Plastics are integral to modern life, but understanding their composition often remains overlooked. Essentially, plastics are derived from natural materials, transformed through complex processes into the versatile materials we use daily. The primary raw materials for plastic production include natural gas, coal, salt, cellulose, and crucially, crude oil.
Crude oil, a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, is the cornerstone of most plastic production. The journey begins in oil refineries where crude oil undergoes distillation. This process separates the heavy crude oil into lighter components known as fractions. Each fraction consists of hydrocarbon chains, varying in molecular size and structure. Naphtha, a specific fraction obtained from this distillation, is the key ingredient for plastic manufacturing.
The transformation of these raw materials into plastic involves two principal methods: polymerization and polycondensation. Both processes rely on specific catalysts to initiate chemical reactions. In polymerization, simple molecules called monomers, such as ethylene and propylene, are bonded together to create long chains known as polymers. The properties of the resulting plastic are determined by the type of monomers used, influencing its structure, size, and characteristics.
Two Main Families of Plastics
Plastics are broadly categorized into two main families based on their behavior when heated:
- Thermoplastics: These plastics soften upon heating, allowing them to be molded and reshaped. They solidify again upon cooling, a process that can be repeated.
- Thermosets: Unlike thermoplastics, thermosets undergo an irreversible chemical change during molding. Once hardened, they retain their shape and do not soften upon reheating.
Examples of Thermoplastics & Thermosets
| Examples of Thermoplastics | Examples of Thermosets |
|---|---|
| Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) | Epoxide (EP) |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF) |
| Polyethylene (PE) | Polyurethane (PUR) |
| Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) | Unsaturated Polyester Resins (UP) |
| Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) | |
| Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | |
| Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) | |
| Polypropylene (PP) | |
| Polystyrene (PS) | |
| Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) |
Plastic Executive Summary Framed
The Transition Towards Sustainable Plastics
The plastics industry, including Plastics Europe, recognizes the environmental concerns associated with plastic production and waste. There is a growing emphasis on the sustainable use of plastics and the transition towards a circular economy. While plastics are indispensable in numerous applications and crucial for various industries in Europe, ongoing efforts are focused on mitigating climate change impacts and addressing plastic waste challenges to ensure a more sustainable future for plastics.
