CHAPTER I
LITTERATURE REVIEW
14
1 Plastics
1.1 Definition
A plastic is a versatile material made primarily of polymers, either synthetic or semi-synthetic.
It possesses the quality of being easily shaped through molding, extrusion, or pressing into
diverse forms. Known for its lightweight, durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, plastics
have become widely used in various applications (Manutchehr-Danai, 2009). Initially
sourced from fossil fuel-based compounds like natural gas and petroleum (Andrady and Neal,
2009).
1.2 History
The history of plastic dates back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations around 1600 BC, where
natural rubber was utilized in crafting various items (Hosler et al., 1999). The development of
modern thermoplastics began in the nineteenth century, marked by significant milestones such
as Goodyear's invention of vulcanized rubber in 1839 and the discovery of polystyrene by
Eduard Simon. Throughout the twentieth century, plastics saw rapid advancement with the
synthesis of numerous new polymer classes (PlasticsEurope, 2008).
Key plastic polymers such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride
(PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) emerged as prominent
materials with diverse applications. Polypropylene, discovered in 1954, had found widespread
use in packaging, construction, and household goods. Polyethylene, synthesized in 1933, had
demonstrated versatility in various forms, including film production and electrical insulation
(Andrady and Neal, 2009).
Commercial production of PVC commenced in the late 1920s, primarily used in noncombustible building materials and packaging. PS, developed in the 1930s, had found
applications in insulation and packaging, including expanded PS cups and trays. PET,
introduced in the 1940s, and had gained popularity in bottle production due to its transparency
and resistance properties (PlasticsEurope, 2008).
1.3 Types
1.3.1 Thermoplastics
A group of plastics characterized by their ability to melt when heated and solidify when cooled.
These reversible properties give the material its name, and allow it to be melted, reshaped and
solidified repeatedly. This family of plastics includes (PlasticsEurope, 2020):
LITTERATURE REVIEW
14
1 Plastics
1.1 Definition
A plastic is a versatile material made primarily of polymers, either synthetic or semi-synthetic.
It possesses the quality of being easily shaped through molding, extrusion, or pressing into
diverse forms. Known for its lightweight, durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, plastics
have become widely used in various applications (Manutchehr-Danai, 2009). Initially
sourced from fossil fuel-based compounds like natural gas and petroleum (Andrady and Neal,
2009).
1.2 History
The history of plastic dates back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations around 1600 BC, where
natural rubber was utilized in crafting various items (Hosler et al., 1999). The development of
modern thermoplastics began in the nineteenth century, marked by significant milestones such
as Goodyear's invention of vulcanized rubber in 1839 and the discovery of polystyrene by
Eduard Simon. Throughout the twentieth century, plastics saw rapid advancement with the
synthesis of numerous new polymer classes (PlasticsEurope, 2008).
Key plastic polymers such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride
(PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) emerged as prominent
materials with diverse applications. Polypropylene, discovered in 1954, had found widespread
use in packaging, construction, and household goods. Polyethylene, synthesized in 1933, had
demonstrated versatility in various forms, including film production and electrical insulation
(Andrady and Neal, 2009).
Commercial production of PVC commenced in the late 1920s, primarily used in noncombustible building materials and packaging. PS, developed in the 1930s, had found
applications in insulation and packaging, including expanded PS cups and trays. PET,
introduced in the 1940s, and had gained popularity in bottle production due to its transparency
and resistance properties (PlasticsEurope, 2008).
1.3 Types
1.3.1 Thermoplastics
A group of plastics characterized by their ability to melt when heated and solidify when cooled.
These reversible properties give the material its name, and allow it to be melted, reshaped and
solidified repeatedly. This family of plastics includes (PlasticsEurope, 2020):