History

The first plastics were made in about 1860, but it was the 1950's when plastic began to be used a lot. After the Second World War. Now, they are replacing traditional materials like wood and metal.

Making Plastics

Plastic is a man-made material. It is made from chemicals found in crude oil. These chemicals are taken out of the oil and mixed together to make many different sorts of plastics. Two families of plastics are…

Thermoplastic

Thermoplastics soften when heated and can then be formed into different shapes. They keep this shape when they cool. They can be reheated several times. This type of plastic is used to make things like yoghurt pots, mobile phones and pop bottles.

PLASTICS SOFTEN THEY DO NOT MELT.

Thermosetting Plastics

These plastics are stiffer and stronger than Thermoplastics. It will not soften. Because this plastic does not go soft when heated it can be used to make kettles, electrical plugs and saucepan handles.