PLASTIC

Plastic is a material consisting of any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-

synthetic organics that are malleable and can bemolded into solid objects of
diverse shapes. Plastics are typically organic polymers of high molecular mass,
but they often contain other substances. They are usually synthetic, most
commonly derived from petrochemicals, but many are partially natural.
[2]
Plasticity is the general property of all materials that are able to irreversibly
deform without breaking, but this occurs to such a degree with this class of
moldable polymers that their name is an emphasis on this ability. Due to their
relatively low cost, ease of manufacture, versatility, and imperviousness to water,
plastics are used in an enormous and expanding range of products and
applications.

TYPES OF PLASTICS
Polyester (PES) Fibers, textiles.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Carbonated drinks bottles, peanut butter jars,

plastic film, microwavable packaging.

Polyethylene (PE) Wide range of inexpensive uses including supermarket

bags, plastic bottles.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) Detergent bottles, milk jugs, and molded

plastic cases.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Plumbing pipes and guttering, shower curtains,

window frames, flooring.

Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) (Saran) Food packaging.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) Outdoor furniture, siding, floor tiles, shower

curtains, clamshell packaging.

Polypropylene (PP) Bottle caps, drinking straws, yogurt containers, appliances,

car fenders (bumpers), plastic pressure pipe systems.

Polystyrene (PS) Packaging foam/"peanuts", food containers, plastic

tableware, disposable cups, plates, cutlery, CD and cassette boxes.
 High impact polystyrene (HIPS) -: Refrigerator liners, food packaging, vending
cups.

Polyamides (PA) (Nylons) Fibers, toothbrush bristles, tubing, fishing line, low
strength machine parts: under-the-hood car engine parts or gun frames.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) Electronic equipment cases (e.g.,

computer monitors, printers, keyboards), drainage pipe.

Polyethylene/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PE/ABS) A slippery blend of PE

and ABS used in low-duty dry bearings.

Polycarbonate (PC) Compact discs, eyeglasses, riot shields, security windows,

traffic lights, lenses.

Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS) A blend of PC and

ABS that creates a stronger plastic. Used in car interior and exterior parts, and
mobile phone bodies.

Polyurethanes (PU) Cushioning foams, thermal insulation foams, surface

coatings, printing rollers (Currently 6th or 7th most commonly used plastic material,
for instance the most commonly used plastic in cars).

Some noteworthy recent efforts have been dedicated to minimizing the use of
isocyanates to synthesize polyurethanes, because the isocyanates raise severe
toxicity issues. Non-isocyanate based polyurethanes (NIPUs) have recently been
developed as a new class of polyurethane polymers to mitigate health and
environmental concerns.[1][2][3][4]

Polyurethane products often are simply called urethanes, but should not be
confused with ethyl carbamate, which is also called urethane. Polyurethanes
neither contain nor are produced from ethyl carbamate.

POLYURETHANE
Polyurethane (PUR and PU) is a polymer composed of a chain of organic units joined
by carbamate (urethane) links. Polyurethane polymers are traditionally and most
commonly formed by reacting a di- or polyisocyanate with a polyol. Both the
isocyanates and polyols used to make polyurethanes contain on average two or more
functional groups per molecule.

Polyurethane (PUR and PU) is a polymer composed of a chain of organic units joined
by carbamate (urethane) links. While most polyurethanes are THERMOSETTING
POLYMERS that do not melt when heated, THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANES are
also available.

Some noteworthy recent efforts have been dedicated to minimizing the use of
isocyanates to synthesize polyurethanes, because the isocyanates raise severe
toxicity issues. Non-isocyanate based polyurethanes (NIPUs) have recently been
developed as a new class of polyurethane polymers to mitigate health and
environmental concerns.[1][2][3][4]

Polyurethane products often are simply called urethanes, but should not be
confused with ethyl carbamate, which is also called urethane. Polyurethanes
neither contain nor are produced from ethyl carbamate.

APPLICATION OF POLYURETHANES

Wheels
Polyurethane is also used in making solid tires and wheels. Industrial
applications include forklift drive and load wheels, grocery and industrial cart, and
rollercoaster wheels. Modern roller blading and skateboarding became economical only
with the introduction of tough, abrasion-resistant polyurethane parts, helping to usher in
the permanent popularity of what had once been an obscure 1960s craze. The durability
of polyurethane wheels allowed the range of tricks and stunts performed
on skateboards to expand considerably. Polyurethane is also used to make small
equipment tires in the lawn and garden industry for wheelbarrows, hand trucks, lawn
mowers, carts, etc. They provide the bounce and feel of an air-filled tire with the benefit
of no flats. They weigh about the same as air-filled tires as well, even though they are
solid polyurethane all the way through. Other constructions have been developed for
pneumatic tires, and microcellular foam variants are widely used in tires on wheelchairs,
bicycles and other such uses. These latter foam types are also widely encountered in
 car steering wheels and other interior and exterior automotive parts, including bumpers
and fenders.

Apparel
When scientists discovered that polyurethanes could be made into fine threads, they
were combined with nylon to make more lightweight, stretchable garments. Over the
years, polyurethanes have been improved and developed into spandex fibers,
polyurethane coatings and thermoplastic elastomers.

Because of todays advances in polyurethane techniques, manufacturers can make a

broad range of polyurethane apparel from man-made skins and leathers used for
garments, sports clothes and a variety of accessories.

Appliances
Polyurethanes are an important component in major appliances that consumers use
every day. The most common use for polyurethanes in major appliances is rigid foams
for refrigerator and freezer thermal insulation systems. Rigid polyurethane foam is an
essential and cost-effective material that can be used for meeting required energy
ratings in consumer refrigerators and freezers. The good thermal insulating properties of
rigid polyurethane foams result from the combination of a fine, closed-cell foam
structure and cell gases that resist heat transfer.

Automotive
Polyurethanes are used throughout cars. In addition to the foam that makes car seats
comfortable, bumpers, interior headline ceiling sections, the car body, spoilers, doors
and windows all use polyurethanes. Polyurethane also enables manufacturers to
provide drivers and passengers significantly more automobile mileage by reducing
weight and increasing fuel economy, comfort, corrosion resistance, insulation and sound
absorption.

Building and Construction

Today's homes demand high-performance materials that are strong, yet lightweight;
perform well, yet are easily installed; and are durable, but also versatile. Polyurethane
helps conserve natural resources and helps preserve the environment by reducing
energy usage. With its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, insulation properties, durability
and versatility, polyurethane is frequently used in building and construction applications.
Both the affordability of these versatile materials and the comfort they provide
homeowners have made polyurethane components part of homes everywhere.

Polyurethane is used all over the house. In floors, flexible foam padding cushions your
carpet. In the roof, reflective plastic coverings over polyurethane foam can bounce
sunlight and heat away, helping the house stay cool while helping reduce energy
 consumption. Polyurethane building materials add design flexibility to new homes and
remodeling projects. Foam-core panels offer a wide variety of colors and profiles for
walls and roofs, while foam-cored entry doors and garage doors are available in
different finishes and styles.

Composite Wood
Polyurethanes play a major role in modern materials, such as composite wood.
Polyurethane-based binders are used in composite wood products to permanently glue
organic materials into oriented strand board, medium-density fiberboard, long-strand
lumber, laminated-veneer lumber and even strawboard and particleboard.

Electronics
Often referred to as potting compounds, non-foam polyurethanes are frequently used
in the electrical and electronics industries to encapsulate, seal and insulate fragile,
pressure-sensitive, microelectronic components, underwater cables and printed circuit
boards.

Polyurethane potting compounds are specially formulated by developers to meet a

diverse range of physical, thermal and electrical properties. They can protect electronics
by providing excellent dielectric and adhesive properties, as well as exceptional solvent,
water and extreme temperature resistance.

Flooring
Either as a foam underlay or on top as a coating, polyurethanes can make the floors we
walk on every day more durable, easier to maintain and more aesthetically pleasing.
Using flexible polyurethane foam as a carpet underlay in residential or commercial
applications can significantly increase the lifespan of the carpet, protect its appearance,
provide added comfort and support and can reduce ambient noise.

Polyurethanes are also used to coat floors, from wood and parquet to cement. This
protective finish is resistant to abrasion and solvents, and is easy to clean and maintain.
With a polyurethane finish, a new wood, parquet or cement floor wears better and
longer, while an old floor can be refinished to look new again.

Furnishings
Polyurethane, mostly in the form of flexible foam, is one of the most popular materials
used in home furnishings such as furniture, bedding and carpet underlay. As a
cushioning material for upholstered furniture, flexible polyurethane foam works to make
furniture more durable, comfortable and supportive.

Marine
Millions of Americans enjoy boating each year. Part of boatings ongoing popularity is
thanks to improvements in boating technology, to which polyurethane materials make
an important contribution.
 Polyurethane epoxy resins seal boat hulls from water, weather, corrosion and elements
that increase drag, affect hydrodynamics and reduce durability. Boaters today can have
the comforts of home on the water, thanks in part to flexible polyurethane foam. In
addition, rigid polyurethane foam insulates boats from noise and temperature extremes,
provides abrasion and tear resistance, and increases load-bearing capacity all while
adding minimal weight. Thermoplastic polyurethane is also great for use in the maritime
industry. It is elastic, durable and an easily processed substance, well suited for wire
and cable coatings, engine tubing, drive belts, hydraulic hoses and seals and even ship
molding.

Medical
Polyurethanes are commonly used in a number of medical applications, including
catheter and general purpose tubing, hospital bedding, surgical drapes, wound
dressings and a variety of injection-molded devices. Their most common use is in short-
term implants. Polyurethane use in medical applications can be more cost-effective and
provide for more longevity and toughness.

Packaging
Polyurethane packaging foam (PPF) can provide more cost-effective,
form-fitting cushioning that uniquely and securely protecting items that
need to stay safely in place during transit. PPF is widely used to safely
protect and transport many items, such as electronic and medical
diagnostic equipment, delicate glassware and large industrial parts. A
versatile on-site solution for many packaging challenges, PPF can save
time and be more cost-effective by providing a custom-fit container with
each shipment. http://polyurethane.americanchemistry.com/Introduction-
to-Polyurethanes/Applications

Amerityre Corp.s Elastothane tires

As one of the companies involved earlier with advanced polymer-based tires,

Amerityre had been able to make polyurethane tires for bicycles and smaller
outdoor use wheels that did make it to market. In the years since then, the
company turned its focus to developing automobile tires, knowing a number of
earlier problems needed to be faced and overcome.

Amerityre Corporation, another leading developer of polyurethane tire

technologies and tire products, has embarked on commercial production of solid
polyurethane elastomer tires. The tire technology would provide improvements in
the durability and performance in agricultural equipments which are supplied
globally.
 The company has developed a tire-wheel combination that would provide enough
toughness to replace the steel gage wheels that have previously been used in
their products. The company has also demonstrated the capability of making
solid polyurethane elastomer forklift tires at the rate of a tire per minute. Other
potential commercial applications for the solid polyurethane elastomer tires
include forklift and aperture tires used in the construction and material handling
industry. The two polyurethane tire technologies used include the Polyurethane
Foam Technology' and Polyurethane Elastomer (Elastothane TM ) Technology.

In the former, the company uses proprietary polyurethane chemical formulations

to develop a high density, closed cell foam material that is superior in low speed
foam tire and light weight tire fill applications. This foam material gives high
abrasion resistance, excellent load carrying capability and longer life. Also, the
material does not absorb water due to closed cell technology and high resistance
to ozone and UV light. The technology creates materials which exhibit superior
temperature, abrasion and elastic properties for use in tire fill, solid tire,
composite tire and pneumatic tire applications. In addition to all the above
properties, the materials made using the technology show better elastic
properties, reduced operating temperatures, increased fuel economy due to
lower rolling resistance. All in all, the elastomers are environment friendly as they
possess no oils or plasticizers.

REFERENCES:
http://tomdwyer.com/2011/uncategorized/will-polyurethane-replace-rubber-for-tires/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyurethane
http://polyurethane.americanchemistry.com/Introduction-to-Polyurethanes/Applications