Name Student ID

Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Nhi 2052200

Nguyễn Hữu Sinh 2052242

Lê Vũ Phương Như 2052202

Nguyễn Minh Hoàng Yến 2052335

Văn Xuân Thịnh 2053464

Lâm Phước Song Nguyên 2052192

Hoàng Lê Minh 2053213

 Number 1 plastic - PET or PETE - Polyethylene Terephthalate

1. Properties

Chemical formula (C10H8O4)n

Transparency: One of the most notable polyethylene terephthalate properties is its

exceptional transparency, similar to that of glass. PET's transparency allows for clear
visibility of the contents in PET bottles and packaging materials, making it suitable for
applications where visibility is crucial. This property is especially valued in industries
such as food and beverage, cosmetics, and personal care.

Lightweight: PET is renowned for its lightweight nature, offering a significant

advantage over materials such as glass and metal. Its low density allows for reduced
weight in various applications without compromising its structural integrity. This
property is particularly advantageous in industries where weight reduction is desired,
such as packaging and transportation, as it contributes to energy efficiency and cost
savings.

Strength and Durability: Despite its lightweight nature, polyethylene terephthalate

exhibits remarkable strength and durability. It has a high tensile strength, enabling it to
withstand significant forces without deformation or breakage. This property makes it
suitable for applications requiring robust and long-lasting materials, such as in the
manufacturing of automotive components, construction materials, and industrial
equipment.

Chemical Resistance: PET demonstrates excellent resistance to a wide range of

chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and solvents. This property makes it suitable for
applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and chemical
processing, where exposure to various chemicals is common. PET's chemical resistance
ensures product integrity, safety, and reliability.

Thermal Stability: Polyethylene terephthalate exhibits good thermal stability, allowing

it to withstand a wide range of temperatures without significant degradation. It has a
high melting point, which enables it to be used in applications that require heat
resistance and thermal stability. PET is commonly employed in the electrical and
electronics industry for components such as connectors, insulators, and circuit boards.

Barrier Properties: Another noteworthy property of PET is its excellent barrier

properties against gases, moisture, and aroma. PET films and containers act as effective
barriers, protecting products from oxygen, water vapor, and external odors. This
property makes it ideal for packaging applications, particularly in the food and beverage
industry, where it helps extend the shelf life of products and maintains their freshness.

Recyclability: PET is a highly recyclable material, contributing to its environmental

sustainability. It can be recycled into various products, including new PET bottles,
polyester fibers for textiles, and even non-food packaging materials. The recyclability
of PET has led to increased adoption and initiatives focused on reducing waste and
promoting a circular economy.

2. Applications

Beverage Bottles: PET is widely used for manufacturing bottles and containers for
various beverages such as water, carbonated drinks, juices, and sports drinks. Its
transparency, lightweight, and durability make it an ideal choice for packaging liquids.

Food Containers: PET containers are commonly used for packaging food items such
as salads, fruits, snacks, condiments, and sauces. These containers offer excellent
clarity, chemical resistance, and barrier properties to preserve the freshness and quality
of the packaged food.

Personal Care Product Bottles: PET is extensively used for packaging personal care
and hygiene products such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions, body washes, and
cosmetics. Its aesthetic appeal, chemical resistance, and compatibility with a wide range
of formulations make it suitable for such applications.

Household Cleaning Product Bottles: PET bottles are also used for packaging
household cleaning products like dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, surface
cleaners, and disinfectants. PET's chemical resistance and durability make it well-suited
for containing these often corrosive substances.

Medicine and Pharmaceutical Packaging: PET is used in the pharmaceutical industry

for packaging tablets, capsules, syrups, and other oral medications. Its inertness,
moisture resistance, and barrier properties help protect the integrity and stability of
pharmaceutical formulations.

Cosmetic Packaging: PET plastic is commonly used for packaging cosmetics such as
creams, lotions, serums, and perfumes. Its clarity, lightweight, and compatibility with
various formulations make it a popular choice for cosmetic containers and bottles.

PET Strapping: PET plastic is also used in the form of strapping for securing and
bundling packages during shipping and transportation. PET strapping offers high tensile
strength, durability, and resistance to elongation, making it suitable for securing heavy
loads.

Textile Fibers: Recycled PET plastic, known as rPET, is used to produce polyester
fibers for textiles. These fibers are used in the manufacturing of clothing, upholstery,
carpets, and other textile products, offering performance properties similar to traditional
polyester fibers.

3. Distinguished characteristic in comparison to the others

Transparency and Clarity: PET is highly transparent, allowing for clear visibility of
the contents it contains. This makes it an ideal choice for packaging applications where
showcasing the product is important, such as in beverage bottles and food containers.

Strength and Durability: PET is a strong and durable plastic, making it suitable for a
wide range of applications. It can withstand the rigors of transportation and handling
without breaking or deforming easily.

Barrier Properties: PET has good barrier properties against moisture, oxygen, and
other gases, which helps to extend the shelf life of perishable products such as food and
beverages. This makes it a preferred choice for packaging items that require protection
from external elements.

Lightweight: PET is lightweight compared to many other packaging materials, which

helps to reduce transportation costs and environmental impact. Its lightweight nature
also makes it easier to handle and stack.

Recyclability: PET is widely recyclable and can be easily recycled into new products,
including other PET containers and fibers. This makes it an environmentally friendly
option compared to some other plastics.

Number 2 plastic - HDPE - High density polyethylene

1. Properties

Chemical formula (C2H4)n

Easily melted and molded: One of the main benefits of this plastic comes from its
malleability, making it easy to mold and transform into any shape or design. Once it
reaches its melting point, this HDPE plastic is quickly and efficiently molded for
exploitation in many unique applications from cutting boards, detergent bottles, milk
jugs, food containers to pipes, plastic pallets and more again.

Light-weight: HDPE density ranges from 0.93 to 0.97g/ cm3, high strength to density
ratio, linear structure with little branching, this brings stronger intermolecular forces,
higher tensile strength LDPE.

Corrosion resistance: HDPE resists mold, insects and rot but is also durable and can
be sterilized by boiling, making it an ideal material for food and beverage containers. In
addition, HDPE can withstand most strong mineral acids and bases, and has good
resistance to natural chemicals. Furthermore, this type of plastic is virtually
impermeable to most common chemicals, water, solvents, acids, detergents, and is
resistant to harsh weather.
Long lifespan: Because of its high impact resistance, chemical corrosion resistance,
and weather resistance, HDPE lasts longer than traditional materials and continues its
life cycle after recycling.

Sustainability: HDPE plastic is easily recycled, helping to keep non-biodegradable

waste out of landfills, reducing plastic production by up to 50%. That is why many
recyclable plastic items such as plastic pallets and industrial trash cans contain HDPE.
If you are looking for cost-effective, environmentally responsible materials then this is
the plastic for you.

Excellent waterproof ability: High Density Polyethylene is waterproof, waterproof,

and unaffected by moisture. This makes it ideal in the construction industry, especially
water pipes and reservoirs.

Easily recycled: HDPE is an easy-to-recycle plastic, converting used High Density

Polyethylene plastic into new products or recycled materials, helping to save resources,
reduce plastic waste, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

2. Applications

Packaging application: High density polyethylene is used in several packaging

applications including cartons, trays, plastic pallets, milk and juice bottles, food
packaging lids, drums, industrial containers, etc.

Consumer goods: Low cost and easy processing make HDPE the material of choice to
make household and consumer goods such as trash cans, detergent containers,
household appliances, ice boxes, toys, etc. .

Fiber and weaving: Thanks to its high tensile strength, HDPE is widely used in rope
systems, fishing and sports nets, agricultural nets, industrial and decorative fabrics,...

Other applications of HDPE include pipe systems and accessories: drainage pipes, car
fuel tanks, electrical wiring & cable systems - energy panels, telecommunications
cables, etc.
3. Distinguished characteristic in comparison to the others

Strength and Durability:

HDPE has a high strength-to-density ratio, making it stronger and more durable than
many other plastics, including LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene).

It has excellent resistance to impact, abrasion, and environmental stress cracking,

making it suitable for demanding applications such as pipes, tanks, and outdoor
furniture.

Chemical Resistance:

HDPE exhibits exceptional resistance to a wide range of chemicals, acids, and solvents,
making it ideal for applications involving storage and transport of corrosive substances.

Compared to PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), HDPE is considered more chemically inert and
does not release harmful toxins when exposed to chemicals, making it safer for food and
beverage packaging.

Moisture Resistance:

HDPE is impermeable to moisture and has low water absorption properties, making it
suitable for applications where moisture resistance is critical, such as water pipes,
geomembranes, and marine structures.

Unlike materials like wood and cardboard, HDPE does not degrade or lose its
mechanical properties when exposed to moisture or water.

Recyclability:

HDPE is highly recyclable and can be reprocessed into new products without significant
loss of quality or performance.

It is one of the most commonly recycled plastics, contributing to sustainability efforts

and reducing environmental impact.
Temperature Resistance:

HDPE has a high melting point and can withstand temperatures ranging from -50°C to
120°C (-58°F to 248°F), making it suitable for both high-temperature and low-
temperature applications.

It retains its mechanical properties over a wide temperature range, making it suitable for
outdoor applications in various climates.

Lightweight and Ease of Processing:

HDPE is lightweight compared to materials like metal and glass, making it easier to
handle, transport, and install.

It can be easily fabricated using various processes such as injection molding, extrusion,
and blow molding, allowing for the production of complex shapes and designs.

Electrical Insulation:

HDPE is an excellent electrical insulator, making it suitable for applications in the

electrical and telecommunications industries, such as cable insulation and conduit pipes.

Number 3 plastic - PVC- Polyvinyl chloride

1. Properties

Density, g/cm3 0.90–0.91

130
Fill temperature, max. °C

Tensile strength, psi 3,200–5,000

Water absorption, 24 hr., % 0.01

 3-700
Elongation, %

176
Melting point, Tm °C

5.8-10
Thermal expansion, 10–5 in./in. °C

30.4-30.8
Specific volume, cm3 /lb

PVC has two type of homopolymer: the flexible and rigid, the flexible are the one that
manufactured to have high porosity to permit plascitizer adsorption. Articles made from
the rigid type are hard and cannot be stretched more than 40% of their original length.
An important property of PVC is that it is self-extinguishing due to presence of the
chlorine atom.

2. Applications

It is widely used in :

-Construction: Pipe

-Medical devices: Oxygen tents, bags for blood transportation,…

-Clothing: safety equipment, waterproofs clothes,…

-Electric: Wire, jacketing, electricity distribution box, plug housing, battery terminal,…

-Transport: Car Seat Backs, Under Seal, Roof Linings, Leather Cloth Upholstery,
Wiring Insulation, Window Seals, Decorative Trim,...
3. Distinguished characteristics compared to the others

Chemical Resistance: PVC is highly resistant to acids, alkalis, and many other
chemicals, making it suitable for various applications where other materials might
degrade or corrode.

Durability: PVC is highly durable and has excellent mechanical properties, including
toughness and impact resistance. It can withstand harsh environmental conditions,
making it suitable for outdoor applications.

Lightweight: PVC is lightweight, which makes it easy to transport and install,

particularly in construction and piping applications

Electrical Insulation: PVC is an excellent electrical insulator, making it ideal for use in
cables, wires, and electrical components.

Low Cost: PVC is relatively inexpensive compared to other engineering plastics,

making it a cost-effective choice for many applications.

Number 4 plastic - LDPE - Low-Density Polyethylene

1. Properties

Formula: (CH2)n

Density: Typically ranges from 0.910 to 0.940 g/cm3.

Fill temperature, max: This refers to the maximum temperature LDPE can withstand
during the manufacturing process. It varies depending on the specific grade of LDPE
but is generally around 110-120°C.

Tensile strength: Typically ranges from 1,100 to 2,400 psi (7.58 to 16.55 MPa). The
exact tensile strength can vary depending on the processing conditions and additives
used.

Water absorption, 24hr: LDPE has very low water absorption, usually less than 0.01%
in 24 hours under standard conditions.
Elongation: LDPE exhibits high elongation at break, typically ranging from 200% to
600%. This means it can stretch considerably before breaking.

Melting point (Tm): The melting point of LDPE typically ranges from 105 to 115°C
(221 to 239°F). It's important to note that LDPE softens gradually as it approaches its
melting point rather than undergoing a sharp transition.

Thermal expansion: The coefficient of thermal expansion for LDPE is around 10–15 to
10-5 in./in. °C. This means that LDPE expands or contracts by approximately 10–15 parts
per million per degree Celsius of temperature change.

Specific volume: The specific volume of LDPE, indicating the volume occupied by one
pound of the material, is around 26-30 cm3/lb. This can vary slightly depending on the
density and formulation of the LDPE.

2. Applications

Packaging: LDPE is widely used in packaging applications such as plastic bags, cling
wraps, shrink wraps, and pouches due to its flexibility, transparency, and moisture
resistance.

Containers: LDPE is used for manufacturing containers and bottles for storing liquids
such as milk, juice, shampoo, and household cleaning products.

Plastic Films: LDPE is used in the production of plastic films for applications like
agricultural films, food wraps, and protective coatings due to its flexibility and moisture
resistance.

Medical Devices: LDPE is used in medical applications for manufacturing components

such as tubing, bags, and disposable gloves due to its chemical resistance and flexibility.

Toys and Sporting Goods: LDPE is used in the manufacturing of toys, sporting goods,
and recreational equipment due to its softness, flexibility, and safety for children.

3. Distinguished characteristics in comparison to the others

Advantages:

Flexibility: LDPE is highly flexible compared to many other plastics, making it suitable
for applications where flexibility and softness are desired.
Chemical Resistance: LDPE has good resistance to chemicals, including acids and
bases, which makes it suitable for packaging applications where exposure to various
substances is expected.

Water Resistance: LDPE is impermeable to water and moisture, making it ideal for
applications where moisture protection is necessary.

Ease of Processing: LDPE is relatively easy to process using methods such as

extrusion, blow molding, and injection molding, which makes it cost-effective for
manufacturing a wide range of products.

Transparency: LDPE is often transparent or translucent, allowing for visibility of the

contents in packaging applications.

Low Cost: LDPE is generally more economical compared to many other plastics,
making it a cost-effective option for various applications.

Disadvantages:

Low Strength: LDPE has lower tensile strength and stiffness compared to other plastics
like High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Polypropylene (PP), which limits its use in
structural applications.

Poor Barrier Properties: LDPE has relatively poor barrier properties against gases
such as oxygen and carbon dioxide compared to other plastics like Polyethylene
Terephthalate (PET) or Nylon, making it less suitable for packaging applications
requiring high gas barrier properties.

Limited Temperature Resistance: LDPE has a lower melting point compared to some
other plastics, limiting its use in high-temperature applications.

Susceptibility to Environmental Stress Cracking: LDPE can be susceptible to

environmental stress cracking when exposed to certain chemicals or environmental
conditions, which may reduce its durability in some applications.

Recycling Challenges: LDPE can be challenging to recycle compared to some other

plastics due to its low density and difficulty in sorting from other plastics in recycling
streams.
 Number 5 plastic - PP - Polypropylene

1. Properties

Formula: (C3H6)n

Melting Point: The melting point of PP occurs at a range.

○ Homopolymer: 160 - 165°C

○ Copolymer: 135 - 159°C

Density: PP is one of the lightest polymers among all commodity plastics. This feature
makes it a suitable option for lightweight saving applications.

○ Homopolymer: 0.904 - 0.908 g/cm3

○ Random Copolymer: 0.904 - 0.908 g/cm3
○ Impact Copolymer: 0.898 - 0.900 g/cm3

Chemical Resistance

○ Excellent resistance to dilute and concentrated acids, alcohols, and bases

○ Good resistance to aldehydes, esters, aliphatic hydrocarbons, ketones
○ Limited resistance to aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons and oxidizing agents

Flammability: PP is a highly flammable material.

PP retains mechanical & electrical properties at elevated temperatures. This occurs

in humid conditions and when submerged in water. It is a water-repellent plastic.

PP has good resistance to environmental stress cracking.

It is sensitive to microbial attacks, such as bacteria and mold.

It exhibits good resistance to steam sterilization.

2. Applications
Polypropylene is used in a range of industries including packaging, material handling,
and consumer goods:

● Material handling
 ● Packaging
● Medical devices
● Clothing
● Car parts
● Housewares
● Toys

Because of its chemical resistance, weldability, and other valuable properties, this
material finds its place in numerous industries; the medical, automotive, packaging,
electrical, construction, and food industries to name a few.

❖ The packaging industry uses polypropylene as a substitute for paper and

cellophane, mostly due to its low cost and flexibility.
❖ Pallets, bottles, jars, yogurt containers, hot beverage cups, and food packaging
are some of the products made with this material.
❖ Polypropylene is also frequently used in the automotive industry to produce
batteries, bumpers, instrument panels, interior elements, and door trims.
❖ Because of its chemical, bacterial, and steam sterilization resistance,
polypropylene is employed in a variety of medical applications as well, such as
disposable syringes, diagnostic devices, Petri dishes, intravenous bottles, and pill
containers.

Even though there are several different ways to process polypropylene and plastics in
general, injection molding is the most dominant manufacturing procedure.
Polypropylene responds swiftly to injection speed and pressure, and it forms up quickly
in the mold, allowing molders to achieve high production rates. Due to its mix of
performance attributes, this polymer has a critical position in the injection molding
market.
3. Distinguished characteristics in comparison to the others

Chemical Resistance: PP exhibits excellent resistance to many chemicals, including

acids, bases, and organic solvents. This makes it suitable for applications where
exposure to various chemicals is a concern, such as in laboratory equipment and
chemical processing industries.

High Temperature Resistance: Polypropylene can withstand relatively high

temperatures compared to other plastics, with a melting point typically ranging from
130°C to 171°C (depending on the grade). This property makes it suitable for use in hot-
fill applications such as microwavable food containers and dishwasher-safe items.

Low Density: PP has a relatively low density, which makes it lightweight compared to
other plastics. This characteristic is advantageous in applications where weight
reduction is desired, such as in automotive components and packaging materials,
leading to cost savings in transportation and handling.

Excellent Mechanical Properties: Polypropylene possesses good mechanical strength,

stiffness, and toughness. It maintains its shape and structural integrity under various
loading conditions, making it suitable for a wide range of structural and engineering
applications.

Good Electrical Insulation: PP has excellent electrical insulation properties, making it

suitable for use in electrical and electronic components, cable insulation, and capacitor
films.

Low Moisture Absorption: Polypropylene has low moisture absorption compared to

some other plastics, which helps maintain its dimensional stability in humid
environments. This property is beneficial in outdoor applications and products exposed
to moisture.
Recyclability: PP is widely recyclable, contributing to sustainability efforts and
reducing environmental impact. It can be recycled into a variety of products, including
automotive parts, containers, and fibers.

Transparency and Clarity: Polypropylene can be produced in transparent or

translucent forms, allowing for the manufacturing of clear packaging materials and
containers for products where visibility is desired.

Cost-Effectiveness: PP is generally more cost-effective compared to many other

engineering plastics, making it a preferred choice for a wide range of applications where
a balance between performance and cost is essential.

Number 6 plastic - PS - Polystyrene

Formula: (C8H8)n

1. Properties

Rigidity: Polystyrene is a rigid plastic, which makes it suitable for applications

requiring structural support.

Transparency: PS can be transparent or translucent, allowing for visibility of contents

in packaging applications.

Low Cost: It is relatively inexpensive to produce, making it an economical choice for

various applications.

Good Electrical Insulator: PS is a good electrical insulator, making it suitable for

applications in the electronics industry.

Lightweight: Polystyrene is lightweight, which is advantageous for applications where

weight is a concern.

Brittleness: PS can be brittle, particularly at lower temperatures, which may limit its
use in certain applications.
2. Applications

Packaging: PS is widely used in packaging applications, including foam trays, cups,

containers, and protective packaging.

Food Service Products: It is used to manufacture disposable food service items such
as plates, bowls, cutlery, and drink cups.

Insulation: Polystyrene foam is used as insulation in construction for its thermal

insulation properties.

Consumer Goods: PS is used in various consumer goods such as CD cases, toys, and
cosmetic packaging.

Medical Applications: It is used in medical applications such as Petri dishes and test
tubes.

Horticulture: PS is used in horticulture for seedling trays and packaging of plants.

3. Distinguished characteristics in comparison to the others

Versatility: Polystyrene's versatility in applications, particularly in packaging and food

service, sets it apart from some other plastics.

Clarity: PS's transparency or translucency is a distinguishing feature, especially when

compared to opaque plastics like polyethylene or polypropylene.

Insulation Properties: Polystyrene's thermal insulation properties make it well-suited

for applications in the construction industry, where maintaining temperature is crucial.

Cost: Polystyrene's low cost compared to some other plastics makes it a preferred
choice for disposable and low-cost items.

Brittleness: While the brittleness of PS can be a drawback in certain applications, it

also lends itself well to applications requiring rigid structures.
 Number 7 plastic - Other plastics

1. Properties

Number 7 plastic, also known as "Other" plastic, is a category that includes various
types of plastic materials that do not fit into the other numbered categories (1-6). It is a
catch-all category for plastics that are made from different resin types or have unique
compositions. As a result, the properties of number 7 plastic can vary significantly
depending on the specific material used. Some common properties associated with
number 7 plastic include:

● Versatility: Number 7 plastics can exhibit a wide range of physical and

chemical properties, making them suitable for diverse applications.
● Heat resistance: Certain number 7 plastics can withstand high
temperatures without deforming or melting.
● Chemical resistance: Some number 7 plastics have good resistance to
chemicals, making them suitable for storing or transporting corrosive
substances.
● Transparency: Certain number 7 plastics have excellent optical clarity,
allowing for the production of transparent or translucent products.

2. Applications

Number 7 plastics find applications in various industries due to their versatility.

Some common applications include:

● Automobile parts: Number 7 plastics are used in the production of

automotive components such as bumpers, dashboards, and interior trim.
● Electrical and electronic equipment: Certain number 7 plastics are used
in the manufacturing of electrical connectors, switches, and housings for
electronic devices.
● Medical devices: Some number 7 plastics meet the requirements for
medical-grade materials and are used in the production of medical
devices, such as syringes, tubing, and surgical instruments.
 ● Packaging: Certain number 7 plastics are used in packaging applications,
including bottles, containers, and films.
● Toys and consumer goods: Number 7 plastics can be found in various
consumer products, such as toys, kitchenware, and household items.

3. Distinguished characteristics in comparison with others

Number 7 plastics are distinct from other plastic categories (numbered 1-6) in that
they encompass a broader range of plastic materials. Unlike the other numbered plastics
that have more specific resin identifications, number 7 plastics are typically labeled as
"Other" or may carry a resin identification code (RIC) of 7. These plastics often have
unique compositions or are made from a combination of different resins, making their
properties and characteristics more diverse. Additionally, number 7 plastic is not as
commonly recycled as some of the other plastic types, which can impact its
environmental considerations and end-of-life management.