Plastics

Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as a main ingredient. Their plasticity makes it possible for plastics to be moulded, extruded or pressed into solid objects of various shapes. This adaptability, plus a wide range of other properties, such as being light weight, durable, flexible, and inexpensive to produce, has led to its widespread use. Plastics typically are made through human industrial systems. Most modern plastics are derived from fossil fuel based petrochemicals like natural gas or petroleum; however, recent industrial methods use variants made from renewable materials such as polylactic acid from corn or cellulosics from cotton linters.

History

The development of plastics has evolved from the use of natural plastic materials (e.g., chewing gum, shellac) to the use of chemically modified, natural materials (e.g., natural rubber, nitrocellulose) and finally to completely synthetic molecules (e.g., bakelite, epoxy, polyvinyl chloride).

Types and classifications

Plastics are typically organic polymers of high molecular mass and often contain other substances. They are usually synthetic, most commonly derived from petrochemicals, but many are partially natural.

Environmental effects

Discarded plastics are a significant source of environmental pollution, both on land and in the oceans. However, plastics are also one of the most reusable materials, if properly managed.

See also

• Polymer
• Polyethylene
• Polypropylene
• Polystyrene
• Polyvinyl chloride
• Biodegradable plastic
• Plastic recycling
• Plastic pollution
• Microplastics

References

Plastics Resources
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