What are plastics and where do they come from?
Plastic is the common term for different synthetic and semi-synthetic materials used in a wide-range of application.
Plastics are polymers, or chains of like molecules that are linked together. They are derived from materials found in the environment. Most plastics are made from natural products such as cellulose, coal, and natural gas, and oil.
Plastics are usually lightweight, and with varying degrees of strength. It can be cast, pressed, or extruded into bottles, boxes, fibers, and a lot more.
The two categories of plastic materials are thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics. Thermoplastics can be heated up to form products. When these products are heated again, the plastic will again melt. Majority of plastics are under this category. Thermoplastics are usually used in food packaging. Examples also include jugs and soft drink bottles. Thermosetting plastics, on the other hand, can be heated and formed, but can no longer be reheated. They stay solid, and cannot melt again. Examples of thermoset plastics are epoxy and phenolic adhesives. These kinds of plastic are used in automobiles and construction.
Different kinds of plastics include polybutylene, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyethylene, and polymethylpentene.
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References:
https://www.plasticsmakeitpossible.com/about-plastics/types-of-plastics/what-are-plastics/
http://www.plasticseurope.org/what-is-plastic.aspx
https://plastics.americanchemistry.com/How-Plastics-Are-Made/
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