Although mostly for economic and practical reasons, plastic, which is currently overwhelming us, was originally created as a solution to maintain the availability of natural resources on earth.29-Jun-2020
What is the purpose of plastic?
Plastic is used across almost every sector, including to produce packaging, in building and construction, in textiles, consumer products, transportation, electrical and electronics and industrial machinery.
Why does plastic originate?
Plastics are derived from natural, organic materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt and, of course, crude oil. Crude oil is a complex mixture of thousands of compounds and needs to be processed before it can be used. The production of plastics begins with the distillation of crude oil in an oil refinery.
When and why was plastic made?
It was in 1862 that Alexander Parkes introduced the world's first-ever man-made plastic, at the London International Exhibition. “Parkesine,” as it was called, was marketed as an alternative to ivory and horn that Parks discovered while trying to develop a synthetic substitute for shellac for waterproofing.
How did plastic get made?
Plastics are made from raw materials like natural gas, oil or plants, which are refined into ethane and propane. Ethane and propane are then treated with heat in a process called “cracking” which turns them into ethylene and propylene. These materials are combined together to create different polymers.
What are benefits of plastic?
They have a high strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness and toughness, ductility, corrosion resistance, bio-inertness, high thermal/electrical insulation, non-toxicity and outstanding durability at a relatively low lifetime cost compared with competing materials; hence plastics are very resource efficient.
What are three benefits of plastics?
6 Benefits of Plastic
- Plastic saves lives. Ever wonder why most medical equipment is made out of plastic? …
- Plastic reduces gas emissions and saves on fuel. …
- Plastic is sustainable and long-lasting. …
- Plastic improves safety. …
- Plastic is affordable. …
- Plastic is reusable.
15-Apr-2020
What is the history of plastics?
In 1907 Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic, meaning it contained no molecules found in nature. Baekeland had been searching for a synthetic substitute for shellac, a natural electrical insulator, to meet the needs of the rapidly electrifying United States.
Who invented plastics?
marketeer Leo Baekeland Belgian chemist and clever marketeer Leo Baekeland pioneered the first fully synthetic plastic in 1907. He beat his Scottish rival, James Swinburne, to the patent office by one day. His invention, which he would christen Bakelite, combined two chemicals, formaldehyde and phenol, under heat and pressure.
Why is plastic so popular?
In the food and beverage industry, plastic containers and bottles are always in demand than other materials; this is mainly due to high flexibility of plastic and convenience to use. Glass can be shaped into a number of products but plastic is more flexible than glass.