IB DP Design Topic 4.2D Plastics

Thermoplastics

Can be moulded or formed when heated

Thermoset plastics

Plastic materials that are hardened into a permanent shape in the manufacturing process and are not commonly subject to softening when heated; typically form char in a fire.

Bioplastics

plastics made using plant or animal material (cellulose or starch) and are biodegradable

Recyclable

items that can be processed and used again

bakelite

A phenolic thermosetting plastics invented by Leo Baekeland in 1907.

cellulose acetate

is a natural plastic, which is manufactured from purified natural cellulose. Natural cellulose of the appropriate properties is derived primarily from two sources, cotton linters and wood pulp.

Monomers

small unit that can join together with other small units to form polymers

Polymers

large compound formed from combinations of many monomers

Fractional Distillation

Process where the various hydrocarbons are extracted from crude oil