plast

Plast, a term used in some languages for plastic, refers to a wide family of durable, moldable materials made from polymers. Most plastics are synthetic polymers derived from petrochemicals, but some are biobased from renewable resources or designed to biodegrade under certain conditions.

Polymers are long chains of repeating units called monomers, linked by chemical bonds. Plastics can be categorized as thermoplastics, which soften when heated, and thermosetting plastics, which cure to a rigid network. Common polymers include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Manufacturing involves polymerization and shaping processes such as extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and film casting. Plastics are used in packaging, construction, transportation, electronics, textiles, medical devices, and consumer goods due to their light weight, strength, and versatility.

Environmental impact: Plastics persist in the environment, contributing to waste and microplastics. Waste management includes recycling, energy recovery, and disposal. Recycling can be mechanical or chemical; new approaches include chemical recycling and upcycling. Bioplastics aim to reduce reliance on fossil resources but may require specific conditions to biodegrade.

History and regulation: Plastics emerged in the early 20th century, with Bakelite as the first synthetic polymer. Mass production grew after World War II. Ongoing research addresses safety, recyclability, and sustainability; standards and labeling help with reuse and disposal.