Man-made Materials — Science STD 8 — Question

Plastic, the man-made material is used in various forms in modern age. According to the type of plastic, its uses are different.

I. Thermoplastic materials are used for manufacturing following articles:

1. Polyvinyl chloride or PVC is used to make bottles, raincoat, pipes, handbags,: shoes, electric cable insulation, furniture, ropes, toys, etc.
2. Polystyrene is used in making thermo insulating parts of electric appliances like refrigerators, gears of machines, toys, protective coverings like covers of CD and DVD, etc.
3. Polyethylene (PE) plastics are used for making milk bags, packing bags, flexible garden pipes, etc.
4. Polypropylene (PP) is used in making parts of loudspeakers and vehicles, ropes, mattresses, laboratory appliances, etc.

II. Thermosetting plastic is used in the manufacturing of the following items:

1. Bakelite for making cabinets of radio, T.V., telephones, electric switches, toys, plastic handles of cookers, etc.
2. Melamine for making domestically useful items like cup – saucers, plates, tray, some spare parts of airplane engines, electric and sound insulating coverings, etc.
3. Polyurethane in making surfing boards, small boats, furniture, seats in vehicles, etc.
4. Polyester in fibreglass, toners of laser printers, textile industry, etc.