Comparing several plastic products, it is difficult to say what is the fundamental difference between one plastic and another. In fact, the determining factor in the manufacture of certain plastic products is just their properties.
Let's consider the main types of plastics and their differences from each other.
Polyethylene is by far the most common. Polyethylene is obtained either from primary raw materials by processing ethylene or from secondary LDPE and HDPE granules . The production of polyethylene from recycled granules is cheaper and today is used in many products. For example, for the manufacture of disposable bags.
The second most popular is polypropylene. It, like polyethylene, belongs to the class of thermoplastics and can be used for the manufacture of various packaging, boxes, consumer goods. The more rigid structure of polypropylene allows it to be used for products experiencing certain loads.
The next class is polyamides. This group includes several types of plastics: directly polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, etc. The main difference of this group from others is the addition of oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atoms to the chemical compound, in addition to carbon atoms.
PET is a separate large group of plastics. Belonging to the group of thermoplastics, PET is widely used in the production of containers, well-known plastic bottles. PET, like polyethylene, is highly recyclable, which reduces the cost of products made from it.
Plastic materials in combination with other types of materials belong to a special class. This class is collectively referred to as copolymers and includes various metal-reinforced plastics, fiberglass-reinforced plastics, carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (carbon) and other composite materials.
The addition of materials such as graphite to the structure of typical plastics makes it possible to obtain conductors, and additives that exclude combustion - fire retardants. Frictional, antistatic, shielding, etc. can also be distinguished from special plastics.
As you can see, the variety of plastics is quite huge, and choosing the right type from them is one of the main problems for technologists working in chemical production.
However, the correct selection of the right type of polymer can significantly reduce the cost of the product and in some cases replace more traditional types of construction materials such as steel, aluminum, wood, rubber, etc.
