Plastic is a material which is made from a range of different organic polymers. It can be molded into a shape while soft and then be left to become rigid. Because plastic can be molded into many shapes, it is used for a large range of applications.
Plastic is a substance that is malleable and can be molded into different shapes. In fact the word plastic comes from the Greek plastikos meaning capable of being molded. Plastics do not conduct electricity, so they make good resistors. The majority of plastics are made from polymers which mainly contain carbon.
The first man-made plastic was created by British chemist Alexander Pakes in 1856. His plastic Parkesine was created using nitrocellulose. The company that made this early plastic went bankrupt. The birth of modern plastics came in 1907 with the invention of Bakelite. Bakelite was a synthetic plastic created by the Belgian-born American scientist Leo Baekeland. Baekeland used phenol, a substance derived from fossil fuels to create his new material. It didn’t conduct electricity and resisted heat. It could be easily molded and shaped so it could be use for a wide range of different things.
This led to a surge in the number of plastics being invented Polystyrene in 1929, Polyester in 1930, Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and Polythene in 1933 and Nylon in 1935. In 1941 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) was invented. This plastic is commonly used for soda bottles as it holds two atmospheric pressures while remaining transparent.
Plastics are extremely popular due to their low cost and ability to be molded into lots of different shapes. Plastics are now used in a range of packaging and household items and have been even used to build passenger aircrafts. Plastics do not biodegrade very easily. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. The plastics last for an extremely long time; no microorganisms can break down the polymers. At the same time, this is a disadvantage because when plastics are thrown away, they sit for thousands of years in landfills. Scientists are now working to create new bioplastics that are biodegradable to reduce the amount of plastics in landfills.
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Try it for Free!Example Uses of Different Plastics
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) - soda bottles, rope, carpet fiber
- High-Density Polyethylene - milk bottles, water pipes, 3D printer filament
- Polyvinyl Chloride - sewer pipes, insulation for electric cables, flooring
- Low-Density Polyethylene - snap-on lids, playground slides, plastic wrap
- Polypropylene - lab equipment, yogurt pots, flip-top lids
- Polystyrene - disposable insulated coffee cups, protective packaging, cutlery
- Nylon - parachute, toothbrush bristles, stockings
How Tos about The Invention of Plastic
Spark Curiosity with a Classroom Plastic Investigation
Gather everyday plastic items from home or school for students to examine. This hands-on approach helps students identify different types of plastic and observe their properties.
Encourage students to classify plastics by type and use
Guide students to sort collected plastics by color, shape, and recycling code. This activity builds sorting skills and teaches about recycling symbols.
Facilitate a discussion on plastic’s impact and alternatives
Lead a conversation about the environmental effects of plastic and brainstorm sustainable alternatives. Students learn to think critically about everyday choices and their effects.
Create a poster project illustrating plastic facts
Assign groups to design posters showing key facts about plastics, including types, uses, and facts from your encyclopedia. This reinforces learning through creativity and teamwork.
Showcase student findings with a classroom gallery walk
Display student posters and plastic samples around the room. Invite peers to explore, ask questions, and share what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Invention of Plastic
What is plastic and how is it made?
Plastic is a synthetic material made from polymers, which are long chains of molecules. It is created through chemical processes using natural resources like oil, coal, or natural gas. Plastics are formed into various shapes by molding or extruding when heated.
Why is plastic useful in everyday life?
Plastic is useful because it is lightweight, durable, and can be molded into many different shapes. It is widely used for packaging, toys, electronics, medical devices, and countless household items due to its versatility and low cost.
What are the main types of plastic and their uses?
Common types of plastic include polyethylene (used in bags and bottles), polypropylene (containers, automotive parts), PVC (pipes, window frames), and PET (drink bottles). Each type has unique properties suitable for specific uses.
How does plastic impact the environment?
Plastic can harm the environment if not disposed of properly. It takes hundreds of years to break down and often ends up in oceans or landfills, affecting wildlife and ecosystems. Recycling and reducing plastic use help lessen its impact.
What are some ways to reduce plastic waste in schools?
Schools can reduce plastic waste by using reusable water bottles, lunch containers, and bags, recycling plastic materials, organizing clean-up events, and educating students about the importance of reducing single-use plastics.
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