Primary Characteristics of Plastics

Plastics have a few unique properties that make them practical for a wide range of
applications. Plastic materials are regarded as:

1. Usually lightweight with a high strength-to-weight ratio.

2. Very versatile.
3. Moldable into different shapes and sizes.
4. Thermally and electrically insulating.
5. Inexpensive.
6. Resistant to chemicals.
7. Very durable.
8. Non-biodegradable.
9. Usually clear and can be colored in different shades.
10. Different textures are possible.

Properties of Polymers

Plastics can have a wide range of physical and chemical properties, depending on their
chemical structures and how they are processed. However, some general physical and
chemical properties are common to most plastics. These properties are given below:

Physical Properties of Plastic

1. Density: Plastics come in many different densities, from as low as 0.9 g/cm³ for foamed plastics
to as high as 1.5 g/cm³ for some engineering plastics.
2. Melting Point: The melting points of plastics vary widely depending on the type of polymer.
Some plastics have low melting points and can be easily molded while others have high melting
points and require specialized processing techniques.
3. Hardness: Plastics can range from soft and flexible to hard and rigid, depending on the specific
polymer and its processing.
4. Transparency: Some plastics are optically transparent while others are opaque and block light.
Many transparent plastics can accept dye if you need them to be opaque.
5. Permeability: Plastics can be permeable to gasses and liquids, which can be an advantage in
some applications (such as food packaging) and a disadvantage in others (such as chemical
storage).

Chemical Properties of Plastic

1. Resistance to Chemicals: Many types of plastic are resistant to industrial chemicals, acids,
and other corrosive substances. This makes them useful in a variety of industrial applications.
2. Stability: Some plastics are sensitive to heat, light, and radiation, which can cause them to
degrade over time. UV stabilizers and antioxidants are often added to plastics to improve their
stability.
3. Flammability: Plastics can be highly flammable, and many of them release toxic gasses when
burned. Flame retardants are often added to plastics to improve their fire resistance.
4. Degradation: The rate at which plastics degrade depends on a variety of factors, including the
type of plastic, the conditions to which they are exposed, and the specific environmental factors
they encounter. Some plastics, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), degrade very
 slowly so they will persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Other plastics, such as
polylactic acid (PLA), are designed to be biodegradable and can break down much more quickly
when exposed to moisture, heat, or microorganisms. Some plastics can undergo physical
degradation, such as cracking or fragmentation, even if they do not break down chemically.
This can be caused by sunlight, temperature changes, or mechanical stress, and can lead to the
release of hazardous plastic particles called microplastics into the environment.
5. Solubility: Each plastic has unique solubility characteristics. Plastics that are amorphous (not
crystalline), like polystyrene and polycarbonate, are more soluble in typical organic solvents
than crystalline ones. Certain highly crystalline polymers, including nylon and polyolefin, resist
dissolution while others like polyvinyl acetate (PVA) are highly soluble in water.
6. Reactivity: Plastics can be reactive in different ways, depending on their chemical
composition. For example, polyethylene reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water
while polypropylene is relatively unreactive and stable in most chemical environments.
7. Biodegradability: Some plastics, such as polyethylene, are not biodegradable and can persist
in the environment for hundreds of years. Others, such as polycaprolactone (PCL), are
biodegradable and can be broken down by bacteria and fungi over time.
8. Recyclability: Plastics can be difficult to recycle since they each have different chemical
compositions and properties. Some types of plastics are easier to recycle than others, and
recycling methods vary depending on the type of plastic.

Applications of Plastic

Plastic has many different applications and we see engineers from many industries quoting
plastic parts with Xometry. Some of the most common uses of plastic we have seen are listed
below:

1. Toys

Plastics are often used in the production of toys because they can be molded into various
shapes and colors. Plastic toys are durable and lightweight, so they withstand wear and tear.

2. Electronics

Plastics are non-conductive, meaning they can protect electronic components and allow for
easy assembly. This is why you find plastic in computer and phone cases and as the
insulation on wires.

3. Automotive

Plastics are used in various parts of automobiles, including dashboards, bumpers, engine
parts, and interior panels. Since they’re both lightweight and durable, they reduce the
vehicle’s weight and improve fuel efficiency.

4. Packaging

Plastic is an ideal material to use for product packaging. Plastics are adaptable, hygienic,
light, flexible, and durable. Packaging is thus responsible for the majority of the plastics used
globally, coming in the form of vending packaging, baby products, protective packaging,
containers, bottles, drums, trays, boxes, cups, and much more.
5. Medical Devices

Plastics are used extensively in the medical industry, including, but not limited to, disposable
syringes, IV and blood bags, prosthetic limbs, implantable devices, dialysis machines, heart
valves, tubing, and wound dressing. Medical-grade plastics are sterile and biocompatible and
can be easily molded into complex shapes. Plus, they’re often less expensive than traditional
medical materials.

Advantages of Plastics in Manufactured Parts

1. Versatility: Plastics can be molded into various shapes and sizes.

2. Durability: Plastics are strong and can withstand wear and tear, making them long-lasting and,
in some cases, suitable for reuse.
3. Lightweight: Plastics are generally lightweight. This makes them great when weight is an
important consideration, such as in the automotive and aerospace industries.
4. Cost-effectiveness: Plastics are often less expensive than other materials such as metals,
making them a more cost-effective option for many applications.
5. Easy to Manufacture: Plastics are easy to manufacture in large quantities, so they’re perfect
for the sort of mass production that cuts per-unit costs.
6. Low Energy Consumption: The production of some types of plastics requires less energy
compared to the production of other materials. That, in turn, helps reduce the environmental
impact of manufacturing.
7. Safety: Plastics can be designed to be non-toxic and safe for use in the medical and food
industries.