Plastic materials are something that 99% of people on earth are very familiar with as plastic has fast replaced most raw materials, such as wood and metals, due its affordability, flexibility, and accessibility. But as much as most people are familiar with the look and feel of plastic objects, not many people know much more about it.
In this article we’ll take a look into what plastic material is exactly, how it is used, and the different types of plastic material.
What is Plastic Material?
Plastic materials are objects that are made from polymers as well as other additives. They are known for their formability, durability, flexibility, affordability, and anti-corrosive qualities. Plastic materials can be made by using a wide range of different manufacturing techniques and processes. One of the main advantages is that it becomes mouldable when warm, allowing a vast number of shapes and designs to be achieved.
The first man-made plastic originates back to 1855 by Alexander Parks who patented his creation, which was known as Parkesine. This lightweight material is now used internationally, and the world would not be the same without it!
How is Plastic Material Used?
Plastic materials have definitely made their mark in almost every industry imaginable and plastic components can be seen in vehicles, jewellery, toys, clothing, gardening equipment, and so much more.
Plastic pellets of a certain kind are usually melted down and then put through injection moulder, rotational moulding or extrusion processes to create the desired end product.
The Different Types of Plastic Materials
There are so many different types of plastic materials, but they are usually classified by the polymer used in their production. Some popular types of plastics include:
- PVC- widely used in industrial applications as well as footwear and medical sectors.
- Linear Low Density Polyethylene – lightweight and strong plastic used in items such as water tanks, port-a-loos, lunch boxes and kayaks.
- Polyethylene- widely used and very easy to process.
- HDPE- one of the strongest plastics, with many uses.
- Polypropylene- lightweight and resistant to high temperatures
- Polyurethane- used for creating engineering-grade products
If you’re interested in purchasing PVC compounds or LLDPE plastic raw materials, Contact us today, or browse our website to find out more! We’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have.
