Plastic production and the history of the plastic recycling industry
Today, plastic is known as one of the most widely used materials in various industries. All kinds of plastic containers and mineral water bottles, kitchen utensils, cables and electrical wire sheaths are made of plastic. In this article, we intend to introduce you to the history of plastic production and its applications and explain the benefits of using plastic. So stay with us until the end of this article.
Plastic production
Plastic production is done using various organic materials such as diesel, salt, cellulose and crude oil, cellulose, resin, coal, which is done by a process called polymerization. In this process, heat and pressure are used alone or in combination and these materials are shaped.
Plastic and polymer production is used in the following various industries:
• Automotive industry
• Petrochemical industry
• Civil and construction industry and production of equipment such as pipes, pumps, valves
• Military industry
• Textile industry
• Food and pharmaceutical industry and packaging of various products
• Transportation industry
• Electrical and electronics and production of cables and wires
• Medical industry for the production of syringes and …
History of the plastics manufacturing industry
In the past, elephant ivory was used for various decorations, but since this work required killing elephants and ivory had become scarce, nylon, urea-formaldehyde, entered the market as a suitable alternative.
In 1833, the term polymer was introduced by the Swedish chemist Baron Jones, and Charles Goodyear was able to discover plastic in 1839 with information from Baron Joyce. In 1840, Nathaniel Mendel added sulfur to plastic and was able to reduce its adhesive properties. In fact, this was the first attempt by scientists to modify a natural polymer and produce plastic.
This process did not stop and continued, so that in 1862, the Haight brothers produced and introduced one of the early types of plastic called celluloid. Celluloid also had many drawbacks and shortcomings, and over time and with the efforts of scientists, newer compounds were produced from it.
In 1908, Leo Baekeland produced balicate, or phenol formaldehyde, a completely synthetic plastic. Among his other achievements was the incorporation of the process of using plastic in powder form, which was presented by Hermann Staudinger. This process was related to the covalent bonding method for connecting polymers, for which he won the Nobel Prize in 1953.
The most important period of progress in the production of plastics and its diverse applications dates back to the 1950s and 1960s, when the principles of polymerization were used and new technology led to the production of polymers such as polyethylene, polyether, epoxy, etc.
The entry of the plastic production industry into Iran
Given that the production and consumption of polymer products with cheap raw materials was a profitable industry, it was quickly recognized throughout the world and consequently imported into Iran. Plastic products were widely used in Iran, as in other parts of the world, which is why domestic plastic production technology and equipment were also imported into the country.
Given that the production and consumption of this product was very popular, there is no accurate information available about the first importer or manufacturing company. However, we can claim that the plastics industry in Iran is currently a self-sufficient industry due to the production of petrochemical raw materials within the country and is offered at a reasonable price and quality.
What are the benefits of plastic production?
Plastic products have features and advantages that have made them one of the most widely used items. The following are the advantages of plastic production.
Lightness of plastic products
One of the properties of plastic is that it is light in weight, so that the weight of a plastic product is half that of a similar aluminum product. This feature has made plastic products superior in air and ground transportation.
High durability and resistance of plastic
Another important property of plastic is that, while being light, it is sufficiently resistant to damage and impact and does not become brittle or bend. Even plastic is highly resistant to atmospheric conditions and does not deform.
Resistance to chemicals
The process of producing and manufacturing plastic products is carried out in such a way that it can be highly resistant to solvents and chemicals and, unlike metals, does not corrode. This advantage prevents the use of plastic in the food and health industries from harming health.
Good heat insulation
One of the characteristics of plastic is that it is a good insulator for heat and does not transmit heat. For this reason, it is used in the manufacture of appliances that are close to heat. It is also important to know that plastic does not transmit cold and is a good insulator.
Sound and electricity insulation
As well as being a good insulator for heat and cold, plastic can also be a good insulator against electricity and sound. The characteristic of being an insulator against electricity makes plastic materials used to produce wire and cable covers and various electronic devices.
Production of transparent plastic
The advanced technologies used in the manufacture of transparent plastic have made this material a good alternative to glass.
Plastic colorability
One of the characteristics of plastic is that it can be produced in a variety of colors.
Usability in the medical industry
Plastic is also used in the medical industry, because microbes, fungi and other pathogens cannot grow on plastic.
Reasonable price of plastic products
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Ease of production of plastic
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Conclusion
Plastic is a polymer that is used in various industries due to its many advantages and replaces other raw materials such as metal, glass, wood, etc. In this article, we have tried to familiarize you with the history of the use of plastic and its advantages. We hope this information is useful to you.