Plastics: Origin, Types, Effects to Environment - Report Example

Plastics Name Course title Date Table of Contents Table of Contents ii Abstract 1 Introduction 1 Origin and History 2 Plastics Contributions 3 Growth and development 3 Plastic Industry in Australia 4 Types of Plastics 5 Thermoplastics and thermoset plastics 5 Other categories 6 Common plastics 6 Impacts on environment 7 Future of the plastic industry 8 Conclusion 8 References 9 Abstract This report discusses about plastics in regard to their origin, types, effects to environment in additional to their future. Plastics are among the most used substances in the daily lives globally. They play a critical role in different area of operations and contribute significantly to the building of the economy. Furthermore, the report looks into how the industry has grown over the years to the current dominant status. Different types of plastics are discussed and their usage in the society. Finally, influence on the environment is discussed as well as the future of this industry. Introduction In our daily routines, we encounter basic materials that are made up of different substances such as plastics, glass, wood, metals, stone, animal products, clay and ceramics as well as vegetable contents. Plastics are the most widely used of them all across the globe in different sectors of operations. Plastics are materials made of polymeric organics consisting of massive organic molecules. A wide range of these polymers consist solely of large carbon chains but in some cases oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur are part of the chains. These sequences of repeating units called monomers determine the degree of polymerisation, its structure thus its characteristics (Birley, Heath, & Scott, 1998). Furthermore, there are different types of polymers namely linear polymers, branched polymers and Cross-linked polymers. Branched polymers are thermoplastic meaning that when heated they soften while cross-linked polymers are thermosetting meaning that they harden when exposed to heat. Moreover, plastics can be defined as synthetic or semi synthetic materials that can be moulded to form different shapes and sizes. However, they contain other substances that are added during their production. There are different methods that are used in production of plastics such as casting, extrusion, spinning and moulding; this depends on the required product (Alonso-Magdalena et al., 2006). This report looks into analysing plastics regarding their origin, different types, and their affects environment in additional to their future. Origin and History Statistics show that the initial invention and public distribution of plastics happened in 1860s but their use have been majorly experienced in the last six decades. The chronicles of history acknowledge Regnault who was a French chemist as the first investor of plastics. He is known to have converted vinyl chloride, known as PVC, into white powder as early as 1835 but his idea was kept undercover until 1860s when more information had been gathered as well as raw materials. Therefore, it is worth noting that plastics were commercially produced and showcased by Alexander Parkes in 1862 during the Great International Exhibition that was held in London (Gregory & Andrady, 2003). He had manufactured a new product known as Parkesine that consisted of combining camphor, a chemical contained in mothball together with nitrocellulose that is extensively used in modern production of motorcar bodies. Conversely, an American chemist called John Hyatt who launched and utilized new material known as celluloid showcased similar invention. His stimulating power was triggered by a desire to produce billiard balls without using ivory contents. This would save poaching of wild animals and contribute to sustainable living to both humans and wildlife. Furthermore, it was realized that the invented celluloid was capable to imprint images for movie production and viewing. This boosted the growth of movie industry and enhanced movie projector utilization (Hopewell & Kosior 2009). However, scientists realized that celluloid had one major challenge that was its flammability characteristic that caused many theatres to be burnt down. On the other hand, when it was mixed with cellulose nitrates it was found useful in production of shirt collars, denture plates, cuffs, as well as car windows (Mato et al., 2001). Plastics Contributions Progressively, contributions of the scientific studies on plastics were found useful to solving the societal problems and resources were invested on plastic laboratories. They have contributed significantly to sustainable living, raising the standards of living. Besides, most of the plastic products can be produced by utilizing the waste products from other industries to sustain its growing demand. This perspective towards plastics promoted science and manufacturing industries growth increasing their dominance in the market. Furthermore, in 1909 Dr. Leo Henrik Baekeland a Belgian scientist discovered another element known as phenol-formaldehyde, commonly referred as Bakelite while working in United States laboratories. From that point there was continued inventions of different plastic elements such as urea-formaldehyde, vinyls, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polystyrene, acrylics, nylon, melamine formaldehyde, polyesters, silicones, polyethylene , epoxy, styrene, acrylonitrile butadiene, polyurethane and polypropylene (Rios, Jones, Moore, & Narayan, 2010). Growth and development The world has seen different companies being set up specializing with plastic products as well as establishment of plastic recycling firms, all aimed at achieving sustainable living. Their characteristics such as being light, durability, economical, mouldable and hygienic enhances their suitability of being used in various applications that includes food packaging, car manufacturing, product wrapping, agriculture, and manufacturing housing products (Hopewell & Kosior 2009). Moreover, global plastic production annually stands at over 100 million tonnes with Australia contributing to over 1.4 million tonnes of the total. Currently industrial chemists have invented new methods of production by utilizing chemical compounds such as coal lime, water, salt, and petroleum. Therefore, they have special properties such as being light in weight, high impact strength, corrosion resistant, high tensile strength, unreactive to chemicals, withstanding temperatures as well as good electrical insulators (Rios, Jones, Moore, & Narayan, 2010). Plastic Industry in Australia In Australia, the plastic industry was established at around 1907. Among the first products to be manufactured were buttons by utilizing phenol-formaldehyde powder that was imported and later manufacture of electrical insulating materials were produced using similar material. In its initial stages, the industry did not perform well since there was insufficient raw materials in additional to lack of secondary industries in the country. The existing chemical industries had limited motivation to invest in plastics. Likewise, the insufficiency of skilled individuals to produce intricate dies that could be used to polish tubes, pipes, rods, and continuous sheet slowed down the growth of plastic industry (Watson, 2011). However, a boost came in 1926 when many industries increased the demand for plastics leading to stimulated moulding of radio parts, buttons, jewellery, knobs, and electrical cases. Later on, there was increased demand for plastic components by the electrical producers, car manufacturers as well as aircraft designers. This promoted the existence and development of plastic industries. More so, the World War II expanded the plastic industry because of the heightened demand for parachutes and silk leading to development of synthetic fibre. Durability and affordability of plastic products contributed to its enhanced usage. Therefore, since then the plastic industry in Australia has contributed significantly to sustainable living in additional to finding new uses in different sectors of operations (Andrady & Neal, 2009). Types of Plastics On analysing the various types of plastics reveals that the family of plastics is an extended one with many subdivisions. The main categories of plastics are thermoplastics and thermoset plastics. The complexity of categorizing the plastics is due to the fact that introduction of a single additive to polymers can lead to production of a different plastic component that appears different from the other. An example is the polyurethane that can be used as clear coating varnish as well as expanding and improving its rigidity to manufacture the main component of surfboard. On the other hand, when plasticiser is added to it, it becomes suitable for production of soft car seats. This shows how diverse plastic elements can change to be used for diverse purposes (Derraik 2002). Thermoplastics and thermoset plastics Furthermore, thermoplastics are the kind of plastics that soften when exposed to heat and do not undergo significant changes in chemical composition. This makes them possible to be used in production of various components given that they can moulded repeatedly. This type of plastics includes polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene (Browne et al. 2011). Contrary to this, thermoset plastics when exposed to heat they can melt only once and after solidifying, they take solid form permanently. This explains why their chemical reactions are irreversible. A good example of thermoset process is rubber vulcanization. Initially before polyisoprene is combined with sulphur and heated, it is usually tacky and somehow soft but after vulcanization it becomes hard and its tackiness vanishes (Watson, 2011). Other categories Andrady and Neal (2009) note that, other minor classifications are natural, elastomers, biodegradable, synthetic, structural, and electrically conductive. Biodegradable plastics decompose when they are exposed to sunlight or ultra-violet radiations. Other factors that help in decomposition are moisture, bacteria, enzymes, pests and insects. Researchers have produced genetically modified bacteria such as Biopol to help in complete biodegradation of these plastics although it is expensive to many individuals. Moreover, it has been noted that many plastics are produced by utilization of petrochemicals. However, the extinction of the petroleum element as well as its contribution to global warming has led to heated discussions that have concluded on production of plastics of natural components known as bioplastics (Weisman, 2010). These bioplastics are made by extensively utilizing starch and cellulose components. Statistics show that bio-derived production has increased to approximately 327, 000 tonnes annually of the total plastic production. In addition, there are plastics that can be categorized by the structural composition. Crystalline and amorphous plastics fall into these categories due to their melting point and glass transition levels. Semi-crystalline plastics include nylons, polyesters as well as some polyethylene. Most plastics are normally amorphous and complete amorphous ones are polystyrene and methyl methacrylate in additional to all thermosets (Slade, 2006). Common plastics Some of the most used plastics include Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) that is used in manufacture of most household products due to its wide range of molecular weight, melting points and density. It is subdivided into three categories namely high density, low density and linear low density. High density plastics are usually hard to semi flexible and opaque and are used as fertiliser bags, gas pipe, ropes, car petrol tanks and tanks. Low density plastics are flexible, translucent and soft and are mostly used as bags, packaging film, wire sheathing, waterproof membranes and pipes (Slade, 2006). Moreover, linear density plastics are glossy, translucent and strong. They are used as greenhouse film, shopping bags, and stretch wrap. Another common plastic is Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) but it is less recyclable due to its additives during production. It is used in outdoor furniture, water bottles, plastic pipes, and liquid detergent jars. Polystyrene (PP) is yet another common plastic that is the most affordable to produce and shape. Its main uses include aerosol caps, carpets, diapers, drinking straws and baby bottles. Furthermore, Polystyrene (PS) is another form of plastics that is used in cd cases, disposable cutlery, egg trays and insulators. Finally, Polyethylene terephthalate is another common plastic although it’s a modern type of plastic used for fabrics and carpets, video tapes (Gerhard & Boote, 2010). Impacts on environment Finally, it is worth noting the impacts of plastics on the environment for realization of a sustained society. Since most plastics use petrochemicals in production, they pose a threat to depletion of these resources that are not renewable. Likewise, most existing plastics are not biodegradable and this makes then last for many years on the surface of the earth littering the environment (Paigen et al., 1997). However, plastic companies are investing in production of bioplastics that decompose, helping in keeping the environment clean. Moreover, gases emitted in green houses contribute to global warming effects and their use should be reduced. Statistics show that annually approximately 6 million tonnes of rubbish is deposited in the world oceans (Thompson et al., 2009). It has been noted that 80% of the rubbish are plastics and they risk marine life. Fishermen and those living and visiting beaches and shores should avoid dumping plastics in the ocean. The solution to these issues is to avoid using plastics whenever possible, reuse the existing plastics as well as recycling the surplus plastics (Jobling et al., 1995). Future of the plastic industry The future of plastic industry should have objectives of producing biodegradable plastics, establishment of recycling industries, and investing in bioplastics production. These will help curb the existing problems caused by plastics for a sustained global society. Furthermore, strategies should be developed on how to recycle the existing surplus plastics products. Therefore, it is important to think about the effects of plastic industry to environmental conservation in the future. However, with continued support of such mentioned programs above, it will be possible to live sustainably (Hopewell & Kosior 2009). Conclusion On the conclusion, it can be said that plastics usage in the current society is diverse in both home and industrial operations. Plastic industry has grown over the years to becoming one of the leading industries due to the increased demand for plastic components. More so, issues related to plastics negative contribution to the environment should be discussed more for complete solutions to be realized. Finally, it is worth noting that the future of plastic industry lies more on investing in recycling industries so that surplus plastics can be eliminated from the littered environment. References Andrady, A.L. & Neal, M.A. (2009) Applications and Societal Benefits of Plastics HarvardUniversity Press. Alonso-Magdalena, P., et al., (2006) “The estrogenic effect of bisphenol A disrupts pancreatic beta-cell function in vivo and induces insulin resistance”, Environ Health Perspect, 14(1), pp. 106-112. Birley, A. W., Heath, R. J., & Scott, M. J. (1998) Plastics Materials. Blackie, 3rd ed. New York: McGrawHill. Browne, M.A. et al. (2011). “Accumulation of microplastics on shorelines worldwide: sources and sinks”, Environ Science Technology, 45(21), pp.9175-9179. Derraik J.G.B (2002) “The pollution of the marine environment by plastic debris: a review” Marine Pollution Bulletin, 44, pp. 842-852. Gerhard, P. & Boote W. (2010), Plastic Planet, Freiburg: Ornage Press. 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Narayan (2010) “Quantification of persistent organic pollutants adsorbed on plastic debris from the Northern Pacific Gyres’ Journal of Environment Monitoring, 14, pp. 842-861. Slade, G., (2006) Made to Break: Technology and Obsolescence in America, Cambridge Thompson, R.C., et al., (2009) “Plastics, the environment and human health: current consensus and future trends”. Philosophy Translations and Biological Science Journal, 364(1526), pp. 2153-66. Watson, P. (2011) A Terrible Beauty, London: Weidenfel & Nicolson Ltd. Weisman, A. (2010) The World Without Us, Canada: Harper Collins Publishers, ISBN 1443400084. Read More