:: The History of Plastics

History of Plastics

The first plastics were invented in 1862 by Alexander Parkes. Celluloid and Bakelite were early forms.
In 1839 Polystyrene Invented
1872 Polyvinyl Chloride PVC
1926 Plasticized PVC (flexible)
1935 Polyethylene (LDPE)
1936 Acrylic
1937 Polyurethane
1939 Nylon and Neoprene 1951 HDPE
Today there are hundreds of different plastics. In the USA 225 billion Lbs of plastic were processed in 2000. It is a massive world wide industry.
PVC:
The PVC pellets we use are made from

• polymers - the powder resin is a by-product of the petroleum industry

• fillers - we use calcium carbonate

• pigments - for colour

• plasticizers - to make flexible plastic

• process aids - lubricants such as lead, tin, calcium zinc

• modifiers - acrylic impact modifiers

• stabilizers - UV blockers and UV absorbers

PTT products are made using the extrusion method and the plastic we use has been specifically designed for our applications.
PVC is very resistant to chemicals and has a very long life.

Early pipes laid in Sydney were dug up recently to find that the plastic was in perfect condition after more than 50 years.

Manufacturing Methods

There are many ways plastic can be processed to make plastic products:

• Injection moulding

• Extrusion

• blow moulding

• rotational moulding