PLASTIC INDUSTRY

PLASTICS:
DEFINITION:
is a material consisting of any of a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic organics that are malleable and can be molded into solid objects
of diverse shapes
typically organic polymers of high molecular mass, but they often contain
other substances. They are usually synthetic, most commonly derived
from petrochemicals, but many are partially natural.
RAW MATERIALS:
Organic materials as cellulose (from cotton), oils (from seeds) and various
starch derivatives, coal, natural gas, salt and, crude oil.
MANUFACTURING PROCESS:
Distillation - separation of heavy crude oil into lighter groups called
fractions.
naphtha - element for the production of plastics.
Cracking - chemical compound usually organic, is broken down or cracked
into simpler compound.
Breaks the naphtha into smaller hydrocarbon molecules like ethylene,
propylene and butylene.
Polymerization - reacting monomer molecules together in a chemical
reaction to form polymer chains
Ex. Combination of ethylene and propylene.
Combination of Additives for characterization
Antioxidants - protect the polymer from degradation by ozone or
oxygen
Ultraviolet stabilizers -protect against weathering
Plasticizers - increase the polymers flexibility
Lubricants - reduce friction problems
Pigments - give the plastic colour
Flame retardants
Shaping and Finishing
Blow Extrusion Plastics are fed from hopper into barrel of extruder.
Pellets are melted by a turning screw and heaters, then it will pass through a
molder where air is injected for product formation. It will be cooled down and
ejected from the molder.
Blow Molding Plastics are fed from hopper into barrel of extruder.
Pellets are melted by a turning screw and heaters. Molten polymer is
extruded into a hollow, tube shaped parison. Air will be injected
through parison and after solidification, it will be ejected.
Injection Molding - Pellets are fed from hopper into reciprocating screw
injection molding machine, and it will be melted by a turning screw and
heaters. The screw moves forward injecting the molten plastic into a
molder then it will be cooled down. After solidification, the molder is
opened and molded piece is ejected.
Extrusion- Plastics are fed from hopper into barrel of extruder, then
these will be melted by a turning screw and heaters. Molten polymer is
forced through a die which shapes the extrudates. Cooling and ejecting
will follow.
CLASSIFICATION:
Thermoplastics are the plastics that do not undergo chemical change in
their composition when heated and can be molded again and again.
Common thermoplastics range from 20,000 to 500,000 amu.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)- Electronic equipment cases
Polycarbonate (PC)- compact disc, eyeglasses, lenses
Polyethylene (PE) - supermarket bags, plastic bottles
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) - Carbonated drinks bottles
Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) pipes and fittings
Polypropylene (PP) -Bottle caps, drinking straws
Polystyrene (PS) - food containers, plastic tableware
Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE) - floor tiles, shower curtains
High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) - Detergent bottles, milk jugs
Thermosetting/ thermosets can melt and take shape once; after they have
solidified, they stay solid. In the thermosetting process, a chemical reaction
occurs that is irreversible.
Epoxy- adhesive glues

 Phenol-formaldehyde (PF) - electrical appliances

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) - commonly known as Teflon
Unsaturated polyester resins (UP)- Boat hulls, Bath tubs and shower stalls
PREPARED BY:
LERA MAY TIPOLO BSChE- 4A