The Study of Plastic Chemistry

Exploring the Properties and Classification of Plastics

Abstract

Theterm "plastics" coversa range of synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerizationproducts. They are composed of organic condensationor addition polymers and may (often) contain other substances to improveperformance or economics. There are few natural polymers generally consideredto be "plastics". Plastics can be formed into objects or films or fibers.Their name is derived from the fact that many are malleable, having theproperty of plasticity.Plastics are designed with immense variation in properties such as heattolerance, hardness, resiliency and many others. Combined with thisadaptability, the general uniformity of composition and light weight ofplastics ensures their use in almost all industrial segments. "Plastic" may also refer to anymaterial characterized by deformation or failure under shear stress-see Plasticity(physics) and ductile. Plasticscan be classified in many ways but most commonly by their polymer back-bone(vinyl{chloride}, polyethylene, acrylic, silicone, urethane, etc.). Otherclassifications include thermoplasticvs. thermoset, elastomer vs.engineering plastic , addition or condensation, and Glass transitiontemperature or Tg.