Plastic : how it is made and its common different types

Below is a simple a simple explanation of how plastic is made.

Starting Point - Oil/Natural Gas:

- Extract from ground
- Refine to seperate parts
- Get chemicals like ethylene

Making Basic Plastic:

- Heat these chemicals
- Add catalysts (helpers)
- Molecules link together
- Forms plastic molecules
- Cool into tiny pellets (granules)

Different Types Made By:

- Using different chemicals
- Different temperatures
- Different processes
- Different additives
- Different pressures

Final Steps:

- Pellets (granules) are melted
- Shaped into products
- Add colors/additives
- Cool to final form

Common Types:

- PE (bags, bottles)
- PP (food containers)
- PVC (pipes)
- PET (drink bottles)
- PS (disposable items)

PE (Polyethylene):

- Most common plastic
- Flexible, tough, waterproof
- Used for bags, bottles, containers
- Types : HDPE (harder), LDPE (softer), LLDPE (more flexible than HDPE, stronger than LDPE)

HDPE :  Low-density Polyethylene

LDPE : High-Density Polyethylene

LLDPE : Linear Low Density Polyethylene

PP (Polypropylene):

- Heat resistant
- Tough and flexible
- Good for food containers
- Microwave safe

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):

- Strong and rigid
- Weather resistant
- Used for pipes and contruction
- Durable and long-lasting

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate):

- Clear and strong
- Used for drink bottles
- Food safe
- Highly recyclable

PS (Polystyrene):

- Lightweight
- Can be rigid or foam
- Used for disposables
- Examples : cups, takeout containers