Plastics are extremely versatile materials ideal for a wide range of consumer and industrial applications. The relatively low density of most plastics offers the benefits of lightness to plastic-based products. And, although most are characterized by excellent thermal and electrical insulation properties, some plastics can be good conductors of electricity if required. They are resistant to corrosion by various substances that attack other materials, which makes them durable and suitable for use in harsh environments. Some are transparent, and therefore usable in optical devices. They can be easily shaped into complex shapes, allowing the integration of other materials on plastic products, and making them the ideal solution for a wide variety of functions. Furthermore, if the physical properties of a specific plastic do not exactly meet the specified requirements, its property balance can be modified by adding reinforcing fillers, colors, foaming agents, flame retardants, plasticizers, etc. … order to meet the specific application requirements.
In principle, plastics can be developed with virtually any combination of properties to fit almost any desired application. Thanks to these properties, plastics are increasingly used in the following applications:
packaging
Building and construction
Mobility and transport
Health
Electronics
Agriculture
Sport and entertainment
Source: www.plasticseurope.org
