There are many types of plastic, we will highlight two, thermosets can be heated and take one form, however, it is possible for us to melt it again and give it another form, since they burn, unlike thermoplastics, which when subjected to heat again, this type of plastic loses its rigidity and can be reshaped as many times as necessary.
90% of plastics belong to the category of thermoplastics, that is, they are products that can be easily recycled due to their properties and characteristics.
How are thermoplastics made and what are they?
The raw material is mainly oil with carbon, oxygen, sulfur, silicon, etc. Depending on this, PP, PET, PEAD, PVC, and PS will result. Each of these resins has particular characteristics, therefore, its resistance and melting point will vary.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
It is light, semi-rigid, and resistant, its main use is for the manufacture of containers for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
Polystyrene (PS)
It is very resistant, stable against heat, and humidity, and economical, it has the advantage that it can be transparent or opaque. It is mainly used for toys and auto parts.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Its composition is simple, it is used for packaging for different industries, toys, and other household products due to its chemical and impact resistance.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
It is a plastic that has the characteristic of being flexible, its application can be found mainly in bags for different products.
Polypropylene (PP)
It is rigid, resistant to impact and humidity, and light, but in low temperatures, it can be brittle. It is used for the manufacture of containers, plastic films, tubes, packaging in general, and others.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
It is characterized by being highly resistant and hard, it is not flammable, so it is mainly used for tubes, cable coatings, surgical gloves, carboys, footwear, and more.
Advantages of thermoplastics
They are polymers that can be constantly melted and remodeled, therefore, their use is highly recommended since these characteristics allow them to be highly recyclable. The most important thing for this process to be carried out is the separation of waste to make it simpler and more profitable.
