Uses and properties of plastics

  • Thread starter Thread starter zap123
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Properties
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the uses and properties of plastics, highlighting their versatility and advantages over traditional materials such as wood, metal, and stone. Key properties of plastics include their lightweight nature, resistance to corrosion, and flexibility, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. The discussion also encourages hands-on experimentation to understand these properties better, suggesting that users compare plastic items with those made from other materials to grasp why plastics are preferred in many scenarios. Additionally, the conversation touches on the process of making plastic from milk, although this question remains unanswered in the discussion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of material science concepts
  • Familiarity with the properties of common materials (wood, metal, stone)
  • Knowledge of plastic manufacturing processes
  • Ability to conduct simple experiments and observations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the chemical composition and properties of different types of plastics
  • Explore the environmental impact of plastic versus traditional materials
  • Learn about the process of bioplastics production, including making plastic from milk
  • Investigate the recycling processes for various plastics and their sustainability
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students, educators, and anyone interested in material science, particularly those exploring the practical applications and properties of plastics in everyday life.

zap123
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Sorry to bother everyone
I want to ask a couple of questions that i am stuck on
What are plastics used for? What are some of their properties that make them so valuable as materal? what advantages does plastic have over traditional materials like wood, metal, stone, etc ? last one
Explain how to make plastic from milk?

COULD SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME I KNOW THESE MAY BE EASY QUESTIONS BUT IM ONLY IN YEAR 8
PLEASE REPLY ASAP
Edit/Delete Message
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Except the "explain how to make plastic from milk" question, these are all questions you can answer by yourself by experimenting with plastic. Look at different things that are in plastic around you and manipulate them in order to determine their solidity, their elastic properties, and so on. then do the same with metalic, wooden, stone objects and compare.
 
Just look at objects around your house and ask yourself "why plastic?" if it is made out of plastic. Just... grab a ketchup botttle and ask "why not stone?" or "why not metal?" and it should become apparent why plastic is so great.
 

Similar threads

Polymers that have spring properties similar to spring steel
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
9K
MHB Find the volume of the hexagonal-shaped plastic box
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Plastics Questions: Answers for Year 8 Students
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Optimizing sound energy transfer through plastic medium
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Uniaxial Composites: Properties & Comparison to Metals/Plastics
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Could ceramic coins be practical?
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
2K
Can strong plastics be used as an alternative to leaf springs?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
Calorimetry Lab Analysis (predict specific heat of unknown metal)
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
9K
Misc. Custom building a CNC mill for aluminum
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Can you make your own plastic with household items?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K