Write a note on use of plastic in our daily lives
Answers
Answer:
SHORT NOTE ON PLASTIC IN OUR DAILY LIVES
Explanation:
Material Science of Plastics
The mass use of plastic started in the 1950s and has steadily grown ever since. Today, more than 300 million tons of plastic are produced annually. While in Europe the production of plastic has remained relatively constant over the last decade, in developing countries in particular it continues to rise.
The popularity of plastic is due not only to its low production costs but also its numerous practical characteristics, including its low weight, acid resistance, and flexibility. In addition, plastic’s flexible properties encourage technological innovations and—particularly in the fields of medicine, building technology, and aircraft and automobile manufacturing—lead to new solutions, improvements, and comfort.
Yet the tremendous consumption of plastic also presents numerous problems. A large part of the plastic quickly ends up in the garbage. As standard plastic is not biodegradable, plastic refuse improperly disposed of pollutes our environment for decades or even centuries. Today, mountains of plastic are piling up in garbage dumps and in the natural world. As consumption increases there is an urgent need for far-sighted and holistic solutions to this problem.
The Most Important Conventional Plastics
Plastics consist of long molecular chains, known as polymers, created by linking the same repeated building element (monomer). Synthetically produced plastics are made from mineral oil, coal, or natural gas. A total of 4 percent of the worldwide production of oil and gas is destined for the manufacture of plastics.
In addition to synthetic plastics there are also the semi-synthetics that are made from natural polymers such as cellulose. Today, organic plastics made from sustainable raw materials are being produced in increasing amounts.
The most common types of plastics, known as the mass plastics, are: polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, polystyrene, PET, and polyurethane.