Benefits or Uses of Polymers in Everyday Life
Uses of Polymers
For Polyethylenterephthal Plastic (PET)
For Polyethylene / Polyethylene (PE) Plastics
For Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
For Nylon Plastics
For Synthetic Rubber
For Wol
For cotton
Polyethylentereftalat Plastic (PET)
PET plastic is a synthetic polyester fiber (dacron) that is transparent with strong durability, resistant to acids, airtight, flexible, and not brittle. In terms of use, PET plastic ranks first. It uses around 72% as a beverage packaging with good quality. PET plastic is polyester that can be mixed with natural polymers such as silk, wool and cotton to produce clothing that is durable and easy to care for.
Polyethylene / Polyethylene (PE) Plastics
There are two types of PE plastic, namely Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). LDPE plastic is widely used as a plastic bag and wrapping food and goods. HDPE plastic is widely used as a base for making children's toys, strong pipes, gas lighters, radio and television bodies, and vinyl records.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC plastic is thermoplastic with strong durability. This plastic is also resistant and impervious to oil and organic materials. There are two types of PVC plastic which are rigid and flexible. Rigid plastic forms are used for building construction, children's toys, PVC pipes (paralon), tables, cabinets, vinyl records, and some car components.
As for the flexible form plastic, this type is used to make plastic hoses and electrical insulation. In terms of use, PVC plastic ranks third and around 68% is used for building construction (water pipes).
Nylon Plastic
Nylon plastic is a polyamide polymer (the process of formation such as protein formation). Nylon plastic was discovered in 1934 by Wallace Carothers of the Du Pont Company. At that time, Carothers reacted adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine. Plastic that is very strong (not easily damaged) and smooth is widely used for clothing, camping and rock climbing equipment, household equipment and laboratory equipment.
Synthetic Rubber
The famous synthetic rubber is Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR), a polymer formed from the polymerization reaction between styrene and 1,3-butadiene. Synthetic rubber is widely used to make vehicle tires because it has good strength and does not expand when exposed to oil or gasoline.
Wool
Wool is a natural fiber from animal protein (keratin) which is insoluble. The flexible structure of wool protein produces good quality fabric, but sometimes causes problems because it can shrink in washing. Therefore, wool is mixed with PET to produce a good quality fabric and does not shrink during washing.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fiber from vegetable materials (cellulose) which is the most widely used (almost 50% use of natural fiber comes from cotton). Cotton fabric is made from cotton fibers with chemical treatment so as to produce a fabric that is strong, comfortable to wear, and easy to care for.