Everyday Plastics: How Chemistry Shapes Our World

Plastics are polymers—long chains of repeating molecules that give them strength and flexibility.
Polyethylene is the world’s most common plastic, used in bags, bottles, and packaging.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is tough and durable, making it perfect for pipes and flooring.
Polystyrene can be rigid or foamed (Styrofoam), useful in cups, insulation, and packaging.
Polycarbonate is transparent and impact-resistant, used in eyewear, electronics, and safety gear.
Plasticizers are added to make plastics flexible, like in soft vinyl products.
Thermoplastics can be melted and reshaped, while thermosets stay fixed once hardened.
Colorants and fillers customize plastics with bright shades, strength, or heat resistance.
Biodegradable plastics are engineered to break down faster, often from corn starch or other plant sources.
Recycling challenges come from mixed polymers, but advances in chemistry aim to close the loop.