Plastic industry, types and their
properties, Polymerization,
manufacturing
Submitted by:
Isma Shahzadi [ 22013123-006]
Submitted to: Engr.Kamal Zaffar
DEFINITION AND CONCEPT
A plastic material is any of a wide range of
synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids that
are moldable
Macro molecular
Consists large chain like molecules
containing carbon
PROPERTIES OF PLASTICS
Less brittle than glass ,hence can be made
transparent and smooth.
Corrosion resistance
Low electrical and thermal conductivity, insulator
Easily formed into complex shapes, can be formed,
casted and joined.
Wide choice of appearance, colors and
transparencies
Light weight but posses good strength and rigidity.
Low moisture absorbtion.
Heat resistance.
MANUFACTURE OF PLASTICS
The production of plastics can be roughly
divided into four categories:
1. Acquiring the raw material or monomer.
2. Synthesizing the basic polymer.
3. Compounding the polymer into a material
that can be used for fabrication.
4. Molding or shaping the plastic into its final
form.
1.Raw Materials
Historically, resins derived from vegetable
matter were used to produce most plastics.
This included such materials as cellulose
(from cotton), furfural (from oat hulls), oils
(from seeds) and various starch derivatives.
Today, most plastics are produced from
petrochemicals which are widely available
and tend to be cheaper than other raw
materials.
2. Synthesis of the Polymer
The first step in plastic manufacturing is
polymerization.
The two basic methods by which
polymerization can occur are addition and
condensation reactions.
This is achieved by adding reinforcements
such as glass or carbon fibers to the plastics,
increasing their strength and stability.
Additives
Chemical additives can be used in the
production of plastics to achieve certain
characteristics. These additives include:
1. antioxidants to protect the polymer from
degradation by ozone or oxygen
2. ultraviolet stabilizers to protect against
weathering
3. plasticizers to increase the polymer’s
flexibility
4. lubricants to reduce friction problems
5. pigments to give the plastic colour
3.Shaping and Finishing
1.COMPRESSION MOLDING
Pre-measured amount of polymer
introduced into the heated mold then the
top half comes down and applies pressure.
Usually uses thermosetting plastics and
produces products like dishes, container
caps, etc.
EXTRUSION
A device, called an extruder, forces softened
plastic through a shaped die from which it
may emerge in almost any form, including a
circular rod or tube, and a wide, flat sheet.
The driving force is supplied by a screw
which provides constant pressure.
INJECTION MOLDING
Involves one or more extruders which force
melted plastic into a cold mold where it is allowed
to set to the required shape.
An adaptation of this method is injection blow
molding which is used to make plastic pop bottles.
A thick-walled plastic tube is initially injection-
molded around a blowing stick and is then
transferred to a blowing mold.
The tube is reheated and expanded to the shape
of the mold by passing air down the blowing stick.
THERMOSETTING RESINS
Once hardened and set, they do not soften
with application of heat.
Reason: consist of linear, relatively low
molecular wt
thermoplastic polymer chains with crosslinks
which bond the chains together. when
heated the entire structure becomes a single
molecule.
Objects made of this can be used at higher
temperatures without damage.
More stronger and harder than thermoplastic
resins.
APPLICATIONS
Telephonic receivers, electric plugs, radio
and TV cabinets, camera bodies, automotive
parts, electric baker, switch panels.
EXAMPLES
Phenol formaldehyde resins
Urea formaldehyde resins
Melanine formaldehyde resins
Polyester resins.
Epoxy resins
Silicone resins
THERMOPLASTICS
Can be repeatedly softened by heat and
hardened by cooling.
Reason: they are composed of linear and
long chain molecules. application of heat
weakens the intermolecular bonds by
increasing thermal agitation of the molecules
and hence the material softens.
Cannot use at high temperatures as they will
soften under heat.
Usually supplied as granular materials.
Comparatively software and less strong.
APPLICATIONS
Toys, combs, toilet goods, photographic films,
insulating tapes, hoses, electric insulation
EXAMPLES
Polystyrene
Abs
Methacrylate
PVC
Polycarbonate
Polychoroacetal
DISADVANTAGES OF USING PLASTICS
Low strength
Low useful temperature range (up to 600 oF)
Less dimensional stability over period of time
(creep effect)
Aging effect, hardens and become brittle over time
Sensitive to environment, moisture and chemicals
Poor machinability
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Bullet Proof Polymer - Scientists at Rice
University, Texas have created a new super
polymer material that can stop a 9mm
bullet and seal the hole behind it.
The material is a complex multiblock copolymer
polyurethanem, which is a synthetic compound
build in the lab.
Plastics Blood - Developed by the University
of Sheffield to mimic haemoglobin, for use in
trauma situations
where blood is needed quickly
The "plastic" blood consists of an iron-
containing porphyrin which is permanently
bonded to a hyperbranched polymer (HBP or
dendrimer) "shell"
Plastic Solar Cells - A polymer solar cell
that can produce electricity from sunlight by
the photovoltaic effect provides a lightweight,
disposable and inexpensive alternative to
traditional solar panels
PET –polyethylene terephthalate
ITO – indium tin oxide
Implantable Polymers - Medical grade and
implantable biomaterials such as PEEK will
be used in neurological applications to help
control epilepsy, Parkinson’s d.
Commercial - Space Flights Lightweight
carbon composite materials will be crucial in
the realisation of sub-orbital tourist
spaceflightsisease and brain trauma
3D Printed - Body Parts Using plastic
materials such as PMMA car parts can be
printed at home and doctors can produce
replica livers or kidneys for transplant
patients.
Flexible Plastic Screens - Organic light-
emitting diodes are placed on plastic foil to
create electronic devices with flexible
displays.
References
Plastics: Materials and Processing" by A.
Brent Strong
"Modern Plastics Handbook" by Charles A.
Harper
"Life Cycle Environmental Impacts of
Plastics: A Review"
THANK
YOU
