Have you ever thought about how plastic gets made? It’s a fascinating process!” It all starts with a special class of materials called polymers. Polymers are long chains of tiny pieces called molecules. Some polymers are from nature, such as the ones we see in plants, while others are constructed in laboratories by scientists through a special process called polymerization. That is when smaller bits come together into bigger strings.
Monomers are small building blocks that scientists combine to form synthetic polymers. Monomers are unique because they can only connect to some kinds of molecules, kind of like puzzle pieces that only fit together in a specific way. By selecting specific monomers and combining them at different ratios, scientists can create a wide variety of different polymers. They are also used in many different products, ranging from toys to containers, to car parts since each polymer type has its own properties.
There are a multitude of materials required to fabricate plastic today, and they derive from entirely different sources. Some of the most used materials are petroleum, which is located deep in the Earth, natural gas, coal and even plant matter such as corn and soybeans. These materials are crucial as they supply the elements required to produce plastic. The conversion of these raw materials into plastic is a step process or sequence of reactions and this makes it a complex and interesting one!
The chemicals that give us plastic are derived from both nature and man-made sources. Scientists are very selective with these materials. They must be tough and reliable, which indicates they will last for long periods of time and will not break down. That is important because plastic is so prevalent in everyday objects, from water bottles to toys. Mixing all of these different materials together creates plastics that are not just junk — they’re strong, flexible and intended for a wide variety of other uses.
Resin: This is the basis of (most) plastic, and there are quite a few different varieties of resin. There are many types of resin with some unique applications and properties, thus making some more suited for certain products when compared to others.
Additives: Additional materials incorporated into plastics to enhance their properties. Typical additives are colorants that provide plastic its color, stabilizers that help the plastic last longer in sunlight and plasticizers that make the plastic softer and more flexible.
Fillers: Fillers are materials that strengthen the plastic and make it solid. They occupy voids in the plastic and help it retain its shape. Common fillers are glass fibers, which impart strength, carbon fibers and other minerals that can modify the feel or weight of the plastic.
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