plastmassi

Plastmassi is a generic term used to describe the raw plastic material in its resin or molten state used for forming plastic products. In practice it refers to polymer pellets or granules (solid) and, for some processes, molten resin ready for shaping. The mass consists primarily of polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), often with additives like stabilizers, colorants, plasticizers, fillers, and flame retardants to achieve desired properties. Some biobased or recycled resins are used as well.

Production and processing: Plastmassi is produced by polymerization of monomers or from recycled plastics. The material is typically dried to remove moisture and then fed into processing equipment. Common shaping methods include extrusion (to make films, tubes, or profiles), injection molding, blow molding, and thermoforming. Process parameters such as melt temperature and shear rate depend on the polymer and additives.

Properties and applications: The mass properties—melt viscosity, crystallinity, molecular weight distribution—determine processability and end-use performance (strength, stiffness, impact resistance, heat resistance). Applications range from packaging and consumer goods to automotive parts and construction materials.

Recycling and environment: Plastmassi contributes to plastic waste. End-of-life handling includes mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, or energy recovery, with challenges around contamination and additive compatibility. Circular economy approaches emphasize design for recyclability and the use of recycled or bio-based plastics.

See also: plastics, polymerization, extrusion, injection molding, recycling.