A thermoplastic in the Plastic Industry refers to a substance which becomes plastic when heated and become very hard when they’re cooled. There are a variety of thermoplastics available in the market and we shall discuss about it in our article.
The reason for manufacturers opting for it is molding and shaping is easy while they are hot and the most common use of it is compact disc cases, pipes, bottles and plastic container and keyboards.
Therefore, the varieties of thermoplastics in the Plastic Industry are as follows:
- Acrylic:
Also referred to as: Poly Methyl Meth acrylate (PMMA), Lucite, Perspex and Plexiglas
It serves as a sturdy alternate for glass items like aquariums, aircraft windows, lenses of exterior lights of automobiles, motorcycle helmet visors and viewing ports of submersibles
Applications: Acrylic type of thermoplastic is widely used for making signs including lettering and logos. In the field of medicine, it is utilized in bone cement and for replacing eye lenses. The acrylic paint comprises of PMMA particles which can be suspended in water.
- Nylon:
Also referred to as: Polyamides
Nylon serves as a substitute for silk in products for parachutes, flak vests and women’s stockings.
Applications: It is extensively used in creation of fabrics, rope, carpets and strings for musical instruments. In bulk form, it is employed for mechanical parts, machine screws, gear wheels and power tool casings.
It is even used in manufacturing of heat-resistant composite materials.
- Polyethylene:
Also referred to as: Polyethene, Polythene, PE.
Polyethylene type of thermoplastic is a family of materials which is categorized according to their density and molecular structure.
Applications: Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is sturdy and resistant to chemicals and is used for manufacturing artificial joints, bearings, gears, moving machine parts, and few bulletproof vests.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is used for making milk jugs, margarine tubs and water pipes. Medium-Density polyethylene (MDPE) is for packaging film, sacks and gas pipes and fittings. Whilst Low-Density polyethylene (LDPE) is soft and flexible and is used for the manufacturing of squeeze bottles, sacks and sheets.
- Polypropylene:
Also referred to as: PP in short
Applications: The PP type of thermoplastic is useful for diverse kind of products like car batteries, containers, carpets, filters for gases and liquids, insulation for electrical cables, piping systems, plastic moldings, ropes, reusable plastic diapers and sanitary pads,
In the field of medicine, it is used for repairing hernias and to create heat-resistant medical equipments.
The sheets of Polypropylene are used for stationery folders and packaging and storage boxes.
- Polyvinyl chloride:
Also referred to as: PVC in short
PVC is a sturdy, lightweight material which is resistant to acids and bases.
Applications: It is used by the construction industry for drainpipes, gutters, roofing sheets and vinyl siding.
After being converted to flexible forms by adding the plasticizers, it is very much useful for items such as hoses, tubing, electrical insulation, coats, jackets and upholstery
A flexible PVC can also be used in inflatable products such as water beds and pool toys.
