The 3 Most Used Plastics & Their Applications

From safety helmets to food packaging, airbags, electronics and everything one could possibly imagine, plastics play a vital role in our daily lives. There is no doubt that plastics have helped make our lives better and inspired countless innovations. They make our lives safer, healthier and convenient.

With the multitude of options that are available, plastics are quickly replacing metals and wood products. Let us look at the three most used plastics and their applications.

1) Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

PET is one of those plastics that you might come in contact with on a daily basis. It is made with a combination of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, which are combined to form a polymer chain. Depending on how its produced, PET can be rigid or flexible due to its molecular construction. It is impact proof, chemical resistant and weather resistant.

PET is used in packaging trays, soft drink, water, cooking oil bottles, frozen ready-meal trays, first-aid blankets, polar fleece. PET is known for packaging soft drinks, frozen meals, shampoo, liquid hand wash. Special grades of PET are used for carry-home food containers that can be warmed in the microwave.

2) High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE is a type of plastic that can withstand high temperatures and strong chemicals. An added benefit of HDPE is that it can be recycled in multiple different ways and converted into many different materials. It can be formed by a wide variety of thermoplastic processing. Their durability, flexibility and resistance to corrosion properties are unbeatable when compared to other materials.

HDPE is great for blow-molding applications such as food and beverage containers. It is also used in the manufacturing of food and beverage storage, shopping bags, bottle caps, helmets, and automobile fuel tanks. In addition, HDPE is UV resistant and extremely durable. This makes it ideal for piping and outdoor applications as well.

3) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC is known for its versatility and is an extremely practical polymer. It can be cut, shaped, and welded easily. Its light-weight nature reduces manual handling difficulties.
Furthermore, PVC pipes are low carbon plastics. Therefore, they require less energy and fewer resources to manufacture.

PVC is one of the most preferred choices of plastic in building and construction. Reason being, it is abrasion resistant, light-weight and offers excellent mechanical strength. It is also used in the manufacture of water pipes, window frames, cables, and flooring.

If you are interested in knowing more about the different types of plastic and connect with industry leaders, then make sure to visit Plastivision 2019, India’s largest trade show for plastic finished products. Register today!