Plastic has become an indispensable material in modern life. From everyday household items to complex industrial components, plastic is everywhere. The diversity of plastic types allows it to meet various needs in terms of physical and chemical properties, and applications. This article will introduce some of the most common types of plastic used in plastic processing and their specific applications.\

1. PP (Polypropylene)

PP is a thermoplastic with high mechanical strength, relatively high heat resistance (around 130-170°C), good water and chemical resistance. PP plastic has a glossy surface, is easy to print on, and can be produced in a variety of colors.

• Advantages: Durable, lightweight, low cost, easy to process, recyclable.
• Disadvantages: Susceptible to UV degradation, difficult to bond.
• Applications: Food packaging, toys, automotive parts, medical devices, pipes, agricultural films.

2. PE (Polyethylene)

PE is also a common thermoplastic, divided into several types such as LDPE (low-density), HDPE (high-density), and LLDPE (linear low-density). Each type of PE has its own characteristics and applications.

• LDPE: Flexible, transparent, good water resistance. Applications: Plastic bags, food wraps.
• HDPE: Harder than LDPE, good impact resistance. Applications: Bottles, containers, pipes.
• LLDPE: Combines the advantages of LDPE and HDPE, high tensile strength. Applications: Industrial films, packaging.

3. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is a hard, impact-resistant plastic with high gloss and easy processing. ABS has better heat and abrasion resistance than PP and PE.

• Advantages: High strength, impact resistant, easy to process, glossy surface.
• Disadvantages: More expensive than PP and PE, susceptible to UV degradation.
• Applications: Electronic device housings, toys, automotive parts, helmets.

4. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is a hard thermoplastic with good fire resistance and chemical corrosion resistance. PVC is often used in applications requiring high durability and weather resistance.

• Advantages: Durable, fire-resistant, corrosion-resistant, reasonably priced.
• Disadvantages: Difficult to decompose, may contain harmful additives.
• Applications: Pipes, windows, flooring, electrical cables.

5. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

PET is a transparent plastic with high mechanical strength, good gas and moisture barrier properties. PET is commonly used in the production of bottles for beverages and food.

• Advantages: Transparent, durable, lightweight, gas-impermeable, recyclable.
• Disadvantages: Prone to scratching.
• Applications: Water bottles, food containers, films.

6. PS (Polystyrene)

PS is a hard, lightweight, easy-to-process, and inexpensive plastic. PS is often used in the production of disposable items and packaging.

• Advantages: Lightweight, easy to process, inexpensive.
• Disadvantages: Brittle, not heat resistant.
• Applications: Foam containers, office supplies, toys.

7. PC (Polycarbonate)

PC is an amorphous thermoplastic that is transparent, incredibly impact-resistant, heat-resistant, and a good electrical insulator.

• Advantages: Strong, impact-resistant, transparent, heat-resistant.
• Disadvantages: Expensive.
• Applications: Bulletproof glass, CD/DVDs, electronic components, medical devices.