What is Plastics 

Plastics is a synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, nylon, etc., that can be molded into shape while soft, and then set into a rigid or slightly elastic form. In other words,  Plastics are Macromolecular structured Polymer (Polymer is made up of many repeating simple chemical units, known as Monomer.). 

 We can say, 

All plastics are Polymers, but all polymers are not Plastics, they may be Fibers, Elastomers (rubbers) or adhesives. 

 In simple words plastic is one of the family member of polymers.

ADVANTAGES OF USING PLASTICS

• Wider design freedom

• Light in weight  

• Higher strength to weight ratio 

• Corrosion Resistant.  

• Easy Process ability. 

• Low Energy Required for  Manufacturing 

• Minimum post finishing required 

• Low creep 

• Wide color range

• Better aesthetics  

 THERMOPLASTICS & THERMOSETS 

THERMOPLASTICS 

Thermoplastics are materials that can be repeatedly heated, melted and converted into a product. Thermoplastic materials can be cooled and heated several times without any change in their chemical or mechanical properties. When thermoplastics are heated to their melting point, they melt to a liquid. Thermoplastics are 100% recyclable. 

THERMOSETS 

Thermosets undergo a chemical reaction during conversion into a product. The product cannot be re-melted and converted into another product again. 

CLASSIFICATION OF THERMOPLASTICS

 COMMODITY PLASTICS

 The Plastics which are used in Non critical applications. 

• Poly Ethylene (LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE) 

• Poly Propylene (PP) 

• Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) 

• Poly Styrene (GPPS, HIPS) 

• Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN) 

• Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA) 

ENGINEERING PLASTICS

The Plastics which are used in Engineering applications.

• Poly Amide (Nylon 6, 66) 

• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) 

• Poly Acetal 

• Poly Carbonate (PC) 

• Thermoplastic Polyesters (PET,PBT) 

• Poly Phenylene Oxide (PPO)  

• Thermoplastics Poly Urethane (TPU) 

THERMOSETS 

• Phenol Formaldehyde (PF) 

• Urea Formaldehyde (UF) 

• Melamine Formaldehyde (MF) 

• Epoxy 

• Unsaturated Polyester

DESIGNING FOR PLASTICS

In the present day the application of plastics is wide as compared to traditional material such as metal, Plastics offer impressive advantages over metals. They are listed below:

They are not subjected to corrosion.

1.     Light in weight with good strength to weight ratio.

2.     Cost effective.

3.     Less cycle time for production.

4.     Unique design freedom.

5.     Good mechanical, electrical and chemical properties.

6.     They are available in wide range of colors.

7.     Reduced assembly time.

In addition do it each plastic material offers some special property which serves a particular application or can be made to do so by the incorporation of suitable additives with the plastic materials. 

THANK YOU