Importance Of Plastics

Plastics are primarily made from petrochemicals. They are generally organic polymers of high molecular weight. The vast majority of these polymers are based on chains of carbon atoms or with oxygen, sulphur, or nitrogen as well. The backbone is that part of the chain on the main "path" linking a large number of repeat units together. To customize the properties of a plastic, different molecular groups "hang" from the backbone (usually they are "hung" as part of the monomers before the monomers are linked together to form the polymer chain). The structure of these “side chains” influences the properties of the polymer. This development of the molecular structure of the base unit affects the properties of the polymer. In general, the main feature of plastic is able to irreversibly deform without breaking; the capability of being molded or shaped, usually by the application of heat and pressure.

In view of their relatively low cost, easily manufacturing property, and lots of usages, plastics are used in a range of products, from paper clips of huge spaceships, and expanding. However, the current levels of use and disposal generate several environmental problems. Approximately 4% of the world's oil and gas production, a non-renewable resource, is used as a raw material for plastics and 3 to 4% extra are deployed to

But in certain cases, for example, plastic packaging frequently uses a variety of different polymers and other materials such as metals, paper, pigments, inks and adhesives which increases the difficulty. Closed-loop recycling is more practical when the constituent of polymer can be (i) effectively separated from the sources of contamination and (ii) stabilized against degradation when using reprocessing and following. Downgrading is a term sometimes used for recycling when recovered plastic is put in an application that would not use virgin polymer usually - secondary