PLASTICS

A plastic can be broadly defined as any non-metallic material that

can be moulded to desired shape.

They are natural or synthetic resins, or their compounds, which can

be moulded, extruded, cast or used as films or coatings.

Most plastics are of organic nature composed of hydrogen, oxygen,

carbon and nitrogen. In order to give desired properties to the
finished plastic articles certain moulding compounds like fillers,
plasticizers, solvents, pigments etc. are added.
Basic raw materials used in manufacture of plastics are generally obtained
from the following substances:
 Coal
 Petroleum
 Lime stone
 Salt
 Sulphur
 Air
 Water
 Cellulose from cotton and wood.
 Constituents of Plastics

1. Binder

2. Filler

3. Plasticizers

4. Colouring Material

5. Lubricants

6. Catalyst
 Constituents of Plastics

• Binder : It may be either resins or cellulose derivatives

• Filler : They are the materials added to the plastics to improve their

mechanical properties and to make them economical. They are powder,

fibrous and laminated fillers.

• Plasticizers : They are the chemicals added to plastics to make them soft, to

improve their toughness at finished stage and to make them flexible. They

should be chemically inert, non-volatile and non-toxic. Common plasticizers

are vegetable oils, aluminium stearates, dibutyl phthalate and camphor.

 Constituents of Plastics

 Colouring Material : This is usually in the form of pigment and dyes and often

added to monomers. They gives required colour to the plastics. It should be

durable and adequately fast to light.

 Lubricants : They facilitate moulding operation by increasing the flow of plastic mix

and also prevents sticking of plastic to moulds. Common lubricants are Mosallic

soaps and stearates.

 Catalyst : They are the compounds added to accelerate the chemical reaction

during the process of polymerization . They also act as hardners and accelerators.
 Properties of Plastics
 Light in weight
 Low thermal conductivity
 Low electrical conductivity
 Wide range of colours
 Resistant to deterioration by moisture
 Transparent, translucent or opaque.
 Good dimensional stability
 Quite durable
 Good tensile strength
 Bad conductor of heat
 Can be easily fixed in position
 SHORTCOMINGS OF PLASTICS

• Low heat resistance

• Not very hard

• Disintegrate gradually with passage of time

• Exhibit high creep

• High coefficient of thermal expansion

• Lack ductility
CLASSIFICATION OF PLASTICS

Thermoplastics : They are those plastics which soften on the application of

heat, with or without pressure, and require cooling to be set to a shape.

Thermosetting plastics : They are those plastics which require heat and

pressure to be moulded in to a shape.

 Uses of Plastics

Electrical conduits Roof lights

Electrical insulators Corrugated and plain sheets

Floor tiles Wall tiles

Joint less flooring Bath and sink units

Decorative laminates Overhead water tanks

Lighting fixtures Pipes to carry cold water

 Commercial Forms of Plastics
1. Plastic Sheets – PVC Sheets, Fabric-backed sheets,
Polythene sheets, Corrugated plastic sheets.
2. Plastic Tiles – PVC Tiles, Fabric backed PVC tiles,
Thermoplastic vinyl tiles, Polystyene wall tiles
3. Plastic Laminates

4. Plastic Panels
5. Plastic Pipes – PVC pipes, Polythene plastic pipes