Plastics Plastics are man-made materials and they are made from crude oil.
About 4% of crude oil is made into plastics. Crude oil is a hydrocarbon. A hydrocarbon is a compound containing both carbon and hydrogen. Making Plastics Simple hydrocarbons called monomers are separated from crude oil. Individual monomers react together to form long chains of molecules called polymers. This reaction is called polymerisation.
Properties of Plastics Durable Low density Easily moldable
Uses of Plastics
Environmental Impact of Plastics Non Bio-degradable – Substances that do not break down in the environment over time. Most plastics are non-biodegradable. Plastics cause a lot of pollution and many plastics are a fire risk and release toxic fumes when burned.
Summary