Common Plastics: Properties, Differences, Flame Retardants, And Applications

Common Plastics: Properties, Differences, Flame Retardants, And Applications

Plastics, as indispensable materials in modern industry and daily life, are widely used in various fields due to their unique physical and chemical properties as well as processing convenience. In this article, we will introduce the characteristics, differences and applications of several commonly used plastics - Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Plastic (ABS), as well as the flame retardants specially developed by YINSU Flame Retardant Company for different materials.

I. Polyethylene (PE)

• Characteristics

Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most common plastics, according to the different density, can be divided into high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). HDPE has high strength and hardness, while LDPE is softer and more transparent. PE plastics have excellent resistance to corrosion, electrical insulation, and low-temperature toughness, but high temperature is easy to soften, and does not resist heat aging.

• Difference

- Compared with PP, PE has a lower melting point, less heat stability, but better flexibility.

- Compared with PVC, PE does not contain chlorine, so it is more environmentally friendly, but the hardness and strength are relatively low.

• Applications

- HDPE is commonly used to make buckets, bottle caps, wire and cable insulation, and other products that require high strength and hardness.

- LDPE, on the other hand, is widely used in food packaging bags, cling film, plastic bottles and other applications that require good flexibility and transparency.

For polyethylene (PE) materials, YINSU Flame Retardant Company has specially developed PE pipe flame retardant PEG-14 and PE foam flame retardant PEFE-482, and for low smoke and halogen-free wires and cables, microcapsule-coated red phosphorus flame retardant FRP-950X, FRP-8050, and EP-80, which are highly efficient flame retardant, low smoke and halogen-free, and have low smoke density.

II. Polypropylene (PP)

• Characteristics

Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic with excellent heat resistance, chemical resistance and good mechanical properties. PP plastics have low density, light weight and are easy to process and mold. In addition, PP also has good impact strength and wear resistance.

• Difference

- Compared with PE, PP has a higher melting point, better thermal stability and is suitable for higher temperature environments.

- Compared with ABS, PP has lower hardness but better toughness and is more economical.

• Applications

- PP is widely used in automobile bumpers, appliance housings, microwave oven lunch boxes and other products that require high heat resistance and impact strength.

- At the same time, PP is also an important raw material for making plastic pipes, fibers, films and so on.

YINSU Flame Retardant Company has developed piperazine pyrophosphate and PPV2-6 white flame retardant for PP new material and PPV2-8H special flame retardant for PP recycled material according to the characteristics and application requirements of polypropylene (PP) material. There is also T3, which replaces antimony trioxide. These products are designed for PP reclaim and new materials, and aim to provide efficient and environmentally friendly flame retardant solutions.

III. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

• Characteristics

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a kind of plastic with excellent mechanical properties, electrical properties and acid and alkali resistance. PVC plastic has high hardness, good abrasion resistance and is easy to process molding. In addition, PVC also has good flame retardancy and self-extinguishing.

• Differences

- Compared with PE and PP, PVC contains chlorine, so you need to pay attention to its environmental protection and safety in the process of use.

- Compared with PS, PVC is harder and stronger, but less transparent.

• Applications

- PVC is widely used in construction, such as doors, windows, pipes and floors.

- At the same time, PVC is also an important raw material for making wire and cable insulation, packaging materials, toys and so on.

YINSU Flame Retardant provides innovative solutions for PVC applications and flame retardancy, mainly antimony trioxide substitutes, including T30 flame retardant for partial substitution and T series flame retardant for complete substitution of antimony trioxide.

Faced with the scarcity of antimony resources and the high cost of flame retardancy, antimony trioxide substitutes are an excellent choice. Especially T3 product, 100% replacement of antimony trioxide, maintaining the original flame retardant effect and physical properties, the amount of addition and the original ATO equivalent, flame retardant cost reduction of at least 40%.

IV. Polystyrene (PS)

• Characteristics

Polystyrene (PS) is a colorless, transparent thermoplastic with excellent transparency, gloss, and processability. PS plastic is low density, lightweight, and easy to color and print. However, PS has relatively low heat resistance and impact strength.

• Differences

- Compared with PE and PP, PS has higher transparency, but lower heat resistance and impact strength.

- Compared to ABS, PS is less tough but cheaper.

• Applications

- PS is mainly used to make transparent packaging materials, tableware and toys.

- At the same time, PS is also an important raw material for making insulating materials, optical instruments and so on.

To meet the flame retardant needs of polystyrene (PS) materials, YINSU Flame Retardant Company has introduced non-halogenated flame retardants FRP-950X and PSV2-5, as well as white bromine masterbatch YS-8X, which use compatibilizers and PS materials as the carriers for granulation to improve the dispersion and compatibility of PS materials and flame retardants. Due to their high content and low addition amount, they can provide excellent flame retardant properties while maintaining the original properties of PS materials.

V. Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastic (ABS)

• Characteristics

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastic (ABS) is a thermoplastic with excellent overall performance, ABS plastic has high strength, high toughness, high abrasion resistance and good processing performance. In addition, ABS has good heat resistance and chemical resistance.

• Differences

- Compared with PE, PP and PS, ABS has better overall performance and is suitable for more complex and harsh environments.

- Compared with PVC, ABS is chlorine-free, more environmentally friendly, and has a higher degree of transparency and gloss.

• Applications

- ABS is widely used in automobiles, electronics, home appliances and other fields, such as automobile shells, electrical appliance shells, cell phone shells and so on.

- At the same time, ABS is also an important raw material for making toys, stationery, sports equipment and so on.

In response to the flame retardant needs of ABS materials, YINSU Flame Retardant Company has launched a series of ABS flame retardant products, including red phosphorus flame retardant ABS-P-20M, antimony bromide masterbatch for ABS YS-BRT, composite antimony flame retardant T-series, piperazine pyrophosphate, and diethyl hypophosphorous acid aluminum, etc., all of which are based on environmentally friendly, highly efficient, and multifunctional design concepts. These products not only meet the high standard and diversified requirements of the market for flame retardant properties of ABS materials, but also take into account cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness.

VI. Conclusion

PE, PP, PVC, PS and ABS as commonly used plastic materials, each with unique characteristics and application areas. In the actual application, we need to select the appropriate plastic material according to the specific use of the environment and requirements. At the same time, we also need to pay attention to the environmental protection and safety of plastics, to ensure that the use of the process will not cause harm to the environment and human body.

With the continuous progress of science and technology and the growing awareness of environmental protection, the future development of plastic materials will pay more attention to environmental protection, degradability and sustainability. Therefore, we need to pay constant attention to the latest research results and application trends of plastic materials to contribute to the promotion of green and sustainable development of the plastics industry.

In response to the diversity of the plastics industry, YINSU Flame Retardant Company's flame retardant product line also covers a wide range of flame retardant solutions from basic to high-end. The company has developed a series of specific flame retardant products to meet the characteristics and application needs of the various plastic materials mentioned above. The aim is to improve the fire safety performance of plastic materials while maintaining the original physical and chemical properties of the materials. These flame retardants can effectively reduce the burning speed of the material and improve its flame retardant grade without affecting the processing convenience and cost-effectiveness of the plastic material, so as to meet the fire safety requirements of different industries.

YINSU Flame Retardant's products are more than just a simple solution, they are the culmination of safety, environmental protection and innovation. Our products are widely used in many fields such as construction, electronics, automotive, home appliances, etc. We provide tailor-made flame retardant solutions for our global customers, ensuring that your products remain safe and reliable in any environment.