The relatively low density of most plastic materials means the end
products are lightweight. They also have excellent thermal and
electrical insulation properties. However, some can even be made as
conductors of electricity when required. They are corrosion resistant to
many substances which attack other materials, and some are transparent,
making optical devices possible. They are also easy to mould into
complex shapes and forms, allowing integration of different materials
and functions. And in the event that the physical properties of a given
plastic do not quite meet the specified requirements, the property
balance can be modified with the addition of reinforcing fillers,
colours, foaming agents, flame retardants, plasticisers etc., to meet
the demands of the specific application.
For these
reasons and more, plastics are increasingly used in:
 |
Packaging |
|
Building and
Construction |
 |
|
 |
Sport
&
Leisure |
|
|
|
|
Basically
these plastics are man-made. In principle any combination of properties
can be developed to accommodate almost any application you can think
of.