Plastics

Plastics may be defined as the organic materials that can be easily moulded or shaped by mechanical or chemical action to obtain non-crystalline substances that are solid at ordinary temperatures. Some important characteristics of plastics are following :

• These are less brittle than glass, yet they might be made equally transparent and smooth.
• These are light in weight and at the same time possess good strength & rigidity.
• High dielectric strength of these materials makes them suitable for electric insulation.
• Resist corrosion and the action of chemicals.
• Can be molded easily to the desired shapes.
• Possess good toughness.
• These materials possess the property of low moisture absorption.
• Some plastics are heat resistant.

   Table 3: Properties of Plastics

The Table 4 specified general recommendations for several plastic applications.

                     Table 4: General Recommendations for Plastic Products