Properties and uses of different types of plastics

The seven most common and popularly used plastics are

Acrylic or Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)

Polycarbonate (PC)

Polyethylene (PE)

Polypropylene (PP)

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET)

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)

Properties of plastics

Plastics are generally low cost, easy to manufacture, durable, strong for their weight, electrically and thermally insulative, and resistant to shock, corrosion, chemicals, and water.

Uses of plastics

Plastics are used to make bicycle helmets, child safety seats and airbags in automobiles. They're in the cell phones, televisions, computers and other electronic equipment that makes modern life possible. They're in the roofs, walls, flooring and insulation that make homes and buildings energy efficient.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) sometimes absorbs odours and

flavours from foods and drinks that are stored in them. Items

made from this plastic are commonly recycled. PET(E) plastic is

used to make many common household items like beverage

bottles, medicine jars, rope, clothing and carpet fibre.

Polyvinyl Chloride is sometimes recycled. PVC is used for all

kinds of pipes and tiles, but is most commonly found in plumbing

pipes. This kind of plastic should not come in contact with food

items as it can be harmful if ingested.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) products are very safe and are not

known to transmit any chemicals into foods or drinks. HDPE

products are commonly recycled. Items made from this plastic

include containers for milk, motor oil, shampoos and conditioners,

soap bottles, detergents, and bleaches.