Plastic - components, characteristics, classification and RIC system
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DAVID SILVERMAN/GETTY IMAGES
Plastics are
everywhere these days, from the parts of your computer to your clothing and
everyday products. It is a material that can easily be manipulated into shape,
may it be a shape of a bottle or a pen. They are made from oil, which is
carbon-rich material. Plastics are composed of a carbon-containing compound
called polymers.
Polymers are substances whose molecules have high molar masses and are composed of a large number of repeating units. There are both naturally occurring and synthetic polymers. Among naturally occurring polymers are proteins, starches, cellulose, and latex. Synthetic polymers are produced commercially on a very large scale and have a wide range of properties and uses. The materials commonly called plastics are all synthetic polymers.
Polymers are substances whose molecules have high molar masses and are composed of a large number of repeating units. There are both naturally occurring and synthetic polymers. Among naturally occurring polymers are proteins, starches, cellulose, and latex. Synthetic polymers are produced commercially on a very large scale and have a wide range of properties and uses. The materials commonly called plastics are all synthetic polymers.
Although not
all, but most plastics are:
- Easy to work with
- Has low production cost
- Possess low density
- Waterproof
- Acceptable acoustic insulation
- Good thermal insulation (but most can’t withstand high temperature)
- Resistant to corrosion and many chemical factors
- Some are not biodegradable or easily recyclable, and if they burn, are highly polluting.
There are three classification of plastics: Natural, Synthetic, and Thermoplastic. This classification is considered the origin of the monomer from which part of the polymer production.
Natural - These
are polymers whose monomers are derived from natural products with certain
characteristics, for example, cellulose, casein and rubber.
Source: http://blog.e2benterprise.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/erp-for-rubber-and-plastic-manufacturers.png
Synthetic - Those
that originate in man-made, mainly petroleum products such as polyethylene bags
products
Thermoplastic - is a plastic that, at room
temperature, is plastic or deformable, it becomes a liquid when heated and
hardens to a glassy state when cooled sufficiently. Most thermoplastics are
high molecular weight polymers, those with chains associated through weak Van
der Waals forces (polyethylene); strong dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen
bonding; or even stacked aromatic rings (polystyrene). Thermoplastic polymers
differ from thermoset polymers that after heated and molded form they can
overheat and other objects, as in the case of thermosetting or thermoset, its
shape after cooling does not change and the preferred fire.
Source:
http://plasticchair.mobi/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ghost-chair.jpg
In 1988, the
Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) introduced the Resin Identification Code
(RIC) system for recyclers due to many communities implementing recycling
programs to decrease the volume of waste in landfills. The code was developed for recyclers while
providing manufacturers a consistent, uniform system. The RIC is a system to
help consumers and recyclers properly recycle and dispose of each different
type based on its chemical makeup. In 2008, the SPI worked with ASTM
international, a standards development organization
that serves as an open forum for the development of international standards.
PETE - based
containers sometimes absorb flavors and odor. They are commonly recycled.
HDPE products are very safe and are known not to leach any chemicals into food or drinks. Items from this type of plastic are commonly recycled.
LDPE is not commonly recycled, but it is recyclable in
certain areas. It tends to be both durable and flexible. It also is not known
to release harmful chemicals into objects in contact with it, making it a safe
choice for food storage.
PP can be recycled but is not accepted for recycling as
commonly as PETE or HDPE. This type of plastic is strong and can usually
withstand higher temperatures.
PS can be recycled, but not efficiently; recycling it
takes a lot of energy, which means that few places accept it.
Polycarbonate and Polylactide - these types of plastics are difficult to recycle.
Sources:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/plastic.htm
http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/chemweek/polymers/polymers.html
http://www.vicedomarti.com/en/information/characteristics-and-properties-of-plastic-id1609
https://www.plasticsindustry.org/AboutPlastics/content.cfm?ItemNumber=823
https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/lib/different-types-of-plastic.htm
RIC system photos:
https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/images/DifferentPlastics/SPI-Code-Header-01.jpg
https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/images/DifferentPlastics/SPI-Code-Header-02.jpg
https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/images/DifferentPlastics/SPI-Code-Header-03.jpg
https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/images/DifferentPlastics/SPI-Code-Header-04.jpg
https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/images/DifferentPlastics/SPI-Code-Header-05.jpg
https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/images/DifferentPlastics/SPI-Code-Header-06.jpg
https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/images/DifferentPlastics/SPI-Code-Header-07.jpg
PETE or PET Photos
Jar [online image]. Retrieved June 10, 2015 from http://holisticpackaging.com/UserFiles/Jar%20Assortment-for%20Postcard%20Layout%20small%20image%20size.jpg
(Holistic Packaging Company, 2015)
Plastic Juice Bottle [online image]. Retrived March 21, 2016 from http://www.cupbarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Grp_3_JuiceBtls1-1024x1015.jpg
(Cupbarn Company, 2016)
Bean Bag [online image]. Retrieved July 2012 from https://cdn2.mebelkart.com/210622-large/classic-xl-bean-bag-filled-with-beans-black-colour.jpg
(Mebelkart, 2012)
Rope [online image]. Retrieved August 2014 from http://www.clipartkid.com/images/115/just-another-string-in-the-rope-small2tall-Khonjb-clipart.jpg
(Clipartkid Merchandise, 2014)
HDPE Photos
Plastic Blog Milk [online image]. Retrived March 2016 from https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/images/DifferentPlastics/Types-Of-Plastic-Blog-Image-2-Milk.jpg
(Quality Logo Products, 2016)
Shampoo and Conditioners [online
image]. Retrieved June 13, 2013 from http://media2.popsugar-assets.com/files/2014/03/31/092/n/4981324/e9e556ff358ce61f_thumb_temp_image344787071396224103.xxxlarge/i/Best-Budget-Shampoo-Conditioners-From-Supermarket.jpg
(SM hypermarket, 2013)
Soap Bottle [online image]. Retrieved march 8, 2015 from https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/e6/89/e1/e689e1eaab42b8ea5c7bfb439b18ce78.jpg
(SM Hypermarket, 2015)
PVC Photos
Pipes [online image]. Retrieved March 6, 2016 from http://www.polypack.co.in/images/Pressure%20Pipes.jpg
(Polypack Company Inc., 2016)
Tile [online image]. Retrieved March 2013 from http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/4ac1c7a105d237b2_4-7597/contemporary-wall-and-floor-tile.jpg
Pipes [online image]. Retrieved March 2013 from http://blog.arlingtonmachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/upvc-fittings.jpg
(Arlington Machinery, 2013
LDPE Photos
Wrap Plastic [online image]. Retrieved April 2015 from http://g04.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1OoCxJXXXXXcuXpXXq6xXFXXXp/PE-and-PVC-Cling-Wrap-Plastic-Wrap-for-using-vegetables-fruits-food-in-the-kitchen.jpg
Sandwich Plastic http://cdn.mscdirect.com/global/images/ProductImages/7693888-23.jpg
Plastic Bags [online image]. Retrieved July 2015 from http://yourhomewizards.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/pile-of-red-plastic-grocery-bags.jpg
(Your Home Wizards, 2015)
Squeeze Bottle [online image]. Retrieved March 2016 from http://www.trenton.com.au/product-images/kitchenware/squeeze-bottles/squeeze-bottle-7363/45281.jpg
(Trenton, 2016)
PP Photos
Adult Diaper [online image]. Retrieved September 2015 from http://p.globalsources.com/IMAGES/PDT/B1051741524/Adult-Diaper.jpg
Tupperware [online image]. Retrieved march 2016 from http://www.waverleyplastics.com/uploads/1/5/8/8/15882216/8083266.jpg
(Waverley Plastics, 2016)
Yogurt Plastic Cup [online image]. Retrieved June 10, 2014 from http://img2-3.timeinc.net/toh/i/g/10/home-solutions/08-10-uses-yogurt/00-reuse-containers.jpg
(Time Inc., 2014)
Prescription Bottles [online image]. Retrieved March 2016 from http://www.essentialsupplies.com/img/featured/rexam-prescription-bottles.png
(Essential Supplies, 2016)
PS Photos
Disposable Coffee Cup [online image]. Retrieved July 2015 from http://4.imimg.com/data4/JP/NH/MY-24929159/disposable-coffee-paper-cups-250x250.jpg
Plastic Food Container [online image]. Retrieved March 2016 from http://guideimg.alibaba.com/images/shop/73/08/22/8/30-piece-plastic-food-container-set-15-plastic-storage-containers-with-blue-lids_3304358.jpg
(Alibaba, 2016)
Packing Peanuts [online image]. Retrieved April 2015 from http://img2-1.timeinc.net/toh/i/g/10/products/03-ten-uses-packing-peanuts/00-reuse-peanuts.jpg
(Time Inc., 2015)
Polycarbonate and polylactide Photos
Baby Bottle [online image]. Retrieved March 2015 from http://i.ebayimg.com/00/z/uSMAAOxygj5Se2g-/$(KGrHqFHJEwFJhg2E0grBSe2g-)bB!~~_32.JPG
(Ebay, 2015)
Large Bottle [online image]. Retrieved April 2016 from http://snowave.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/bigstock-Three-Large-bottle-of-pure-wat-47746543.jpg
(Snow Wave, 2016)
Discs [online image]. Retrieved April 2016 from https://theblakwatch.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/cds-compact-discs-dvds-jpg.jpg
(The Black Watch, 2016)
Medical Containers [online image]. Retrieved April 2015 from http://www.medicus-health.com/images/products/detail/2078M1_Stacked.jpg
(Medicus Health, 2015)
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10 (mga) komento
Naalis ng may-ari ang komentong ito.
TumugonBurahinPollution has been an ongoing problem to our environment and plastic is one of the top waste material. It can't be broken down naturally. With this, it has been widely used as recycling due to how easy it can be manufactured at a low cost price, a lot are expanding the use of plastic as their materials for their products which are displacing the traditional resources like wood, stones and the like. There are advantages of using plastic materials but there are also a lot of disadvantages. It is also considered toxic as it contains additives that may leach from the product. Since Interior design has been adapting the use of plastic for materials and other constructive designs, would you consider this to be harmful not just to the person who will use the product but the society as a whole?
TumugonBurahin-Cantillas, CM
thank you for your message. yes, plastic is really not that safe but if your on a budget plastic is the best way to use. it's not that safe specially for children and the only advice that i could give is we should be very careful all the time and not just for plastics.
BurahinThank you for sharing your knowledge about Plastics. After reading on your blog something is making me curious, are toxic chemicals included in the plastic products we buy?
TumugonBurahinwelcome we appreciate for your concern. actually it only depends on the manufacturer but the only way to answer your question is to be safe all the time especially for children
Burahinand it is also depends on what type of plastic you use
BurahinThank you for widening our knowledge on the different characteristics of plastic. If plastics were to be used in the interior, would it be safe for the environment?
TumugonBurahinthank you so much we appreciate your concern. well,it's not that safe especially to children but there specific plastic that can't harm for them like non-toxic plastics for toys etc. the manufacturer put something that could not harm for children but the best way is to be careful all the time.
Burahini could also say its safe for environment if we are going to recycle it but there are types of plastics that's not good for recycling. because recycling is also the only way to help our environment.
BurahinGood blog..... your blog providing best information about plastic injection mold & injection mould
TumugonBurahin