Plastic, or plastic, is an organic material based on high molecular weight compounds - polymers. The opinion that plastic is a more durable and high-quality material than plastic is wrong. The difference between these concepts is only in their name. The types of plastic, its types, classification, labeling, areas of use are huge.
What it is
Plastic products have firmly entered our lives. Especially widely used are plastics based on synthetic polymers. The manufacturing process is a transition of the material under the influence of heating and pressure from a fluid to a solid state. The development of plastics began with the use of natural ingredients. They were later replaced with chemically modified materials. Now for the manufacture of plastics, completely synthetic molecules are used - polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, epoxy resin. And the secret of popularity is as follows: ease of production, practicality, affordable price.
Main characteristics
Types and properties of plastic, its weldability primarily dependent on the polymer from which it is made. The physical and mechanical characteristics of plastics are also affected by all sorts of additives, additives, stabilizers, pigments, organic and inorganic fibers. Some, for example, protect plastic from ultraviolet radiation.
Mostly the material is white or transparent. When dyes are added, plastic is able to acquire any color. In this way, mirror plastic can be made. Most plastics are multicomponent and composite materials. Plastic has a low density. Resistant to acids and alkalis. It has low heat and electrical conductivity. Most species are easy to process. This allows you to produce extruded products from raw materials, as well as use sheet plastic, combining thermoforming with machining.
Areas of use for plastics
The scope of plastics is huge. Starting with use in shipbuilding, aircraft manufacturing, ending with agriculture, medicine and everyday life. The types of plastic are amazing. Photos display only a small fraction of the products:
- Plastics are widely used in the manufacture of parts for large vehicles, as well as for interior decoration.
- The development of agriculture involves the use of plastic in land reclamation, the manufacture of packaging materials for the storage of agricultural products, the construction of film shelters and greenhouses.
- Many medical instruments, special utensils, packaging for medicines are made of plastics.
- In construction, these are metal-plastic pipes and fittings. An alternative to glass is the construction of light or transparent plastics.
- In everyday life - the use of all kinds of containers, bottles, bags, children's toys and much more.
Clear plastic
Types of plastic include thermoplastic PVC, which is mainly used for sheet materials. It is used in construction, outdoor advertising and other fields. A variety of sheet material is transparent plastic. Depending on the light transmittance, the material can either delay or transmit some of the ultraviolet rays. It can be transparent and translucent colored sheet materials.
The types of transparent plastic are represented by plexiglass, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyester glass, and transparent PVC sheets. First of all, they are shockproof. Polycarbonate is more durable. The most elastic is considered polyester glass. Plexiglass has a higher transmittance, it is the most transparent and clear, well processed. Transparent plastic is used for glazing windows, goggles and police shields, making plastic bottles. Transparent plastic can have different shades.
Plastic facades
Types of plastic for facades are divided into sheet and rolled. The hard and hard sheet of material is high pressure plastic. Cold or medium pressure rolled plastic of lower quality and cheaper than sheet. This material in rolls resembles a PVC film. It is also used in the manufacture of furniture facades.
Types of plastic for the kitchen have a different basis. Some are made on the basis of chipboard, and it is cheaper than the basis of MDF. Sheet plastic is thermally stable, it is not subject to scratches, chips, bumps, does not deform, does not grow dull and does not fade. The material does not detach from the base, is not afraid of moisture, and is easy to clean. The disadvantage of facade parts is that they can only be smooth, without milling, and smooth in texture.
Finish
And today, plastic remains a popular building material. Mostly used different types of plastic for office decoration. But in the presence of imagination and with competent design, such material will look great in the decoration of the apartment. Plastic can sheathe any surface, whether it is a ceiling or walls. The main type of material for ceiling surfaces is PVC panels. Panel sizes vary widely. The individual elements are interconnected using stiffeners (on one side the panel has a groove, and on the other a spike). The material is light and safe. Convenient for transportation and easy to install.
Moisture-resistant plastic is used in bathrooms and for facing balconies. It is used for the arrangement of slopes and ceilings. With a successful and competent choice of plastic, an excellent hallway will turn out. Plastic panels can be matte or glossy, imitate wood or stone.
Advantages and disadvantages
In some areas of human life, many types of plastic are approved for use by the Ministry of Health:
- Weather resistant material. It has good electrical insulation and is not combustible.
- Easy to process. Easy to weld and stick together. You can cut and form the necessary structures.
- The material is inexpensive. For a long time retains its original appearance. Not afraid of moisture.
- It has a rich color scheme. Sheet transparent plastic has shockproof and fireproof properties. From it you can get products of various shapes.
- Foamed PVC is resistant to temperature changes. When decorating a room, it plays the role of a sound and heat insulator. Suitable for arranging canopies, street signs, signboards, advertising objects.
Like any material, plastic has some disadvantages:
- Exposed to many organic solvents.
- Plastic elements can deform under heavy loads or high temperatures.