1
What are we going to look at in
module 27
The Learning outcomes for this module are:
- List the types of plastics and their uses
- Identify the properties of plastics
- Interpret the importance of reducing – reuse – recycle in everyday life
- Categorise plastic by using Identifying code
- Sort plastic by its codes for recycling
Module 27
Lesson 1: Types of plastic and their uses.
Introduction
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
List the types of plastics and their uses.
Natural material
In the past, people had to be creative with the natural
resources that they could find to make everyday objects.
Synthetic materials
Chemistry researchers have since developed methods
to create synthetic materials that sometimes have
beneficial qualities that no natural materials have. The
majority of these synthetic materials, which are
commonly referred to as plastics, are manufactured from
mineral oil. Natural materials with the same qualities are
typically more expensive and heavier than synthetic
ones, and companies may mould synthetic materials into
distinctive shapes.
Polymers
Polymers include things like
plastics. A polymer is a
substance that is created
from molecules with long
chains of carbon, hydrogen,
and other elements.
Types of plastic
Polyester (PET)
A chemical reaction involving petroleum, air, and water.
Synthetic polyesters are often used in clothing and the
manufacture of bottles for water and cool drinks.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. Pipes, cutting
boards, cleaning product bottles, and some shoe parts all
make use of it.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Thermoplastic polymer with great strength that is frequently
used in applications including pipes, medical equipment, wire,
and cables.
Types of plastic
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
Is created from petroleum. LDPE is known for its flexibility and
durability at low temperatures. We can make milk bottles and food
containers from LDPE.
Polypropylene (PP)
A strong, stiff, and crystalline thermoplastic is polypropylene (PP).
Plastic containers, plastic components for machinery and equipment,
and even fibers and textiles are only a few uses for polypropylene.
Polystyrene (PS)
Created from the liquid hydrocarbon styrene, which is produced
commercially from petroleum. Food packaging and laboratory ware
are made from polystyrene. .
Module 27
Lesson 2: Properties of plastic.
Introduction
When learning about the different types of plastic that we
have, it is important to also be aware of their codes so that
you are able to correctly identify, sort and recycle the
different plastics accordingly.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Interpret the importance of reduce – reuse – recycle in everyday life
- Identify the properties of plastics
- Categorise plastic by using identifying codes
- Sort plastic by their codes for recycling
► THERMO PLASTICS:
1. Easy to work with, when heated
bends & shapes easily
2. Strong & sometimes transparent
3. Good heat & electrical insulators
4. Low in tensile strength
► THERMOSETTING POLYMERS:
1. Difficult to work with
2. Heat resistant
3. Hard & brittle
4. High in tensile strength
Thermosetting and Thermoplastic
Different types of plastic need different types of processes to
recycle it
Name of plastic Code Properties Examples Recycled products
Polyester Clear; tough; good Cool drink bottles Fibres to make fabrics
barrier for liquids and for clothes, bags and
gases; heat-resistant carpets; food and drink
containers
High density Somewhat rigid; tough; Bottles for milk, juice, Bottles; pipes; buckets;
polyethylene resistant to chemicals; water and laundry crates; flower pots; bins;
good barrier for liquids products plastic planks; floor tiles
and gases
Polyvinyl chloride Resistant to chemicals; Pipes; coating (sheaves) Gutters; floor tiles and
electrically insulating; of electrical wires mats; electrical boxes;
tough; can be rigid or garden hoses
flexible
Low density Flexible; tough; good for Thin plastic films, for Garbage bags; floor
polyethylene sealing; barrier to example to cover food or tiles; bins
moisture books; flexible lids and
bottles
Polypropylene Resistant to chemicals; Large moulded parts, for Car battery cases;
tough; heat-resistant; example car parts brooms and brushes;
barrier to moisture bins; trays
Polystyrene Can be rigid or foamed; Protective packaging; Plates for light switches;
low melting point; in disposable cups; bottles; rulers; thermal
foamed form it is an trays; thermal insulation insulation; foam
excellent heat insulator (especially in roofs) packaging
REDUCE, REUSE,
RECYCLE
Reduce: (to make smaller / less)
Avoid creating waste – safes and find solutions to recycle or
dispose of waste.
Reuse: (to use something over and over again)
Before throwing something away, think of ways to use it again
empty ice-cream container becomes a lunchbox
Recycle: Make new products out of old things.
By recycling less energy and fewer resources are needed
than making something from raw materials