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Which item around us is made from a synthetic material? Every single one. Synthetic materials are a vital part of our modern life, appearing in everything from our cars to the garments we drive and the phones we hold.

Synthetic materials are often stronger, lighter, and more durable than natural materials, and they can be designed to have specific properties for specific purposes. In this article, we will explore the different types of synthetic materials and their uses throughout human history.

1. How many types of synthetic materials?

The exact number of types of synthetic materials is difficult to determine, as there are constantly new ones being developed. Among the most common synthetic materials are:

1.1. Plastics

Picture 1. Plastics is a diverse synthetic material made from petroleum, coal, or natural gas. 

Plastic is the chameleon of materials, adapting to take on any form or function. It's found in everything from food packaging to medical devices to construction materials to electronics.

• Polyethylene (PE): PE is the most common plastic in the world, and it is used to make a variety of products, including bags, bottles, and films.
• Polypropylene (PP): PP is a strong and durable plastic that is used to make products such as food packaging, automotive parts, and medical devices.
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC is a versatile plastic that can be used to make a wide range of products, including pipes, flooring, and siding.
• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): PET is a clear and strong plastic that is used to make beverage bottles, food packaging, and clothing fibers.
• High-density polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is a strong and durable plastic that is used to make products such as milk jugs, detergent bottles, and toy parts.

Explore the properties of the above plastics: The Most Common Type of Plastic and Their Uses 

1.2. Textiles

Picture 2: Polyester and nylon are often used in clothing textiles

1.3. Elastomers

1.4. Adhesives

Adhesives are synthetic materials that are used to bond materials together. They are available in a variety of forms, including liquids, solids, and tapes. 

• Epoxy adhesives: Epoxy adhesives are strong and durable adhesives that are used to bond a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and plastic.
• Acrylic adhesives: Acrylic adhesives are fast-drying adhesives that are used to bond a variety of materials, including paper, cardboard, and metal.
• Cyanoacrylate adhesives: Cyanoacrylate adhesives are very strong adhesives that are used to bond a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and rubber.

1.5. Coatings

Picture 3. Synthetic turf is becoming increasingly popular in sports fields

Coatings are synthetic materials that are applied to surfaces to protect them or give them a desired appearance. Coatings are available in a variety of forms, including paints, varnishes, and lacquers.

• Alkyd paints: Alkyd paints are durable paints that are used to protect both interior and exterior surfaces.
• Latex paints: Latex paints are water-based paints that are easy to apply and dry quickly. They are often used to paint interior walls.
• Enamel paints: Enamel paints are hard and glossy paints that are used to paint both interior and exterior surfaces, including wood, metal, and plastic.

2. Synthetic materials examples

Picture 4. Synthetic wood is a low-maintenance and durable alternative

2.1. Plastic bottles, bags, and food packaging

Plastics are a diverse group of synthetic materials that are made from petroleum. Plastics are lightweight, durable, and inexpensive, making them ideal for a wide range of applications, including bottles, bags, and food packaging.

2.2. Synthetic clothing, such as polyester, nylon, and spandex

 Synthetic clothing is made from man-made fibers, such as polyester, nylon, and spandex. Synthetic clothing is often less expensive, more durable, and easier to care for than natural fiber clothing, such as cotton and wool.

2.3. Rubber tires and other automotive parts

 Rubber is a synthetic material that is made from the sap of rubber trees or from petroleum. Rubber is used to make a variety of products, including tires, hoses, and gaskets. Rubber is also used in a variety of automotive parts, such as seals and belts.

2.4. Medical devices, such as artificial heart valves and implants

Synthetic materials are used to make a wide range of medical devices, including artificial heart valves, implants, and surgical instruments. Synthetic materials are also used to make sutures, bandages, and other medical supplies.

2.5. Building materials, such as insulation and siding

 Synthetic materials are used to make a variety of building materials, including insulation, siding, and roofing materials. Synthetic materials are also used to make carpets, flooring, and other home furnishings.

2.6. Electronics, such as computer cases and cell phone screens

 Synthetic materials are used to make a variety of electronic products, including computer cases, cell phone screens, and circuit boards. Synthetic materials are also used to make electrical insulation and other electronic components.

3. Impact of synthetic materials on society and the environment

Artificial materials have significantly impacted both the environment and society. They have transformed a great deal of the economy and day-to-day activities. Compared to many natural materials, they are stronger, lighter, and more durable. They can also be made to have certain qualities for particular uses.

Societal impacts

Picture 5. Synthetic materials are all around us, and they play an important role in our everyday lives.

Synthetic materials are often cheaper to produce than natural materials, which makes them more affordable for consumers in developing countries, where people may have limited incomes.

According to a World Resources Institute study, the average cost of clothing made of synthetic fibers is $3.40, whereas that of a garment made of natural fibers is $10.50. This implies that using synthetic fabrics will allow customers to purchase more clothing for their money.

Furthermore, synthetic materials are easier to get than natural ones. This is because natural resources are frequently limited, whereas synthetic materials may be made in large quantities.

Healthcare has undergone a transformation thanks to synthetic materials. Numerous illnesses, such as cancer, neurological diseases, and heart disease, are treated with synthetic medical devices.

One surgical treatment called deep brain stimulation (DBS) entails implanting a device in the brain that sends electrical pulses to particular regions of the brain. Neural disorders such as essential tremor, dystonia, and Parkinson's disease have all been demonstrated to respond well to DBS treatment.

Environmental impacts

Environmental pollution can result from synthetic materials. For instance, plastic trash poses a serious threat to our landfills and oceans. Furthermore, several synthetic material production processes have the potential to discharge additional pollutants and greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

Wildlife can also be harmed by synthetic items. For instance, plastic debris can be mistaken for food by seabirds and other marine species, who may then eat it and become injured or killed.

Climate change may also be exacerbated by synthetic materials. For instance, greenhouse gasses are released into the environment during the plastics manufacturing process.

4. The future of synthetic materials

Picture 6. Synthetic materials are being used to develop new renewable energy technologies

 The potential of synthetic materials to revolutionize renewable energy and telecommunications is truly intriguing. 

•  Solar cells: Synthetic materials such as perovskites and organic semiconductors are being used to develop new solar cells that are more efficient and less expensive than traditional silicon solar cells.
•  Wind turbines: Synthetic materials such as carbon fiber and Kevlar are being used to develop new wind turbine blades that are lighter and stronger than traditional blades, allowing for larger and more efficient turbines.
•  Batteries: Synthetic materials such as lithium-ion and graphene are being used to develop new batteries that are more energy-dense and have longer lifespans than traditional batteries. This could lead to longer-range electric vehicles and more efficient energy storage systems for renewable energy.
•  Metamaterials: Metamaterials are synthetic materials that are engineered to have unique electromagnetic properties. For example, metamaterials can be used to create lenses that can bend light in new ways and to develop new types of antennas and sensors. This could lead to new technologies for telecommunications, medical imaging, and other applications.

5. Conclusion

 Some of the most important issues facing the globe today, like disease and climate change, may be resolved with the use of synthetic materials. We may anticipate seeing even more ground-breaking and significant applications of synthetic materials in the years to come as technology develops.

 Interested in learning more about the latest trends in the plastic industry? Visit the EuroPlas website to learn more about the plastic industry and how their products are helping to shape the future.