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Plastics

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Description

Synthetic* Plastics are chemically produced from oil and a wide, possibly infinite, variety is possible, but they all fit into one of two groupings:


*Note: Several natural materials may also be classified as Plastics. These include: Cellulose, Horn, Amber, and Shellac.


Polyethylene-terephthalate-3D-balls

Plastics are formed by long chains of carbon based molecules, or Polymers, strongly bonded to each other. The Polymer Chains are either joined to each other with weak van der Vaals Forces to create Thermoplastics or much stronger Cross-Linking which results in Thermosets.


Safety Point!

  • Heating plastics may generate fumes so always ensure good ventilation or extraction and avoid inhalation.
  • Always use a separate plastics oven and do no use it afterwards for heating food.
  • Plastics such as ‘Perspex’ are very Brittle materials so wear eye protection when cutting and shaping them.
  • Wear gloves when handling hot plastics