How are Plastics Made?

Plastics are synthetic materials which are made from chemicals that come from coal and oil. When chemicals are heated, they combine together to make plastics. These chemicals have small molecules. When plastics form, the molecules join together in long chains to make large molecules known as polymers. Plastics are of two types-thermos plastics and thermosetting plastics. When thermoplastics are heated, they become soft and can be shaped and moulded. Polythene, polyvinyl chloride are examples of thermoplastics. Thermosetting plastics, when formed, set hard and stay rigid. Silicones and epoxy resins are some thermosettings plastics.