Table 1 Type of plastic and its characteristics
From: A brief review on polyvinyl chloride plastic as aggregate for construction materials
Class | Type | Characteristic | Common uses | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Thermoplastic polymer | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) | Tough/hard, clear/transparent. high strength, stiffness, resistance against heat and chemical attacks | Water bottle drink and mineral bottles, dispensing containers for cleaning fluids, biscuit trays | |
Low density polyethylene (LDPE) | Easy process ability, low density, soft, flexible plastic, good chemical resistance, poor abrasion and stretch resistance, milky white color unless a pigment added | Lids of food containers, garbage bags, and rubbish bins | ||
High density polyethylene (HDPE) | Easy processing, balance of rigidity, high impact strength, good chemical resistance and waterproofing | Puckered shopping bags, milk storage bags, bottle caps (freeze) | ||
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - Unplasticized (UPVC) - Plasticized (PPVC) | Versatility, durability, fire resistance Hard rigid plastic, clear Flexible, clear, elastic | Sanitary piping, plumbing pipes and fittings, garden hose, shoe soles, blood bags and tubing | ||
Polypropylene (PP) Polyethylene (PE) | Low density, excellent chemical resistance, environmental stress resistance, high melting point, good process ability, dielectric properties, low cost, creep resistance | Ice-cream containers, potato crisp bags, stools and chairs | ||
Polymathic methacrylate (PMMA) | High UV light and chemical resistant, transparency, durability | Motorized lamp covers, or for specific applications | ||
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) | Glossy, clear in nature, Stiff but brittle plastic Lightweight, foamed, thermal insulation and energy absorbing | Cheap, transparent kitchen ware, light fittings, bottles, toys, and food containers Hot drink cups, insulated food packaging, protective packaging for fragile items | ||
Polycarbonate (PC) Acrylic polycarbonate | Transparency, strong, thermal stability, stiff, hard, tough and very rigid | Automotive, glazing, electronic, business machine, optical media and medical, lighting | [10] | |
Polylactic acid (PLA); polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA); acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) | ||||
Thermosets | Epoxy resins; polyurethanes; phenolic; polyester resins | [8] | ||