Introduction
Plastic is everywhere. We go to supermarkets, we will find plastic bags, we see cars on roads that are synthesised by plastics, we brush our teeth using toothbrush which is also made up of plastic, we eat with utensils and plates made up of plastic, we buy vegetables and fruits in plastic bags, we use plastic everywhere, and almost all of the household tools are made up of plastic.
Plastic has taken over the world with its wide range of uses and properties such as lightweight, inexpensive, and reusable. Plastic materials have become an integral part of our lives.
Nearly four hundred million tons of plastic are produced annually and consumed by people in just single use. With more advantages come disadvantages too. As much as people are fond of using plastic to sav easier, it is proving to be life-threatening to many animals and marine life. Plastic has a variety of defects and drawbacks, which we will learn further in this article.
What is Plastic Material?
Plastic is a polymeric material consisting of semi-synthetic and synthetic materials.
Polymers have the capability of moulding and shaping by the application of heat and pressure.
Polymers are chemical compounds containing large molecules made up of interconnected links.
What is a Plastic Material Made Up Of?
Plastic material is made up of two types of polymers based on their chemical composition.
The first category consists of polymers having only aliphatic, that is, linear carbon atoms in their backbone chains.
The other category consists of heterochain polymers containing atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or sulphur in their backbone chains with carbon.
There are two types of plastic: thermoplastics and thermosets.
Thermoplastics like polyethene and polystyrene can be moulded and remoulded repeatedly and do not change when exposed to heat.
Thermosets are opposite to thermoplastics and can be moulded only once and do not change shape on heat.
Thermoplastics such as polyethene are the most used polymer in the world.
Polyethene is primarily used in packaging materials such as bottles, containers, and plastic bags.
Harmful Effects of Plastic
Plastic bags are used by a great number of people, even after knowing the consequences of using them hamper the environment.
In urban areas, plastic bags are found in large numbers in the litter system which includes various detrimental effects like animal choking, blockage of channels, rivers, streams, and pollution.
Plastic takes many years to decompose, and toxic substances are also released into the soil under sunlight.
If plastic bags are burned, they can release toxic chemicals and foul smells into the air causing air pollution.
Plastic causes the collection of carcinogenic compounds, which may cause cancerous diseases.
Plastic bags emit dangerous gases like methane and carbon dioxide and highly toxic contaminated water when plastic bags are dumped into landfills which occupy tons of land space during their decomposition stage.
Animals sometimes eat plastic bags in place of food which can block the digestive process.
Animals can get entangled in plastic bags, which can cause starvation, infection, and reduced reproduction.
Advantages of Using Plastic
Most metals tend to get corroded by air and water, but plastics do not react with air or water and cannot be corroded easily. They are used for making many utensils and storing various chemicals since they are non-reactive.
Plastic materials are very light in weight. They are also durable and strong in comparison with other materials. They can also be moulded in different shapes and sizes as required.
Plastic is cheaper than metals and is used widely in various household products.
Plastic is a poor conductor of heat and electricity and can be used as an insulator. It is used for making electric wires and switches. The screwdrivers are also made up of plastic handles that acts as an insulator. Electrical equipment and kitchen tools are also made up of plastic, such as handles of utensils and frying pans.
Plastic material is resistant to various acids and bases and is used to make containers for storage.
Plastic has the capability to be moulded into different shapes and sizes. They can be used to make many articles such as buckets, mugs, toys, combs, toothbrushes, and furniture.
Key Features
Plastic is also coloured in various colours to attract consumers. Pigments and organic dyes such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, carbon, and various other inorganic oxides are used for coating plastic tools.
Plastic is also incorporated into various other industries, such as the food industry and health care industry, for packaging tablets, syringes, gloves, and other medical instruments.
Plastic is also used in firefighters' uniforms in the form of melamine to protect them from fire.
FAQs on Plastic as a Material of Choice
1. Why is plastic often described as a material of choice for manufacturing various items?
Plastic is considered a material of choice because of its unique combination of beneficial properties. It is generally:
- Lightweight: Easy to handle and transport, reducing fuel costs.
- Strong and Durable: Resistant to breaking and can last a long time.
- Non-Reactive: Does not rust or corrode when in contact with air, water, or most chemicals, making it ideal for storing food and liquids.
- Poor Conductor: It does not conduct heat or electricity, which makes it safe for electrical applications and kitchenware handles.
- Versatile: Can be easily moulded into any shape, size, or colour.
- Cost-Effective: Cheaper to produce compared to materials like metal or glass.
2. What is the fundamental difference between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics?
The main difference lies in how they respond to heat. Thermoplastics are polymers that can be softened by heating and hardened by cooling, a process that can be repeated multiple times. Examples include PVC and Polythene. On the other hand, thermosetting plastics, once moulded and hardened, cannot be softened or remoulded by heating. They retain their shape permanently. Examples include Bakelite and Melamine.
3. How does the property of being a poor conductor make plastic useful in everyday applications?
Plastic's inability to conduct heat and electricity efficiently is a key advantage. For example:
- Electrical Safety: It is used as an insulating cover for electrical wires and to make plugs and switches (like Bakelite), preventing electric shocks.
- Heat Insulation: The handles of cooking utensils are often made from plastic (like Melamine) because they do not get hot, allowing for safe handling. It is also used in insulated containers to keep food hot or cold.
4. What are some common examples of plastics and their uses in households?
Different types of plastics are used for various household items:
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Used for making bottles for water, soft drinks, and jars for food items.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Commonly used for making pipes, flooring, and window frames due to its durability.
- Polystyrene (PS): Used for disposable cups, plates, and packaging materials.
- Melamine: A thermosetting plastic used for making dinnerware and kitchen utensils because it resists fire and heat better than other plastics.
- Bakelite: Used for making electrical switches and handles of cookware as it is a poor conductor of heat and electricity.
5. If plastics are so versatile, why is their disposal considered a major environmental challenge?
The primary environmental challenge with plastics is that most of them are non-biodegradable. This means they cannot be broken down into harmless substances by natural processes or microorganisms. As a result, discarded plastic items accumulate in landfills, oceans, and natural habitats, where they persist for hundreds of years, causing long-term pollution and harming wildlife.
6. What makes plastics non-reactive compared to metals like iron, which rust easily?
Plastics are synthetic polymers with a stable chemical structure. Unlike metals such as iron, they do not react with oxygen and moisture present in the air. This chemical inertness prevents them from corroding, rusting, or degrading when they come into contact with most common substances, which is why they are widely used for storing chemicals, water, and food items without altering their contents.
7. What are bioplastics, and can they completely solve the problem of plastic pollution?
Bioplastics are plastics made from renewable biological sources like corn starch, sugarcane, or vegetable fats. While some are designed to be biodegradable under specific industrial composting conditions, they are not a perfect solution. Many bioplastics do not break down in natural environments like oceans or landfills and can contaminate recycling streams for conventional plastics. Therefore, while they reduce reliance on fossil fuels, they do not yet completely solve the global plastic pollution problem.
