| The word plastic is derived from the Latin word | | | | without them. The countless kinds of plastics have |
| plasticus which means "capable of being molded." | | | | found their way into industries and our homes and |
| Indeed, plastics are moldable synthetic materials | | | | have gained permanency in both settings. The |
| made up of a large organic molecule that can be | | | | most commonly used plastics are: polyethylene, |
| formed into a variety of products. Depending on | | | | which has a wide range of uses and is very |
| its purpose, plastics can be made as hard as | | | | inexpensive; polypropylene used for the |
| stone or as pliable and elastic as rubber. Plastic can | | | | production of food containers and appliances; |
| also be made to be as strong as steel, | | | | polystyrene (or Styrofoam) commonly used for |
| impact-resistant and heat-resistant. The processes | | | | disposable food containers; polyamide or nylon for |
| involved in manufacturing the different kinds of | | | | toothbrush bristles and fishing lines; polyester for |
| plastic varies, and like metals, may be alloyed, or | | | | textiles. There are also special purpose plastics |
| even combined with other materials. The other | | | | such as Teflon used in frying pans and water |
| qualities that make plastics more distinct are being | | | | slides; polyurethane for insulation and upholstery |
| lightweight, waterproof and chemical resistant; | | | | foams; Bakelite insulation for electrical |
| they may also be produced in almost any color. | | | | fixtures.Despite all the advantages of using |
| More and more types of plastic are being studied | | | | plastics, its threat on the environment has |
| and developed daily to further enhance the | | | | become increasingly intense since it degrades |
| quintessential product that everybody benefits | | | | very slowly and when burned produces toxic |
| from.Plastics also come in a variety of kinds, | | | | fumes. Also, plastic production creates chemical |
| although all share the common characteristic of | | | | pollutants which affect both the air and water and |
| malleability or plasticity, they differ in properties, | | | | uses up the limited supply of fuel fossils. In order |
| production costs, and the process of making | | | | to alleviate the losses of the environment, it is |
| them. Although plastics may be classified in many | | | | always best to recycle plastics to either be used |
| ways, they are commonly categorized based on | | | | again to be re-processed into other |
| the polymer element that is used as the basis in | | | | products.Plastic provides detailed information on |
| their production.Common Plastics and How We | | | | Plastic, Plastic Bags, Plastic Containers, Plastic |
| Use ThemInevitably, plastics have become a part | | | | Pants and more. Plastic is affiliated with Custom |
| of our lives. Life would certainly be very difficult | | | | Plastic Bags. |