Disadvantages Of Plastics

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What exactly is a plastic and what are they made of? A plastic is a material made an extensive range of synthetic and semi-synthetic organic compounds. Typically, plastics are organic polymers with a high molecular mass, but usually contain other substances. (Susanfreinkel.com, 2016)

So what is a polymer? Polymers are substances which have a high molecular weight, are made up of a structural units called monomers and can be both naturally occurring and synthetic. These structural units, or monomers repeat themselves over and over in chains and bond covalently with one another to form a polymer. A monomer is an atom, or a small molecule which binds chemically to others to form a polymer. Monomers are typically made from petroleum extract or natural gases but can also be made from organic compounds such as wood, corn and wool. (Nobelprize.org, 2016) (emaze presentations, 2016) …show more content…

Poly(methyl methacrylate) is used medically in contact lenses and cataract replacements due to its refractive index, it is used industrially due to its strength and transparency and it is used because it is lightweight when compared to glass.

Medical uses of Poly(methyl methacrylate)
The first advantage of Pmma over other materials is medically. Pmma is used in many areas of the medical field; from dentistry to orthopaedics, Poly(methyl methacrylate) has revolutionised the way we all live.
Pmma is widely used today as an implant fixture due to its ability to fill gaps in cracks and create smooth surfaces for bones and ligaments to be placed in and to prevent unwanted motion.
Another medical use for pmma is in ophthalmology as Polymethylmethacrylate exhibits very good optical properties. Pmma transmits up to 93% of visible light, which is far superior to glass which only transmits circa 85% of light. (Koleva, M, 2016)
The refractive index of pmma is due to its crystalline, rather than amorphous

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