Plastics Overview
Here’s a comprehensive data sheet for the specified plastic types:
1. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Chemical and Physical Properties:
• Strength: High impact strength, durable.
• Flexibility: Moderate; rigid but not brittle.
• Thermal Resistance: Moderate (softens at ~105°C).
• Density: ~1.04 g/cm³.
Common Uses:
• Automotive interior components (dashboards, trims).
• Consumer electronics casings (laptops, phones).
• 3D printing filament for prototypes.
Environmental Considerations:
• Recyclability: Can be recycled, but not widely accepted in all regions.
• Biodegradability: Non-biodegradable.
• Environmental Concerns: Derived from petroleum, emits toxic fumes when burned.
Chemical and Physical Properties:
• Strength: Good tensile strength and fatigue resistance.
• Flexibility: High; excellent for hinges and moving parts.
• Thermal Resistance: Melts at ~160°C, resistant to many chemicals.
• Density: ~0.91 g/cm³ (lightweight).
Common Uses:
• Food containers and packaging (microwave-safe plastics).
• Medical equipment (syringes, pill bottles).
• Automotive parts (bumpers, battery casings).
Environmental Considerations:
• Recyclability: Highly recyclable (resin code #5).
• Biodegradability: Non-biodegradable.
• Environmental Concerns: Accumulates in oceans; can be recycled into fibers and industrial components.
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Chemical and Physical Properties:
• Strength: Strong and rigid; moderate impact resistance.
• Flexibility: Can be made flexible with plasticizers.
• Thermal Resistance: Degrades at high temperatures (~140°C).
• Density: ~1.38 g/cm³.
Common Uses:
• Plumbing pipes and fittings.
• Vinyl flooring and wall coverings.
• Electrical cable insulation.
Environmental Considerations:
• Recyclability: Difficult to recycle due to additives.
• Biodegradability: Non-biodegradable.
• Environmental Concerns: Releases harmful dioxins during production and incineration.
4. Epoxy Resin
Chemical and Physical Properties:
• Strength: Extremely strong, resistant to deformation.
• Flexibility: Rigid after curing.
• Thermal Resistance: High resistance to heat and chemicals.
• Density: ~1.2–1.3 g/cm³.
Common Uses:
• Adhesives for construction and electronics.
• Protective coatings (marine environments, industrial floors).
• Composite materials (carbon fiber, fiberglass).
Environmental Considerations:
• Recyclability: Non-recyclable after curing.
• Biodegradability: Non-biodegradable.
• Environmental Concerns: Contains toxic chemicals; must be handled carefully to prevent exposure.
5. Rubber (Natural and Synthetic)
Chemical and Physical Properties:
• Strength: Moderate tensile strength; good resilience.
• Flexibility: Excellent elasticity; returns to original shape after deformation.
• Thermal Resistance: Varies; natural rubber degrades at ~80°C.
• Density: ~0.92–1.5 g/cm³ (depends on type).
Common Uses:
• Tires and automotive seals.
• Elastic bands and gloves.
• Industrial vibration dampeners.
Environmental Considerations:
• Recyclability: Limited (e.g., ground rubber for new uses like playground surfaces).
• Biodegradability: Natural rubber is biodegradable; synthetic rubber is not.
• Environmental Concerns: Disposal is challenging; burning emits harmful pollutants.
Sources
1. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Callister, W. D., & Rethwisch, D. G. (2020). Materials science and engineering: An introduction (10th ed.). Wiley.
Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
2. Polypropylene (PP)
Strong, A. B. (2020). Plastics: Materials and processing (4th ed.). Pearson.
Retrieved from https://www.matweb.com/search/datasheet.aspx?matguid=c01d3d9a823248c3a2d9b2a924ec3282
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Harper, C. A., & Petrie, E. M. (2003). Plastics materials and processes: A concise encyclopedia. Wiley.
Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/polyvinyl-chloride
4. Epoxy Resin
Osswald, T. A., & Rudolph, N. (2019). Polymer science: A comprehensive reference. Springer.
Retrieved from https://www.materialstoday.com/composite-applications/features/epoxy-resin-in-composites/
5. Rubber (Natural and Synthetic)
Brydson, J. A. (1999). Rubber chemistry (3rd ed.). Elsevier.
Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/natural-rubber