All rights hereto are retained by Curbell Plastics and any third party owners of such rights. Possessing high density and low friction properties, UHMWPE is in military body armor, hydraulic seals and bearings, biomaterial for hip, knee, and spine implants, and artificial ice skating rinks. It is also used for packaging some foods such as hamburger boxes, egg cartons, and yoghurts. 7. A&C Plastics carries HDPE sheeting in pipe, matte, ColorCore, antiskid, and smooth. The lunar cycle is the result of the interaction between the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth. Its widespread use and popularity are undoubted because polypropylene is one of the most flexible thermoplastics on the planet. Thermoset or thermosetting plastics. In this video, you’ll discover the 7 most common types of plastic. 6. Possessing more polymer chains and, thus, greater density, MDPE is typically in gas pipes, shrink film, carrier bags, screw closures, and more. From store displays to general fabrication, our Clear Acrylic Sheeting provides exceptional strength and durability. Recycling Codes for Plastic. Plastic Number 7 - Miscellaneous Plastics The remaining plastics include: polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass, and nylon. More rigid than both LDPE and MDPE, HDPE plastic sheeting is in products such as plastic bottles, piping for water and sewer, snowboards, boats, and folding chairs. The following table lists the different types of plastics and their applications and uses. PVC is the third most common plastic on the planet. UHMWPE is not much denser than HDPE. We used to build ships from wood and planes from string (hemp) and canvas (cotton/flax). They are easily molded and extruded into films, fibers and packaging. It will not crack under repeated stress. Acrylic is typically used in sheet form create products such as acrylic mirrors and acrylic plexiglass. That’s why it’s mostly used for many types of bags. Plastic is relatively inexpensive so it is used in many applications. #7 Unallocated References – Everything Else Unfortunately, a large part ends up in the world's oceans, entering the food chain and killing marine life. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Polyethylene Terephthalate—PET or PETE—is a durable thermoplastic that shows tough resistance to chemicals, high energy radiation, moisture, weather, wear, and abrasion. Dissolved in solvents or dispersed as emulsions, they are used in paints, varnishes and adhesives. A new environmental report released by ocean conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) reveals water companies are routinely discharging untreated sewage into UK waters. Plastics in Transport Trains, planes, and automobiles, even ships, satellites, and space stations, use plastics extensively. Thermosetswhich are formed by ha heat process but are then set (like concrete) Tough, stable, and transparent, polycarbonate is an excellent engineering plastic that is as clear as glass and two hundred and fifty times stronger. Examples include polyurethanes, polyesters, epoxy resins and phenolic resins. Polypropylene PP plastic code 5 is used to make ropes, thermal underwear, carpets, plastic parts and reusable containers of various types. The two key categories of plastic are thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics (thermosets). This plastic type is not recyclable. Although PP is stronger than PE, it still retains flexibility. The most common sources used for making plastics are cotton fibres and wood pulp Cellulose acetate: A tough thermplastic made from cellulose in the form of cotton linters, treated with acetic acid and acetic anhydride. Polycarbonateand Polylactideare included in this category. It is practically shatterproof and possesses an impressive high strength to weight ratio. Less rigid than thermosets, thermoplastics can soften upon heating and return to their original form. This plastic material is a thermoplastic polymer and the world’s second-most widely produced synthetic plastic. As a result, polyethylene is in a wide variety of products. The numbers, reflecting the 7 different types of plastic available in the market, are found on the 299 million tons of plastic that is produced annually to make water bottles, sports equipment, medical devices, DVD's and basically any other plastic you can think of. The transparent plastic can be made colored and fluorescent, abrasion-resistant, bullet-resistant, UV-tolerant, non-glare, anti-static and many more. It can be used to produce CD and DVD cases, packing peanuts, single-use disposable cutlery, trays, disposable razors, and smoke detector housings. It is used to produce milk jugs, juice containers, grocery and trash bags, motor oil containers, shampoo and conditioner bottles, soap bottles, detergent containers, bleach containers, and toys. Thermosets can be used for auto parts, aircraft parts and tires. Manufacturers utilize a variety of different plastic materials and compounds that each possess unique properties. With the addition of plasticizers such as phthalates, the softer and more flexible form of PVC is in plumbing products, electrical cable insulation, clothing, medical tubing, and other similar products. There are seven types of plastic. This is a convenient tool to use because it separates most plastic by polymerization type. Polypropylene sheeting also possesses a very favorable strength to weight ratio. How long can we live without it? The most common plastic on earth, polyethylene can be manufactured in varying densities. The 7 Types of Plastics: Their Toxicity and What They are Most Commonly Used For Plastic is used to create many of the products we use every single day, from the containers our food and medicine is packaged in to eyeglasses, toys, car parts, and household materials. With a relatively low manufacturing cost, ABS plastic sheeting is typically used in the automotive and refrigeration industries but is also in products such as boxes, gauges, protective headgear, luggage, and children’s toys. Common Commercial Plastics. Compared to HDPE, this polyethylene plastic much more abrasion resistant due to the extreme length of its polymer chains. The world is full of plastics. To learn more about industrial plastic and its infinite uses, call or contact A&C Plastics, Inc. One of the most commonly used plastics, our heavy duty acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or ABS sheeting, has a high impact resistance and durability to be used for automotive, printing, and display applications. Discover the eight phases of the Moon. However, thermoset products do not have this property. All statements, technical information and recommendations contained in this publication are for informational purposes only. But we've got some unfortunate news. Durable, flexible, heat resistant, acid resistance, and cheap, polypropylene sheets are used to make laboratory equipment, automotive parts, medical devices, and food containers. SurferToday.com uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. There are so many different types of plastic material, and a lot of them, like polyethylene, PVC, acrylic, etc., have incredibly useful and versatile properties. Each different density of polyethylene gives the final plastic unique physical properties. It can be used to produce CD and DVD cases, packing peanuts, single-use disposable cutlery, trays, disposable razors, and smoke detector housings. Most often we see plastics referred to by their recycling code, even though less than 9% of all plastics produced are recycled. Whether you work in security or the automotive industry, polycarbonate mirror plastic sheeting is ideal for applications that require a mirrored surface with high heat resistance and impact strength. PS is one of the most widely used types of plastic, but it biodegrades slowly. Most stores also bag your items in plastic bags. Created by polymerizing styrene and acrylonitrile in the presence of polybutadiene, ABS is robust, flexible, glossy, highly processable, and impact resistant. Download PDF Copy; Written by AZoCleantech Oct 22 2008. Thermoplasticswhich are softened by heat and can be moulded. Thermoplastics. A very clean and safe plastic, LDPE is also found in household items like plastic wrap, frozen food containers and squeezable bottles. What are their advantages and which type of plastic is most suitable for your product? Different types of PVC are used for … The purpose of the number is to identify the type of plastic used for the product, and not all plastics are recyclable or even reusable. In addition to being than glass and polycarbonate sheeting, acrylic is seventeen times more impact resistant than glass, easier to handle and process, and has endless applications. Unlike glass or acrylic, polycarbonate plastic sheets can be cut or cold-formed on site without pre-forming and fabrication. Plastic Type #3: PVC Polyvinyl Chloride - This plastic type is durable and used to manufacture pipes, food wraps and bottles that store various types of oil. It is well-known for its ability to blend with other materials. Some plastics are soft while others are hard, almost like glass. Understanding the different types of plastic can help consumers like you make more informed decisions related to your health and the environment. Other/Miscellaneous Plastics | Recycle Code: 7 Types of Polymers. PP was first polymerized in 1951 by chemists J. Paul Hogan and Robert Banks. Examples include p… HDPE is a strong and moderately stiff plastic. Polycarbonate plastic is in a wide variety of products including greenhouses, DVDs, sunglasses, police riot gear, and more. The rigid form of PVC is commonly in construction materials, doors, windows, bottles, non-food packaging, and more. By reading this post, we are sure that you get the perfect knowledge about the types plastic and their applications. Polystyrene accounts for about 35% of US landfill materials. Polyethylene Plastic (PE) Polyethylene plastic is made from the polymerized vinyl monomers. There are two basic classes of plastics along with seven popular types of plastics. Used for many domestic mouldings such as spectacle frames, toothbrush handles, and as transparent packaging film. And it makes everyone feel good, right? Plastics are used in car parts and for all kinds of storage. Below are five of the most common plastics used for different applications along with their properties, uses and trade names. Here are the four common polyethylene densities: This density of polyethylene is ductile and used to make products like shopping bags, plastic bags, clear food containers, disposable packaging, etc. Your television, computer, car, house, refrigerator, and many other essential products utilize plastic materials to make your life easier and more straightforward. Different types of plastics that are used in construction industry are described below. The rise of the plastic era became a reality - and a serious new problem - in the 1950s. That is all about the types of plastics. 7 most common plastic on Earth, polyethylene can be made colored and fluorescent, abrasion-resistant, bullet-resistant UV-tolerant! Include p… HDPE is a kind of simple compound, which can be recycled and malleable to... 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