Polyethylene (PE) is the most commonly produced plastic. It is a polymer primarily used for packaging (plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes and containers including bottles, etc.). Over 100 million tonnes of polyethylene resins are being produced annually, accounting for 34% of the total plastics market.
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications. It is produced via chain-growth polymerization from the monomer propylene. Polypropylene belongs to the group of polyolefins and is partially crystalline and non-polar. Its properties are similar to polyethylene, but it is slightly harder and more heat-resistant. It is a white, mechanically rugged material and has a high chemical resistance.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is produced by polymerization of the vinyl chloride monomer. Polyvinyl chloride is the world's third-most widely produced synthetic polymer of plastic (after polyethylene and polypropylene). About 40 million tons of PVC are produced each year. PVC comes in two basic forms: rigid and flexible. The rigid form of PVC is used in construction for pipe and in profile applications such as doors and windows. It is also used in making plastic bottles, non-food packaging, food-covering sheets and plastic cards. It can be made softer and more flexible by the addition of plasticizers, the most widely used being phthalates.
Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic polymer made from monomers of the aromatic hydrocarbon styrene. Polystyrene can be solid or foamed. General-purpose polystyrene is clear, hard, and brittle. It is an inexpensive resin per unit weight. It is a poor barrier to oxygen and water vapour and has a relatively low melting point. Polystyrene is one of the most widely used plastics, the scale of its production being several million tonnes per year. Polystyrene can be naturally transparent, but can be colored with colorants. Uses include protective packaging, containers, lids, bottles, trays, tumblers, disposable cutlery, in the making of models, and as an alternative material for phonograph records.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in fibres for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, and thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with glass fibre for engineering resins. Biggest application is in fibres (in excess of 60%), with bottle production accounting for about 30% of global demand. In the context of textile applications, PET is referred to by its common name, polyester, whereas the acronym PET is generally used in relation to packaging.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a common thermoplastic polymer.ABS is a terpolymer made by polymerizing styrene and acrylonitrile in the presence of polybutadiene. The acrylonitrile also contributes chemical resistance, fatigue resistance, hardness, and rigidity, while increasing the heat deflection temperature. The styrene gives the plastic a shiny, impervious surface, as well as hardness, rigidity, and improved processing ease. The polybutadiene, a rubbery substance, provides toughness and ductility at low temperatures, at the cost of heat resistance and rigidity
Polyamide (PA) is a semi-crystalline polymer. There are two types of PA: those made of one basic material (e.g. PA 6) and those made of two basic materials (e.g. PA 66). They can occur both naturally (e.g. wool and silk) and synthetically (e.g. nylon). Polyamides have excellent mechanical properties and can be either hard and tough or soft and flexible. They absorb moisture and have excellent slide and wear characteristics. Polyamides are commonly used in the textile and automotive industry.
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) has a wide range of applications with its flexible structure and high resistance to impact. EVA is both heatproof and coldproof. It is also recyclable since it is an environment friendly product. The proportion of Vinyl Acetate in the content determines the properties of EVA. As the Vinyl Acetate ratio increases, the hardness of the raw material decreases. When the hardness decreases, the material becomes more flexible and this flexible structure is used for the toughening of the polymers. EVA has a high surface quality and a transparent and colorless appearance. It is easy to handle and can be handled the second time. In addition, EVAprovides a dimensional stability. Since it is produced from Polyurethane with the lowest density, it is light and therefore it is widely used.