- Plastic polymer is used to create plastic spoons.plastic spoons image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
Plastic polymer was first created by Leo Bakeland in 1907. The industry for plastic polymer has grown greatly to provide more than 60,000 varieties of plastics through 30 million tons of polymer each year. The material is used in an array of applications, mostly to enable an easier way of living through the diverse capabilities of plastic. - A lot of bottles made from HDPE.blue bottle image by Olaru Radian-Alexandru from Fotolia.com
This polymer material is a lightweight compound also known as HDPE or LDPE, high density or low density polyethylene, respectively. The high density substance is able to be formed into plastic bottles for juice or soda, or in some cases, used in the making of toys. The low density variety creates a stretchy film that is suitable for grocery bags and frozen food bags. - Teflon coats cookware to provide nonstick capabilities.saucepan image by Leonid Nyshko from Fotolia.com
This polymer substance, also called PTFE, is known for its many uses in plumbing and home materials. The chemical make up of PTFE allow it to be non-flammable, chemically resistant and sturdy enough for industrial sized applications. The most common name that you might recognize PTFE as is Teflon. This is used in cooking for its nonstick capabilities, as well as the heat resistance desired by cooks. Teflon is also a tape used in plumbing to seal connections between one pipe to another. - Credit cards are produced with polyvinyl.credit card image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
Polyvinyl has several sub-categories that consist of many diverse applications. Polyvinyl alcohol, for instance, is used for adhesives and coatings, although it is flammable. Polyvinyl chloride is used to create well-known plastic items like the credit card, floor tiles, shower curtains and rain coats. Polyvinyl fluoride is a useful coating substance that protects surfaces against weathering, natural and chemical. Polyvinyl fluoride is found on siding and pipes. - Styrofoam (a trademark of Dow Chemical) is made with polystyrene.pink styrofoam business image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
This polymer is used in electrical insulation applications, like refrigerator insulation, since it does not absorb water. Polystyrene also resists acids and alkalis making it perfect for endurance wear and tear. This material is used for cafeteria trays, styrofoam items and fast food sandwich containers.
Polyethylene
Polytetrafluoroethylene
Polyvinyl
Polystyrene
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