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When you talk about plastics, it is important to understand that there is not just one kind of plastic, but many kinds. Plastic, in general, is a material that is formed by using synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers. There are many different kinds of polymers and other substances that are used to create these types of plastic. Here are some interesting facts about plastic in general.
In ancient times, people made items out of natural plastics formed from rubber mixed with items such as blood protein or egg. As the centuries passed, scientists experimented with different polymers and compounds, and eventually man-made forms of plastic were created. The first to earn a patent was Alexander Parkes, who invented Parkesine in 1856, although this cellulose-based plastic did not enjoy widespread use. In fact today, ping pong balls and guitar picks are about the only items produced with this plastic. Bakelite, the first plastic created from a synthetic polymer, came along a few years later and was widely used for the first half of the 20th century.
When you hear the words vulcanization, you might believe these words refer to something having to do with Star Trek, but actually this is a process where rubber is converted into a highly durable material. Many products are made using this process, most notably perhaps are tires. The Goodyear Tire Company, which was founded in 1898, was named after one of the pioneers of vulcanization, Charles Goodyear. But vulcanization is also used to create products such as bowling balls, although these days, the balls are usually made out of polyester.
There are two main types of plastics, thermoset plastic and thermoplastics. Although the two terms seem very similar, they actually have some very big differences. One of the biggest differences is that thermoset plastics cannot not be melted down and reused. Of course, this resistance to heat also can be an advantage as these plastics are very stable. Many products are made using thermoset products including parts of cars and computers.
Millions of products are created using thermoplastics, which can be recycled over and over again. Food, beverages, medicines, toys and much more are made out this type of plastic, and even though it costs a bit more than thermoset plastic, it does have plenty of advantages. If you've ever dropped a plastic soda bottle on a hard surface, you've demonstrated one excellent property - thermoplastic is highly impact resistant. Many types of thermoplastic also are chemical resistant which means you can safely store potentially hazardous chemicals in thermoplastic bottles.
One of the biggest advantages of using thermoplastics is that they can be reused again and again. Some thermoplastics are even biodegradable, but those that aren't usually can be recycled. Not only does recycling plastic keep these items out of our landfills, the energy expended to recycle a plastic bottle is far less than the energy needed to produce a plastic bottle using raw materials.
In ancient times, people made items out of natural plastics formed from rubber mixed with items such as blood protein or egg. As the centuries passed, scientists experimented with different polymers and compounds, and eventually man-made forms of plastic were created. The first to earn a patent was Alexander Parkes, who invented Parkesine in 1856, although this cellulose-based plastic did not enjoy widespread use. In fact today, ping pong balls and guitar picks are about the only items produced with this plastic. Bakelite, the first plastic created from a synthetic polymer, came along a few years later and was widely used for the first half of the 20th century.
When you hear the words vulcanization, you might believe these words refer to something having to do with Star Trek, but actually this is a process where rubber is converted into a highly durable material. Many products are made using this process, most notably perhaps are tires. The Goodyear Tire Company, which was founded in 1898, was named after one of the pioneers of vulcanization, Charles Goodyear. But vulcanization is also used to create products such as bowling balls, although these days, the balls are usually made out of polyester.
There are two main types of plastics, thermoset plastic and thermoplastics. Although the two terms seem very similar, they actually have some very big differences. One of the biggest differences is that thermoset plastics cannot not be melted down and reused. Of course, this resistance to heat also can be an advantage as these plastics are very stable. Many products are made using thermoset products including parts of cars and computers.
Millions of products are created using thermoplastics, which can be recycled over and over again. Food, beverages, medicines, toys and much more are made out this type of plastic, and even though it costs a bit more than thermoset plastic, it does have plenty of advantages. If you've ever dropped a plastic soda bottle on a hard surface, you've demonstrated one excellent property - thermoplastic is highly impact resistant. Many types of thermoplastic also are chemical resistant which means you can safely store potentially hazardous chemicals in thermoplastic bottles.
One of the biggest advantages of using thermoplastics is that they can be reused again and again. Some thermoplastics are even biodegradable, but those that aren't usually can be recycled. Not only does recycling plastic keep these items out of our landfills, the energy expended to recycle a plastic bottle is far less than the energy needed to produce a plastic bottle using raw materials.
About the Author:
Lenna Stockwell enjoys writing about how stuff is made. For further information about custom plastic packaging solutions or to find out more about thermoform plastics, please visit the Indepak website now.
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