Plastic, or plastic, is an organic material based on macromolecular compounds - polymers. The opinion that plastic is a more durable and high-quality material than plastic is erroneous. The difference between these concepts is only in their name. The types of plastic, its types, classification, labeling, areas of use are huge.
What is this
Plastic products have firmly entered our lives. Plastics based on synthetic polymers are especially widely used. The manufacturing process is the transition of a material under the influence of heat and pressure from a fluid state to a solid state. The development of plastics began with the use of natural ingredients. Later they were replaced with chemically modified materials. Now, for the manufacture of plastics, fully synthetic molecules are used - polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, epoxy. And the secret of popularity is as follows: ease of production, practicality, affordable price.
Key Features
Types and properties of plastic, its weldabilityprimarily dependent on the polymer from which it is made. All kinds of additives, additives, stabilizers, pigments, organic and inorganic fibers also affect the physical and mechanical characteristics of plastics. Some, for example, protect plastic from ultraviolet radiation.
Mainly the material is white or transparent. With the addition of dyes, plastic can acquire any color. In this way, a mirror plastic can be produced. Most plastics are multicomponent and composite materials. Plastic has a low density. Resistant to acids and alkalis. It has low thermal and electrical conductivity. Most species are easy to process. This allows the production of molded products from raw materials, as well as the use of sheet plastic, combining thermoforming with mechanical processing.
Plastic uses
The scope of plastics is huge. Starting with use in shipbuilding, aircraft building, ending with agriculture, medicine and everyday life. The types of plastic are amazing. Photos show only a small part of the products:
- Plastics are widely used in the manufacture of parts for large vehicles, as well as interior trim.
- The development of agriculture implies the use of plastic in land reclamation, the manufacture of packaging materials for the storage of agricultural products, the construction of film shelters and greenhouses.
- Many medical instruments, special utensils, packagingfor drugs are made of plastics.
- In construction, these are metal-plastic pipes and fittings. An alternative to glass is designs made of light or transparent plastics.
- In everyday life - the use of all kinds of containers, bottles, bags, children's toys and much more.
Transparent plastic
Plastic types include thermoplastic PVC, which is mainly used for sheet materials. It is used in construction, outdoor advertising and other fields. A type of sheet material is transparent plastic. Depending on the light transmission capacity, the material can either block or transmit some of the ultraviolet rays. It can be transparent and translucent colored sheet materials.
Types of transparent plastic are plexiglass, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyester glass, transparent PVC sheets. First of all, they are impact resistant. More durable is polycarbonate. Polyester glass is considered the most elastic. The light transmission capacity is higher for plexiglass, it is the most transparent and clear, it is well processed. Transparent plastic is used for glazing windows, goggles and police shields, making plastic bottles. Transparent plastic may have different shades.
Plastic facades
Types of plastic for facades are divided into sheet and roll. Hard and solid sheet of material is plastichigh pressure. Cold or medium pressure roll plastic is of lower quality and cheaper than sheet plastic. This material in rolls resembles PVC film. It is also used in the manufacture of furniture fronts.
Types of plastic for the kitchen have a different basis. Some are made on the basis of chipboard, and it is cheaper than the base of MDF. Sheet plastic is thermally stable, it is not subject to scratches, chips, impacts, does not deform, does not fade or fade. The material does not peel off from the base, is not afraid of moisture, and is easy to clean. The disadvantage of facade details is that they can only be even, without milling, and smooth in texture.
Finish
Today, plastic remains a popular building material. Mostly different types of plastic are used for office decoration. But in the presence of imagination and with a competent design, such material will look great in the decoration of the apartment. Plastic can be sheathed on any surface, whether it be a ceiling or walls. The main type of material for ceiling surfaces is PVC panels. Panel sizes vary widely. Separate elements are interconnected with the help of stiffening ribs (the panel has a groove on one side, and a spike on the other). The material is light and safe. Easy to transport and easy to install.
Plastic, having moisture resistance, is used in bathrooms and when lining balconies. It is used for arranging slopes and finishing ceilings. With a successful and competent choice of plastic, you get an excellent entrance hall. Plastic panels can be frostedor glossy, imitate wood or stone.
Advantages and disadvantages
In some areas of human activity, many types of plastic are approved for use by the Ministry of He alth:
- Weather resistant material. It has good electrical insulation and is non-flammable.
- Easy to process. Easy to weld and glue. Can be cut and shaped as needed.
- The material is inexpensive. For a long time retains its original appearance. Not afraid of moisture.
- It has a rich color range. Sheet transparent plastic possesses shock-resistant and fire-resistant properties. From it you can get products of various shapes.
- Foamed PVC is resistant to temperature changes. When finishing the room, it plays the role of a sound and heat insulator. Suitable for awnings, street signs, signs, advertising objects.
Like any material, plastic has some disadvantages:
- Susceptible to many organic solvents.
- Plastic parts may deform under heavy loads or high temperatures.
