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Plastics: Why Is Widely Used? Definition of Terms
Plastics: Why Is Widely Used? Definition of Terms
plastics
organic macromolecular compounds
PLASTICS obtained by polymerisation,
polycondensation, polyaddition or any
similar process from molecules with a
lower molecular weight or by chemical
PRO alteration of natural macromolecular
compounds
(reference 2001/62/EC)
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Construction of Rigid
Plastics
1. Blow Moulding
a process for producing hollow parts in one operation,
primarily used to make plastic bottles.
2. Injection Moulding
direct injection of molten plastic into a shaped
space between two moulds.
The moulds separate after the plastic cools to
allow the final shape to fall out.
for making solid plastic objects (e.g.: cups,
closures, plastic toys).
3. Thermoforming
heating plastic sheet until it softens,
then shaping by stamping it between two cooled
moulds.
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Construction of Plastic
Sheet & Film
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metallised plastic
The plastic passes quickly through an evacuated
chamber in which Aluminum is vapourised.
This deposits a metal layer several molecules
thick (about 200 angstroms), giving a metallised
appearance.
often to replace foils is cheaper, but does not
have the same barrier properties as foil
(although there will be some improvement over
untreated film).
Properties of Plastics
POLYOLEFINS
I. Polyethylene (polythene) PE
polymerisation of ethylene gas
(C2H4)n.
invented in 1930's.
two main manufacturing processes:
(1) Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
(2) High Density PE (HDPE).
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(1) LDPE
II. Polypropylene PP
monomer formula CH2=CH-CH3.
Prof. Guilio Natta (1954)
forms a regular polymer at low P in the presence of
certain catalysts
highly ordered isotactic PP
high crystallinity (high clarity & gloss), hard, heat
resistant (higher softening point, 150 C),
good memory, flex crack resistance, puncture resistance
& stiffness.
chemical resistant (except aromatic & chlorinated
hydrocarbons)
excellent moisture & average gas barrier properties
can be printed on, ideal for reverse or surface printing.
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= PVC, except that there is a double chlorine resists chemicals, low water, gas, aroma and flavour
substitution, giving CH2=CCl2. permeability (due to Chlorine ions), high strength.
PVDC has a more ordered structure, with high High chemical stability. Hygrophobic.
crystallinity & softness. used with PVC as a copolymer to coat other packaging
excellent barrier properties (especially to O2), materials to provide good barrier properties.
used in laminates; important shrink film; excellent cling
commonly used as a co-polymer with PVC. properties.
reasonable clarity, good feel, good printability & cannot be reprocessed because it degrades (melt point
strength. 162 C).
It is difficult to cut as it lacks stiffness hard to co-extrusion lamination is difficult; can still be used in
machine by itself, coating from solution.
too expensive for use as a pure monofilm When used in co-extrusion it must be co-polymerised
first (for example with vinyl chloride) to give better
temperature stability.
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OTHER
THERMOPLASTICS
ethylene glycol & terephthalic acid gives
Some examples of non-ethylene derived thermoplastics: polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
PET has high strength & chemical stability.
I. Polyesters (e.g. PET, PEN) used for blow-moulded bottles & some films,
formed by the polymerisation of esters. for thermoformed trays, & for boil-in-the-bag
have reasonable clarity, poor feel & printability; strong, products.
versatile & have good heat resistance. has excellent clarity, comparable to glass.
useful for boil-in-the-bag type applications (the plastic can be printed, metallised & laminated.
must sustain temperatures of 100 C without deforming has high barrier properties for a plastic film.
or softening).
When metallised they are also used for snack & coffee
a cheap plastic (due to efficient recycling).
pouches.
II. Cellulose
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