The Most Important Types of Thermoplastics Part #1

The number of plastic materials is ever-increasing to accommodate market needs. Plastics have, in some way, dominated the modern world. This due to the fact that plastic can be used for about everything because of its different and adjustable features and properties. Nonetheless, almost 90% of the plastic products produced around the world are made from six main types of plastic materials, namely polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyurethane, and polyester. All are extremely useful, versatile, and utilized in major industries. 

POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC)

Polyvinylchloride is a clear amorphous polymer with good resistance to heat and flame. Additionally, chemically pure Polyvinylchloride is hard and rigid with low impact strength. PVC is the 3rd most widely used type of commodity thermoplastics.  As one of the cheapest thermoplastics, Polyvinylchloride accounts for 16 percent of the global plastics consumption. This is due to the fact that it is compatible with many plasticizers which improves its strength and flexibility. Polyvinylchloride is widely used in construction industries which account for 75% of the total consumption of PVC in the USA and Europe. PVC is used in flooring, water pipes, sewage, wire and cable insulations, and sidings.

LDPE LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LPDE, LLPDE)

Low-Density POLYETHYLENE accounts for 17% of global plastic consumption. It is considered the second-largest volume of commodity plastics and one of the cheapest thermoplastics. There are two main grades of Low-Density POLYETHYLENE namely, low density (LDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), both are tough, inexpensive, and flexible. Compared to HDPE, LDPE has lower crystallinity and density as well as higher flexibility. However, LDPE has a lower melting point, strength, and heat deflection temperature than HDPE. Common uses of LDPE and LLDPE include grocery bags, bubble wraps, food packaging and envelope films.

HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE)

HDPE accounts for 15% of global plastics consumption and is also one of the cheapest thermoplastics. It has a higher degree of crystallinity and the crystals are much larger than LDPE resulting in more rigid and denser polyethylene which makes it harder and stronger than LDPE. However, HDPE is less flexible than LDPE and has lower stress crack resistance. HDPE can also be colored to any requirement even though it is typically opaque. HDPE is used in manufacturing rigid containers, lids, bottles, pails, and drums as part of the consumer goods industry.

POLYSTYRENE (PS, EPS)

Polystyrene (PS, EPS) accounts for 7% of global plastics consumption. This type of thermoplastic has high optical clarity in addition to good electrical and thermal properties. On the other hand, PS & EPS has poor UV and oxygen resistance which consider limitations when it comes to using Polystyrene. These limitations are handled by the copolymerization of styrene with monomers. Styrene and its copolymers are used to manufacture various consumer goods including; housewares, CD cases, plastic cups, and cosmetic containers.

To be continued…..