What are widely used thermoplastics?

Widely used thermoplastics are  polymer substances that form the largest part of all consumed polymers which are used for production of consumer goods and articles.

Thermoplastics have good properties and their production costs are comparatively low. Due to a simple production process and small amounts of energy required, easily processable conventional thermoplastics make up 4/5 of all plastics manufactured worldwide. 

Polyethylene (PE) and Polyvinylchloride make up 2/3 of thermoplastic production, whereas 1/3 of production is taken by  Polystyrene (PS) and Polypropylene (PP). Production amounts of other types of thermoplastics are quite small. 

The major properties of thermoplastics, which determine their types and application, are density and the melt flow rate. 

The tables given below show the relation between the thermoplastic density and melt flow rate and thermoplastic properties.

Thermoplastic density increases

Decreasing	Increasing
	Melting point
	Hardness
	Rigidity
	Chemical resistance
	Impermeability to gases and aromas
Impact resistance
Translucence
ESCR

  
Thermoplastic melt flow rate decreases

Decreasing	Increasing
	Impact resistance
	Creep resistance
	ESCR
	Chemical resistance
	Abrasion resistance
Processing properties
Flow characteristics
Tendency to warp

 
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