Table 3.1 Most commonly used plastics with their general structure and common uses
Sr.
No Plastics
Structure
Uses
1.
Polycarbonate
Medical, electronic, packaging,
cars, optical storage
2.
Polyester
Used in film, rope, and also in
making a variety of textile
products such as sarees, dress
materials, curtains.
3.
Polyamides
Fibers, toothbrush bristles, tubing, gun frames, or engine parts.
4.
Polystyrene
Ovens, microwaves, vacuum
cleaners, air conditioners,
refrigerators, foodservice, and
electronics
5.
Polyurethanes
Home furnishings furniture,
bedding and carpet underlay.
6.
Polyvinyl
chloride
Water pipes, doors, frames and
windows, flooring material, and
shower curtains
7.
Acrylonitrile
butadiene
styrene
In computer monitors, printers,
drain pipes, keyboard, and the
plastic face-guard on wall
sockets
8.
Polyethylene
Cheap packaging wrapping
materials, plastic bottles, and
shopping bags
9.
Polyethylene
terephthalate
O
O
COCH 2 CH 2 O
C
Beverage bottles, jars, plastic
films, and packaging used for
microwaving purposes.
(continued)
96
F. Muneer et al.