forensics plastics uses

science olympiad

PETE

Water bottles, soft drink bottles, food packaging, carpet, rope, cleaning sponge, fabric (polyester), PB jars, tennis balls, yarn, hand soap, cooking oil,, fiberfill, scouring pads, mylar, cassette tapes

HDPE

bottles (milk, shampoo, soap, detergent, bleach, motor oil), cereal liners, furniture, 3D printing, marine products outdoor signs, toys, aspirin, flower pots, signs, trash cans, toys, lumber,  pippin for water & swerve, snowboards, boats, folding chair. 

PVC

construction (pipes), tubing for beverage systems, blister packaging for gum, seals on metal lids, food foils, outdated cling wraps,  tiles, credit cards, blood bags, shower curtains, plastic tablecloths rain coats, film stuff, water bottle, window, door, not good for food, wiring, vinyl records, phonographs

LDPE

food containers (specifically bags), plastic bags, modern cling wrap, wire insulation, orthotics, prosthetics, dispensing bottles, tubing, computer components, diapers, disk drives, swim noodles, dry cleaning bags, fuse beads

PP

Reusable food containers, car batteries, rope, plastic wrap, yogurt tubs, pill containers, disposable syringes, bottle caps, straws, living hinges, plastic tote bags, luggage, carpeting, butter tubs, automobile batteries, rope, lab equipment, packing tape, chip bag

PS

Packing peanuts, styrofoam, tableware, toys, lighting, signs, insulation, appliances, car parts, plastic cutlery, CD case, petri dish

TYPES: Rigid PS: transparent, rigid, brittle, used in disposable cutlery Expanded PS: insulator, made from beads of polymer and expanded using steam and pentane, Extruded PS: insulator, made from crystals, resulting in a less water-permeable and stronger insulating final product

PC

shatterproof glass, eyeglass lenses, greenhouses, CDs, UV protection, riot shields, medical devices, exterior lighting feature, electrical telecomm hardware

PMMA

Plexiglass, glass substitute, dentures, bone implants, aquariums, LED lights, windshields, dental fillings, transparent, car windows, smart phone screens and windows, acrylic glass, outdated-contacts