Plastic Materials and Their Properties

There are many plastic materials used in our daily lives, and there’s no doubt as to why they are so popular. In fact, take a look around you, and I’m sure you will see something made from plastic. They all have properties that make them the perfect material for many applications and objects. From household appliances to building materials, there’s nothing plastics can’t do!

So, what are the properties of plastic?

Strength/Durability – plastics have become one of the most commonly used materials in the construction and automotive industry due to their strength. Many plastic materials are set hard and are shatterproof and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, so they are perfect for tools and automotive components.

Versatility – plastics aren’t just good for one use; they can be manufactured to have a range of properties, from hardness and flexibility to transparency and more. No matter the application, they can be tailored for specific requirements.

Flexibility – not only can plastic be physically flexible, but it can also be flexible in what they are used for. They can be easily moulded and shaped into a variety of different forms, meaning they can be used for a wide range of applications.

Chemical resistance – many plastic materials have a great resistance to chemicals, acids, solvents and corrosive substances, meaning they can be used for a variety of applications in many different industries without the worry of them being damaged.

Low cost – when compared to other manufacturing materials, plastics are generally more cost-effective to produce. This is great for larger-scale manufacturing companies as they can buy bulks of plastic material at a time for a more cost-effective price.

Water-resistant – plastics are often water-resistant or ‘waterproof’ meaning they won’t be damaged when in contact with water. This makes them great for business that require water work, for example, plumbing, packaging, automotive industries and outdoor equipment.

Lightweight – most plastic materials have little to no weight to them making them perfect for the automotive or packaging industries when a reduced weight may be required.

So, there you have it, the many properties of plastic! They really are great materials and it’s fascinating the amount of applications they can be used for and the forms they can be turned into.

Here at Rayda, we create bespoke plastic products from extrusion processes. If you have any general plastic enquiries, contact us today, and we will be happy to help!

For more information on Plastic Materials and Their Properties talk to Rayda Plastics Ltd