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Plastic is a ubiquitous material in our daily lives. Just take a look around your living space and you'll see numerous plastic objects. It is widely used due to its versatile nature, making it easy to design and manufacture various products. So, what exactly is plastic? What is it made of? What is the melting temperature of plastic? These are the questions that will be answered in this article. Join us as we delve into EuP's comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about plastic!

1. What is plastic?

The term "plastic" finds its origin in the Greek word "Plastikos," which signifies the act of molding. Fossil fuels consist of hydrogen and carbon compounds, known as hydrocarbons, which serve as the fundamental building blocks for lengthy polymer molecules. These building blocks, also referred to as monomers, join together to form extensive chains of carbon called polymers.

Plastic is defined as a substance that incorporates an essential component: an organic matter with a substantial molecular weight. It is further classified as polymers composed of long chains of carbon atoms.

These carbon atoms are interconnected and generate extended chain-like structures within molecules.

The discovery of plastic can be attributed to the renowned German chemist Christian Schonbein in 1846. Interestingly enough, plastic was actually stumbled upon accidentally. Christian was conducting experiments in his kitchen when he inadvertently spilled a mixture containing nitric acid and sulfuric acid. To clean up this solution, he used a cloth and placed it over the stove after mopping up the spillage. Over time, he noticed that the cloth had vanished completely - it was from this incident that plastic derived its name.

What is plastic?

2. What is the chemical formula of plastic?

There is no single chemical formula for plastic, as there are many different types of plastic. However, the general chemical formula for a polymer plastic can be written as (CH2-CHX)n, where X can be any number of different atoms, depending on the type of plastic. For example, the chemical formula for polyethylene is (CH2-CH2)n, where n is the number of repeating units in the polymer chain.

Here are some of the most common types of plastic and their chemical formulas:

• Polyethylene (PE): (CH2-CH2)n
• Polypropylene (PP): (CH2-CHCH3)n
• Polystyrene (PS): (CH2-CH(C6H5))n
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): (CH2-CHCl)n
• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): (CF2-CF2)n

The chemical formula of a plastic can give you some information about its properties, such as its melting point, density, and flexibility. However, it is important to note that the chemical formula alone does not tell you everything about a plastic. The structure of the polymer chain, the presence of additives, and the processing method can all affect the properties of a plastic.

What is the chemical formula of plastic?

3. How is plastic made?

Where does plastic come from? Traditionally, plastic has been primarily made from crude oil or derived from it. However, in order to meet the increasing demands of human usage, various types of synthetic plastics have been developed.

Plastics are derived from natural materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and crude oil. They have become a modern type of raw material that is widely used to replace traditional materials like fabric, wood, leather, metal, and glass. This is due to the plastic's high durability and resistance to breakage as well as its wide range of colors.

In today's world, additives are commonly mixed into plastics during production. These additives aim to improve performance by enhancing factors such as stiffness or softness while also reducing production costs. Cheap materials are often added to make the final product more affordable. Additionally, flame retardants may be incorporated in order to reduce the flammability of the material. Common filler materials include minerals like talc powder. Among these additives and fillers, colorants are particularly prevalent.

How is plastic made?

4. The elements of plastic composition

There are numerous types of plastics worldwide, each with its own primary and secondary components. The main components consist of various organic polymers combined with carbon, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen...

The composition of plastics varies depending on the type and material used. Most plastic types are produced through methods such as melting or chemical reactions.

Some plastics can be recycled by melting them down and creating new products. However, there are also products that cannot be recycled and can only be used once.

4.1. The properties of plastic

• Plastics possess excellent thermal insulation and electrical insulation properties. However, they can still be modified when necessary to conduct electricity.
• Plastic has the ability to resist corrosion from various attacking substances. Therefore, it has high durability and is suitable for use in harsh environments.
• There are transparent types of plastic used in optical devices.
• Plastic can easily be molded into complex shapes, allowing other materials to be integrated into plastic products.
• Plastic has good waterproofing capabilities.
• Compared to metals, plastics do not rust and are less sensitive to chemical agents or environments.
• The physical properties of a specific type of plastic may not fully meet regulatory requirements. However, in order to meet the needs of specific applications, plastics can be modified by adding reinforcing fillers, colors, foaming agents, flame retardants, plasticizers…

The properties of plastic

4.2. Physical properties of some common types of plastics

4.2.1 PP plastic

PP plastic stands for Polypropylene, which is a type of plastic with high mechanical durability. PP plastic appears as transparent and colorless, without any odor or taste. During production, the plastic pellets are often mixed with colored pellets to create visually appealing finished products.

The physical properties and melting temperature of PP plastic

• PP plastic is known for its high elasticity. It is highly flexible, resistant to deformation, and has excellent electrical insulation properties. PP plastic is transparent with a high surface gloss, making it ideal for clear printing. However, it has poor adhesion properties and can be processed using conventional methods.
• PP plastic has a crystallinity of approximately 70%, is colorless, and sold in pellets.
• During the processing of PP plastic, various phases of amorphousness can be created to produce transparent products like BOPP film.
• The melting temperature of PP plastic ranges from 160°C to 180°C. If not subjected to external forces, raw PP material can maintain its three-dimensional state at temperatures up to 150°C.
• The elastic modulus is between 1.5 GPa and 2 GPa with a shrinkage coefficient ranging from 1% to 3%.

PP plastic stands for Polypropylene

4.2.2. PE plastic

Polyethylene, also known as PE, is a type of flexible plastic with a crystalline structure. It is commonly white and exists in a gaseous state. PE has the ability to withstand temperatures up to 230 degrees Celsius, although its thermal resistance is relatively short-lived. In Vietnam, PE plastic is often used for electrical wire insulation, packaging films for goods and food products, construction materials, as well as bottles and containers.

Physical Properties and Melting Temperature of PE

• PE plastic appears white and transparent.
• It has both low thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity.
• Due to its nature as a branch of virgin plastics, water and gas cannot permeate through it.
• PE can be further classified into various types such as VLDPE (Very Low Density Polyethylene), LDPE (Low Density
• Polyethylene), MDPE (Medium Density Polyethylene), HDPE (High Density Polyethylene). Consequently, each type possesses its own glass transition temperature at approximately -100°C and melting temperature at around 120°C.

PE plastic is a type of flexible plastic with a crystalline structure

4.2.3. PVC plastic

PVC, short for Polyvinyl Chloride, is a type of plastic formed through the polymerization reaction of vinyl chloride (CH2=CHCl). It is one of the earliest materials created in the plastics industry. This particular plastic is widely used in various aspects of life, such as manufacturing pipes, wires, and electrical cables,...

Physical Properties and Melting Temperature of PVC Plastic

• PVC plastic appears as white or pale yellow powder.
• There are two forms in which PVC exists; suspension grade (PVC.S - PVC Suspension) and emulsion grade (PVC.E - PVC Emulsion).
• The specific gravity of PVC plastic is 1.4 to 1.45.
• The refractive index of PVC plastic is 1.544.
• PVC plastic has relatively poor impact resistance and can be improved by adding MBS, ABS,...
• This type of PVC has excellent insulating properties.
• PVC plastic itself is non-toxic; it only becomes toxic when additives are added.
• The melting temperature for PVC plastic is 80 degrees Celsius.

PVC plastic is a type of plastic formed through the polymerization reaction of vinyl chloride

5. Synthesis of melting temperatures of common plastics

Melting temperature, also known as the melting point or liquefaction temperature, is reached when a substance transitions from a solid to a liquid state.

The Melting Temperature of Plastics Varies Depending on the Type. Some plastics have low melting temperatures, such as thermoplastics, while others have high melting temperatures, such as thermosetting plastics.

Below are some common types of plastics and their melting temperatures:

Thermoplastics:

• Polyethylene (PE): 120°C
• Polypropylene (PP): 160-180°C
• Polystyrene (PS): 95-105 °C
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): 80°C
• Polyamide (PA): 220-260 °C

Thermosetting Plastics:

• Epoxy: 120-150 °C
• Polyester: 150-170 °C
• Vinyl ester: 150-170 °C
• Phenolic: 160-180 °C
• Urea-formaldehyde: 170-190 °C

The melting temperature of plastics is an important parameter to consider when using them. It affects how plastics are processed, molded, and utilized. For instance, plastics with low melting temperatures can be easily heated and shaped, while plastics with high melting temperatures require processing at higher temperatures.

6. EuroPlas is a trusted supplier of bioplastics and plastic additives

EupPlas is a trusted supplier of bioplastics and plastic additives

EuroPlas is a specialized manufacturer and supplier of high-quality bioplastic products and plastic additives

As one of Vietnam's leading bioplastic manufacturers, EuroPlas produces its products using natural materials that are environmentally friendly and can completely decompose under natural conditions. The company's bioplastic products are used in various fields, including packaging, household items, toys, and medical products.

In addition to producing bioplastics compound, EuroPlas also supplies high-quality plastic additives. These plastic additives are imported from advanced countries around the world and are used to improve the properties of plastics, including strength, hardness, flexibility, and color.

EuroPlas is a reputable company with over 16 years of experience in manufacturing and supplying bioplastics and plastic additives. The company is committed to providing high-quality products at competitive prices along with excellent customer service.

If you are in need of a reliable and high-quality supplier of bioplastics and plastic additives, then European Plastic Corporation is an excellent choice for you.