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Plastic is one of the most commonly used materials worldwide, employed in various applications ranging from packaging to construction. However, the ubiquity of plastic raises environmental concerns as it can persist in the environment for centuries.

One of the primary challenges associated with plastic is its lifespan. Plastics are often composed of polymers, long molecules connected through chemical bonds. These bonds can be broken by environmental factors such as heat, light, and oxygen, resulting in the plastic degradation. Choosing suitable additives is essential to counteract these factors and enhance the overall durability of plastic.

1. Introduction

Plastic is a synthetic material with various advantageous properties such as being lightweight, durable, easy to produce, and cost-effective. Due to these characteristics, it is widely used in numerous fields, including consumer goods manufacturing, packaging, construction, and electronics.

According to the statistics from Plastics Europe, the global plastic production reached 368 million tons in 2022, marking a 4% increase compared to 2021. It is anticipated that global plastic production will continue to grow in the coming years, reaching 467 million tons by 2030.

Plastic is also a major contributor to ocean pollution. According to estimates from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), approximately 8 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans each year.

While the prevalence of plastic has brought many benefits to humans, it has also raised significant environmental concerns. Plastic is a non-biodegradable material, meaning it cannot break down into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the environment. This leads to the accumulation of plastic in the environment, causing soil, water, and air pollution.

Furthermore, plastic can pose health risks to humans. When plastic breaks down, it releases harmful chemicals that can infiltrate the food chain and harm human health.

The lifespan of plastic refers to the period it can exist without significant damage. Specific factors influencing the lifespan of plastic include its composition, additives, environmental conditions, and the impact of additives.

The use of additives is a potential solution to address challenges related to the lifespan of plastic. By employing suitable additives, the lifespan of plastic can be significantly improved, helping to minimize the environmental impact of plastic. Currently, scientists are actively searching for new and more effective additives to enhance the longevity of plastic and reduce its environmental impact.

Plastic is widely used in various fields

2. Composition of plastic and additives

Plastic is a synthetic material formed from large molecules known as polymers. Polymers are created by combining smaller units, called monomers, through chemical bonds.

There are numerous types of plastics, each with distinct characteristics and applications categorized based on the type of monomer used in their creation. The diversity of plastics arises from variations in their chemical composition. Some common types of plastics include:

• Polyethylene (PE): PE is the most widespread plastic, utilized in various applications such as packaging, pipes, and household items.
• Polypropylene (PP): PP is a rigid and durable plastic used in applications like toys, electronics, and automotive components.
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC is a flexible plastic employed in diverse applications, including pipes, electrical cables, and household items.
• Polystyrene (PS): PS is a lightweight and inexpensive plastic used in applications like packaging, toys, and furniture.
• Polycarbonate (PC): PC is a hard and durable plastic used in applications like car windshields, computer casings, and toys.

In addition to monomers, plastics can also contain additives. Additives are incorporated into plastic to enhance its properties. Additives can impact the durability, stability, and degradation resistance of plastics in various ways.

For example, stabilizers can prevent PE from fading and becoming brittle in sunlight. Reinforcement agents can strengthen the durability of PP, making it less prone to breakage. Flame retardants can prevent PVC from catching fire. Corrosion inhibitors can protect PTFE from chemical corrosion.

Depending on the specific application, by selecting the appropriate plastic composition and additives, it is possible to influence the lifespan of the plastic.

Additives are incorporated into plastic to enhance its properties

3. Environmental conditions

Environmental conditions are one of the most crucial factors affecting the lifespan of plastic. Environmental factors that can impact plastic include:

Microbial activity and additives

Microbial activity is a primary factor leading to the degradation of plastic. Microorganisms can break down plastic by producing enzymes that break chemical bonds within the material. Additionally, additives incorporated into plastic to enhance its properties may also be susceptible to microbial degradation.

Microorganisms can decompose various types of plastics, including PVC, PE, PP, PS, etc. Plastics with simpler molecular structures are generally more prone to microbial degradation than those with complex molecular structures. To mitigate the impact of microorganisms on the lifespan of plastic, using plastics with high microbial resistance or adding antimicrobial additives can be effective.

Chemical decomposition and additives

Chemical degradation is the process where plastic molecules break down into smaller molecules under the influence of environmental factors such as temperature, light, and oxygen. Additives added to plastic to improve its properties may also undergo chemical degradation.

Chemical degradation can occur in both natural and artificial environments. In natural environments, chemical degradation of plastic typically occurs more slowly than in artificial environments. To minimize the impact of chemical degradation on the lifespan of plastic, using plastics with high chemical resistance and storing plastic in cool environments away from sunlight can be beneficial.

Understanding and managing these environmental factors is crucial in selecting plastics and additives that can withstand microbial and chemical degradation, thereby extending the overall lifespan of the plastic material.

Environmental conditions are one of the most crucial factors affecting the lifespan of plastic

4. Influence of additives

Plastic additives are substances incorporated into the plastic during the manufacturing process to enhance its properties, such as strength, hardness, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. Additives can influence the lifespan of plastic in two primary ways:

Analysis of additives that may mitigate or accelerate chemical decomposition

Some additives help reduce the chemical degradation of plastic, such as antioxidants and heat stabilizers. These substances act by preventing the oxidation or thermal degradation processes of the plastic. On the contrary, certain additives, like plasticizers and softening agents, can accelerate the chemical degradation process by weakening the structure of the plastic, making it more prone to deterioration.

The role of additives in protecting plastic from the effects of external chemicals

Chemicals are a major factor contributing to the reduced durability and plastic degradation. Chemicals can corrode and disrupt the structure of the plastic, making it brittle and susceptible to breakage. Additives can play a protective role by creating a protective layer on the surface of the plastic. This layer can prevent chemicals from coming into direct contact with the plastic, shielding it from the harmful effects of chemicals.

There are various types of additives that can help protect plastic from external chemical impacts. Some common additives include:

• Corrosion inhibitors: Added to prevent the corrosion of plastic by creating a protective layer on its surface.
• Chemical resistance agents: Added to prevent chemicals from destroying the structure of the plastic by forming a protective layer.
• Stiffening agents: Added to increase the hardness of plastic, enhancing its resistance to chemical impacts.
• Plasticizers: Added to increase the flexibility of plastic, improving its ability to withstand mechanical stresses.

Influence of additives

5. Conclusion

The lifespan of plastic depends on various factors, with additives playing a crucial role. Additives help minimize or accelerate the chemical degradation process and also serve to protect plastic from the impact of external chemicals. As a result, they can enhance the physical, chemical, corrosion resistance, fire resistance, UV resistance, and other properties of plastic, contributing to the prolonged lifespan of products.

EuroPlas is among the leading suppliers of plastic additives in Vietnam, offering a diverse range of additives for different industries. Some notable additive products from EuroPlas include:

EuroPlas is among the leading suppliers of plastic additives in Vietnam

• Processing-aid additive: Improve the processability of plastic, reducing production time and costs.
• Clarifying additive: Enhance the transparency of plastic, making the final product more aesthetically pleasing.
• Optical brightener additive: Brightening agents: Increase the glossiness of plastic, creating a more luxurious appearance.
• Odor removing additive: Eliminate unpleasant odors from plastic, making products more environmentally friendly.
• Desiccant: Reduce the moisture absorption of plastic, enhancing product durability in humid environments.
• Flame retardant: Decrease the flammability of plastic, ensuring safety for users.
• Anti-fog additive: Prevent fogging on the surface of plastic, making products more durable in cold environments.
• Anti-aging additive: Inhibit the aging process of plastic, contributing to prolonged product lifespan.
• Anti-static additive: Prevent static electricity build-up on the surface of plastic, enhancing product safety.
• Anti-UV additive: Protect plastic from the harmful effects of UV rays, maintaining color durability.
• Anti-blocking additive: Prevent surface adhesion in plastic, making products easier to clean.

Choosing the right additives can improve the quality and extend the lifespan of plastic products. EuroPlas is a reliable choice for plastic manufacturers seeking high-quality additive products, ensuring product quality and performance.