Chapter 8, Problem 1RQ

Discuss the terms plastics and polymers. In what sense are they interchangeable, and in what sense are they not?

To determine

The terms Plastics and Polymers, and their interchangeability.

Explanation of Solution

Appliances that we use on our daily basis are either made of plastics and polymers. Both the materials are nearly the same, but there is a slight difference between the two.Polymers are classified into two types that are natural and synthetic, whereas plastics are classified into two types that are thermoplastics and thermosets.

Polymers are derived from the numbers of small units monomers which forms a long chain. The monomer units together combine and forms a big polymer unit. Polymers have better physical and chemical property than the monomer units. Polymers can be developed from addition polymerization and condensation polymerization. Polymers are health hazardous, cause’s pollution, and also causes an environmental hazard.

Natural polymers are the polymers which we extract from nature like wood, silk, cotton and many others.

Synthetic polymers are the polymers which are developed by different methods like polypropylene, polyethene and many others.

Plastics are derived from organic materials formed by oils. These are also developed with the addition and condensation polymers reaction. A category of thermoplastics can be remolded to a different shape and can be recycled and reuse. Many appliances made of steel and metal alloys can be replaced by lightweight plastic materials. Plastics are also carcinogenic in nature and cause an environmental hazard.

Generally, Plastics are referred to as synthetic polymers in which based on the composition desired properties are induced. The terms plastics and polymers are interchangeably used only in the case of synthetic polymers.