Plastics As Materials Of Choice

key notes :

Plastic as a Material of Choice

  • Plastic has lightweight, lower price, good strength, and easy handling.
  • Being lighter as compared to metals, plastics are used in cars, aircraft, and spacecraft too.

Characteristics of Plastic

  • Poor Conductor: Plastic is a poor conductor of heat and electricity.
    This makes it suitable to make the covering of electric wires, handles of electrical appliances, handles of utensils, kitchenware, floor tiles, etc.
  • Plastic is Non-Reactive: Plastic does not react with air and water and with many of the chemicals. Hence it does not get rusted like iron.
    This character makes plastic suitable for making the container, water tank, water bottle, plastic pipes, taps, chair, table, and other many types of furniture.
  • Plastic is Strong and Durable: Plastics are lightweight, durable, cheap, and very strong. These qualities of plastic made it the need of today.
    Whether it is polythene bags or pencil boxes, water bottles or umbrellas, furniture or aircraft, the use of plastics can be seen everywhere.

Introduction:

  • Plastics are a group of versatile synthetic materials derived from polymers.
  • They have become an integral part of modern life due to their wide range of applications.
  1. Characteristics of Plastics:
    • Lightweight: Plastics are generally lightweight, making them easy to handle and transport.
    • Durable: Plastics can withstand wear and tear, making them long-lasting.
    • Insulating: Plastics are good insulators of electricity and heat.
    • Versatile: Plastics can be molded into various shapes and sizes for different purposes.
  2. Advantages of Plastics:
    • Cost-effective: Production of plastic items is often cheaper compared to other materials.
    • Customization: Plastics can be easily molded into intricate designs and patterns.
    • Preservation: Plastics help extend the shelf life of food and other perishable items.
    • Medical applications: Plastics are used in medical devices and equipment due to their sterility and ease of cleaning.
    • Energy efficiency: Plastics contribute to lightweight vehicles, saving fuel consumption.
  3. Responsible Plastic Use:
    • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Follow the 3 Rs to minimize plastic waste.
    • Single-use plastics: Avoid unnecessary single-use plastic items like straws and bags.
    • Sustainable alternatives: Opt for biodegradable or reusable alternatives when possible.
  4. Notable Plastics in Everyday Life:
    • Polyethylene (PE): Used in plastic bags, bottles, and containers.
    • Polypropylene (PP): Found in food containers, packaging, and textiles.
    • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Used in pipes, cables, and vinyl records.
    • Polystyrene (PS): Used in disposable cups, packaging, and insulation.
    • PET (Polyethylene terephthalate): Commonly used for beverage bottles and textiles.

Conclusion:

  • Plastics offer numerous advantages but also come with environmental challenges.

Let’s practice!