Why Plastic Is Preferred Over Other Materials Properties Types And Applications
Plastic is everywhere. We go to supermarkets, we will find plastic bags, we see cars on roads that are synthesised by plastics, we brush our teeth using toothbrush which is also made up of plastic, we eat with utensils and plates made up of plastic, we buy vegetables and fruits in plastic bags, we use plastic everywhere, and almost all of the household tools are made up of plastic.
Plastic has taken over the world with its wide range of uses and properties such as lightweight, inexpensive, and reusable. Plastic materials have become an integral part of our lives.
Nearly four hundred million tons of plastic are produced annually and consumed by people in just single use. With more advantages come disadvantages too. As much as people are fond of using plastic to sav easier, it is proving to be life-threatening to many animals and marine life. Plastic has a variety of defects and drawbacks, which we will learn further in this article.
What is Plastic Material?
Plastic is a polymeric material consisting of semi-synthetic and synthetic materials.
Polymers have the capability of moulding and shaping by the application of heat and pressure.
Polymers are chemical compounds containing large molecules made up of interconnected links.
What is a Plastic Material Made Up Of?
Plastic material is made up of two types of polymers based on their chemical composition.
The first category consists of polymers having only aliphatic, that is, linear carbon atoms in their backbone chains.
The other category consists of heterochain polymers containing atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or sulphur in their backbone chains with carbon.
There are two types of plastic: thermoplastics and thermosets.
Thermoplastics like polyethene and polystyrene can be moulded and remoulded repeatedly and do not change when exposed to heat.
Thermosets are opposite to thermoplastics and can be moulded only once and do not change shape on heat.
Thermoplastics such as polyethene are the most used polymer in the world.
Polyethene is primarily used in packaging materials such as bottles, containers, and plastic bags.
Harmful Effects of Plastic
Plastic bags are used by a great number of people, even after knowing the consequences of using them hamper the environment.
In urban areas, plastic bags are found in large numbers in the litter system which includes various detrimental effects like animal choking, blockage of channels, rivers, streams, and pollution.
Plastic takes many years to decompose, and toxic substances are also released into the soil under sunlight.
If plastic bags are burned, they can release toxic chemicals and foul smells into the air causing air pollution.
Plastic causes the collection of carcinogenic compounds, which may cause cancerous diseases.
Plastic bags emit dangerous gases like methane and carbon dioxide and highly toxic contaminated water when plastic bags are dumped into landfills which occupy tons of land space during their decomposition stage.
Animals sometimes eat plastic bags in place of food which can block the digestive process.
Animals can get entangled in plastic bags, which can cause starvation, infection, and reduced reproduction.
Advantages of Using Plastic
Most metals tend to get corroded by air and water, but plastics do not react with air or water and cannot be corroded easily. They are used for making many utensils and storing various chemicals since they are non-reactive.
Plastic materials are very light in weight. They are also durable and strong in comparison with other materials. They can also be moulded in different shapes and sizes as required.
Plastic is cheaper than metals and is used widely in various household products.
Plastic is a poor conductor of heat and electricity and can be used as an insulator. It is used for making electric wires and switches. The screwdrivers are also made up of plastic handles that acts as an insulator. Electrical equipment and kitchen tools are also made up of plastic, such as handles of utensils and frying pans.
Plastic material is resistant to various acids and bases and is used to make containers for storage.
Plastic has the capability to be moulded into different shapes and sizes. They can be used to make many articles such as buckets, mugs, toys, combs, toothbrushes, and furniture.
Key Features
Plastic is also coloured in various colours to attract consumers. Pigments and organic dyes such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, carbon, and various other inorganic oxides are used for coating plastic tools.
Plastic is also incorporated into various other industries, such as the food industry and health care industry, for packaging tablets, syringes, gloves, and other medical instruments.
Plastic is also used in firefighters' uniforms in the form of melamine to protect them from fire.
FAQs on Plastic As A Material Of Choice In Modern Chemistry
1. What makes plastic a material of choice in modern applications?
Plastic is a material of choice because it is lightweight, durable, chemically resistant, and easily moldable. These properties arise from its structure as a polymer, made of long repeating chains of monomers.
- Low density makes plastics lighter than metals and glass.
- Chemical resistance protects against corrosion by water, acids, and bases.
- Thermal and electrical insulation makes plastics useful in wiring and appliances.
- Ease of processing allows shaping by extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding.
2. What is plastic in chemistry?
In chemistry, plastic is a synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer made from repeating small molecules called monomers. Polymers are formed through chemical reactions such as addition polymerization or condensation polymerization.
- Example of addition polymerization: nCH2=CH2 → (–CH2–CH2–)n (polyethylene).
- Plastics may be thermoplastics or thermosetting polymers.
3. Why are plastics preferred over metals in many industries?
Plastics are preferred over metals because they are lighter, corrosion-resistant, and easier to process. Unlike metals, plastics do not rust or undergo electrochemical corrosion.
- Lower density reduces transportation and manufacturing costs.
- Good chemical stability prevents reaction with moisture and many chemicals.
- Electrical insulation makes plastics safer for wiring and electronic housings.
- Design flexibility allows complex shapes without heavy machining.
4. What are the types of plastics used in chemistry?
The two main types of plastics are thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics, classified based on their behavior on heating.
- Thermoplastics: Soften on heating and can be remolded (e.g., polyethylene, PVC, polystyrene).
- Thermosetting plastics: Harden permanently after heating due to cross-linking (e.g., Bakelite, melamine).
5. How are plastics formed by polymerization?
Plastics are formed by polymerization, a chemical reaction in which many monomer molecules join to form a large polymer chain.
- Addition polymerization: Monomers with double bonds combine without by-products.
Example: nCH2=CHCl → (–CH2–CHCl–)n (PVC). - Condensation polymerization: Monomers join with elimination of small molecules like H2O.
Example: Formation of nylon-6,6 from hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid.
6. What chemical properties make plastics durable?
Plastics are durable because they have strong covalent bonds in long polymer chains and are generally chemically inert. The carbon–carbon (C–C) backbone provides high stability.
- Resistance to acids and bases prevents degradation in many environments.
- Low reactivity reduces oxidation and corrosion.
- Hydrophobic nature minimizes water absorption.
7. What is the difference between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics?
The main difference is that thermoplastics can be remelted and reshaped, while thermosetting plastics cannot be remelted after curing. This difference is due to their molecular structure.
- Thermoplastics: Linear or slightly branched chains; soften on heating.
- Thermosetting plastics: Highly cross-linked networks; permanently rigid after heating.
8. Why are plastics widely used in packaging materials?
Plastics are widely used in packaging because they are lightweight, moisture-resistant, and chemically stable. These properties protect food and products from contamination and spoilage.
- Barrier properties reduce oxygen and water vapor transmission.
- Flexibility allows films and wraps to be easily formed.
- Low cost makes large-scale production economical.
9. What are the environmental concerns associated with plastics?
The main environmental concern is that most plastics are non-biodegradable and persist for long periods in the environment. Their strong covalent polymer chains resist microbial decomposition.
- Accumulation in land and oceans leads to pollution.
- Microplastics can enter food chains.
- Burning plastics may release toxic gases such as HCl from PVC.
10. What are examples of common plastics and their uses?
Common plastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS), each with specific uses.
- Polyethylene (–CH2–CH2–)n: Plastic bags and bottles.
- Polypropylene: Food containers and automotive parts.
- PVC (–CH2–CHCl–)n: Pipes and cable insulation.
- Polystyrene: Packaging foam and disposable cups.
