HIGH TECH ADVANCEMENTS IN PLASTIC MATERIALS

Plastic is a material that so many of us find ourselves using a lot, and with the increased use of this material in a variety of industries, it’s no surprise that there have been some major advancements in plastic Here are some of the most notable advancements in plastics that we’ve seen recently. Plastic Solar Cells Research has begun and is continuing into the use of plastics to create solar cells. Currently, silicon is the number one choice for photovoltaic cells, however, plastic is hot on its tail. Plastic solar cells are constructed using organic polymers, these are flexible, lightweight and will be a lot cheaper to manufacture. Plastics have the unique ability to be used in a multitude of high tech situations and on the move, anywhere from clothing to roofs to phone chargers. This is a bit of a game–changer when it comes to plastics, but also renewable energy, so it’s easy to see why there is a lot of buzz around this innovation. Nanotechnology Nanotechnology is being harnessed to create highly advanced and enhanced strengths of plastic. These super plastics can resist heat, UV lights, electrical conductivity and many other features. One of the most common uses for nanotechnology is the creation of nanotubes for electrical conduction. These tubes have the conductivity of copper but are more lightweight, durable and flexible. All of these features combined make this product very attractive to large construction and electrical companies in order to keep their work moving forward. Self-Healing Polymers Perhaps the strangest, but also the most exciting, of the bunch, it’s the self-healing polymer. This plastic can heal any damage to the material using just carbon from the air around us. The plastic will not only heal itself, but it will also grow and strengthen using carbon. The properties and make-up of this unique material resemble that of a plant and their intake of carbon from the atmosphere to thrive. The Recyclable Polymer Eugene Chen, a professor in the Department of Chemistry at Colorado State University, has discovered a polymer that can be converted back into its original molecular state. This allows for complete recyclability while also boasting properties we see in ordinary plastics, such as lightweight and heat resistance. This is a great advancement when considering the biodegradability length of common plastics. The Future of Plastic Innovations Plastic has earned itself a bit bad reputation over the last few years in the media, but the progress we’re making with polymers goes to show how versatile the material really is, especially considering the vast amount of industries and applications the material is used for. The properties offered by plastics are often unbeatable, so if we’re able to make their use more sustainable and keep improving and innovating, the future looks exciting. If you need plastic extrusion services or are interested in understanding more about this process, you can find all of this information, here.

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