[[Bioplastics]] Plastics are a diverse group of synthetic polymers that find a wide range of applications due to their versatility, durability, and low cost. There are several types of plastics, each with its own unique properties and uses. 1. **Polyethylene (PE)**: - Types: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) - Uses: Packaging (bottles, bags, containers), pipes, toys, plastic films - Companies: Dow Inc., ExxonMobil, LyondellBasell 2. **Polypropylene (PP)**: - Uses: Packaging, automotive parts, textiles, furniture, household goods - Companies: SABIC, Braskem, Borealis 3. **Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)**: - Uses: Construction materials (pipes, fittings, profiles), vinyl flooring, medical tubing, clothing - Companies: Westlake Chemical, Shin-Etsu Chemical, Formosa Plastics Corporation 4. **Polystyrene (PS)**: - Types: General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) - Uses: Packaging, insulation, disposable utensils, consumer electronics - Companies: INEOS Styrolution, TotalEnergies, BASF 5. **Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)**: - Uses: Bottles (beverage, food), polyester fibers (clothing, carpets), packaging - Companies: Indorama Ventures, M&G Chemicals, Plastipak Packaging 6. **Polycarbonate (PC)**: - Uses: Eyeglass lenses, automotive parts, optical discs, electronics, safety equipment - Companies: Covestro, SABIC, Teijin Limited 7. **Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)**: - Uses: Automotive parts, consumer goods, electronics, toys, appliances - Companies: Styron (Trinseo), Chi Mei Corporation, LG Chem 8. **Polyamide (PA)**: - Types: Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6 - Uses: Textiles, automotive parts, industrial components, engineering plastics - Companies: BASF, DuPont, Invista 9. **Polyurethane (PU)**: - Uses: Foam insulation, furniture, footwear, adhesives, coatings - Companies: Huntsman Corporation, Covestro, Dow Inc. 10. **Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)**: - Uses: Adhesives, paints, coatings, paper coatings - Companies: Wacker Chemie, Celanese, Arkema 11. **Polyethylene Chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE)**: - Uses: Chemical processing equipment, electrical insulation, architectural films - Companies: Asahi Glass Company, AGC Chemicals, Daikin Industries 12. **Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)**: - Uses: Chemical processing, electrical insulation, membranes, coatings - Companies: Arkema, Solvay, Kureha Corporation