How to distinguish PE from PP, PC, PVC, PET and other plastic particles
2024-04-02
How to distinguish PE from PP, PC, PVC, PET and other plastic particles
Plastic is a common material in life. Depending on the characteristics of each plastic resin, it is used in different applications. Let’s take a look at how to distinguish PE from PP, PC, PVC, PET and other plastic particles.
The first method: distinguish PE, PP, PVC, PC, PET plastic particles by symbols
When purchasing plastic products, you will see triangle symbols and numbers on the bottom of the box. What does this symbol mean? Simply put, these symbols mark the characteristics of each plastic, in addition to facilitating material recycling, also you will know how to use it to ensure safety and health. We'll learn more about it below:
1. PET plastic
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET material or PETE material) is a thermoplastic polymer known for its high transparency. It is commonly used in packaging for food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Examples include water bottles, carbonated beverage containers, and cooking oil jugs.
However, it is important to note that PET is not heat-resistant. Exposure to high temperatures can cause deformation of containers and release toxic substances. Therefore, it should not be used for storing hot liquids.
2. HDPE plastic
High density polyethylene, also known as HDPE material, is a thermoplastic polymer material processed from ethylene monomers. It features a high strength-to-density ratio and chemical resistance, commonly used in the production of detergent bottles, chemical containers, pharmaceutical bottles, geomembranes, PE100 HDPE pipes, and PE80 pipes.
3. PVC plastic
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a polymer material produced through the polymerization of vinyl chloride. Its global consumption ranks third only to polyethylene and polypropylene.
PVC products on the market primarily come in two forms: rigid PVC, commonly used for manufacturing PVC pipes; and flexible PVC, which has a sticky feel.
Due to PVC's relatively low hardness, white creases often appear when it is bent.
4. LDPE plastic
In contrast to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a material also formed through the copolymerization of ethylene monomers, characterized by its lower density.
Compared to HDPE, LDPE offers superior flexibility, higher transparency, and a smoother texture. It is commonly used in the production of film products such as plastic packaging bags.
It is important to note that LDPE based cling film products should be used with caution in high-temperature environments unless explicitly labeled as safe for high temperatures or microwave use. Ordinary LDPE film products generate toxic and harmful substances when exposed to high temperatures.
Compared to HDPE, LDPE offers superior flexibility, higher transparency, and a smoother texture. It is commonly used in the production of film products such as plastic packaging bags.
It is important to note that LDPE based cling film products should be used with caution in high-temperature environments unless explicitly labeled as safe for high temperatures or microwave use. Ordinary LDPE film products generate toxic and harmful substances when exposed to high temperatures.
5. PP plastic
Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most widely used plastics globally. Processed from propylene monomers, it offers excellent impact resistance, flexibility, and moderate transparency. PP resin is commonly used to manufacture disposable tableware, disposable bubble tea cups, woven bags, and bulk bags.
Although PP resin offers a significant price advantage, its performance is generally mediocre and its applications are limited. In recent years, scientists have employed various techniques—such as copolymerization with multiple polymers, glass fiber reinforced PP (GF reinforced PP), incorporating conductive components, and blending with other polymers—to retain PP's cost-effectiveness while addressing its drawbacks: poor high-temperature resistance, inadequate weatherability, and low strength.
6. PS plastic
Polystyrene is a transparent thermoplastic with a brittle texture and excellent dyeability. Due to its favorable foaming properties, expanded polystyrene is commonly used to produce foam products such as soundproofing panels, insulated walls, instant noodle containers, and egg cartons.
Other classifications include general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS material), suitable for refrigerator trays and toys; and high-impact modified polystyrene (HIPS material), used for toys and yogurt containers.
Note that this material exhibits poor high-temperature resistance. It is not recommended for use in high-temperature environments or areas with significant oil contamination, as it may release toxic substances under such conditions.
Other classifications include general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS material), suitable for refrigerator trays and toys; and high-impact modified polystyrene (HIPS material), used for toys and yogurt containers.
Note that this material exhibits poor high-temperature resistance. It is not recommended for use in high-temperature environments or areas with significant oil contamination, as it may release toxic substances under such conditions.
7. Other plastic
Plastics come in a wide variety. Beyond the common classifications mentioned above, all others fall under the "other" category.
Other types of plastics commonly encountered in daily life include polycarbonate resin (PC material), primarily used for producing sports water bottles, and polysulfone resin (PPSU), used for manufacturing baby bottles.
PC resin boasts exceptional transparency, light transmission, and impact resistance, making it ideal for automotive lamp covers, transparent appliance housings, and sports water bottles. However, one of its primary raw materials—bisphenol A (BPA)—is a highly carcinogenic substance prone to leaching at elevated temperatures. Therefore, avoid using PC resin products in high-heat environments.
Transparent PPSU resin is commonly used in baby bottle manufacturing. It possesses exceptional high-temperature resistance, complies with FDA 21 CFR food certification requirements, maintains stable performance under high temperatures, and exhibits minimal leaching of harmful substances.
Other types of plastics commonly encountered in daily life include polycarbonate resin (PC material), primarily used for producing sports water bottles, and polysulfone resin (PPSU), used for manufacturing baby bottles.
PC resin boasts exceptional transparency, light transmission, and impact resistance, making it ideal for automotive lamp covers, transparent appliance housings, and sports water bottles. However, one of its primary raw materials—bisphenol A (BPA)—is a highly carcinogenic substance prone to leaching at elevated temperatures. Therefore, avoid using PC resin products in high-heat environments.
Transparent PPSU resin is commonly used in baby bottle manufacturing. It possesses exceptional high-temperature resistance, complies with FDA 21 CFR food certification requirements, maintains stable performance under high temperatures, and exhibits minimal leaching of harmful substances.
Second method: distinguish PE, PP, PVC, PC, PET plastic particles through combustion
Burning is the easiest way to identify plastic particles. If there is no burning smell when burning, it is PE or PP plastic. Compared to PVC, it will not burn. As for PET plastic, there will be a burning smell and black smoke.
Burning test of PVC material
The picture on the left is the combustion test of PVC raw material.
It can be clearly seen that PVC material cannot burn and cannot be ignited even in high temperature environments. This is the flame retardant property of PVC material, so PVC material is suitable for electronic equipment and office equipment parts. , home appliance parts and other application scenarios that have high requirements for temperature, flame retardancy and insulation.
Bruning test of PET material
The picture on the left is the combustion test of PET material
It can be clearly seen that PET raw material can be quickly ignited in high-temperature environments and release black smoke, leaving gray-black particle ash after burning. This indicates that PET products are not suitable for use in high-temperature environments and may Can cause product damage and release toxic substances
The third method: distinguish PE, PP, PVC, PC, PET plastic particles through outstanding characteristics
PE plastic
PE plastic beads are transparent in color, have a translucent luster inside, and have a smooth and shiny surface, making them suitable for products with high aesthetic requirements.
PE plastic has high heat resistance in a short period of time. This plastic resin is very moisture-resistant but less breathable. Therefore, if you store food in PE packaging, you will feel an unpleasant smell in the packaging after a while.
PE plastic has high heat resistance in a short period of time. This plastic resin is very moisture-resistant but less breathable. Therefore, if you store food in PE packaging, you will feel an unpleasant smell in the packaging after a while.
PP plastic
PP plastic has high mechanical strength and solid molecular structure. The surface is shiny, the printing is very clear, and the colors are beautiful. PP plastic is resistant to gas and water vapor.
However, this plastic pellet has poor heat resistance. PP plastic is easily broken at low temperatures and easily damaged when exposed to the external environment for a long time.
However, this plastic pellet has poor heat resistance. PP plastic is easily broken at low temperatures and easily damaged when exposed to the external environment for a long time.
PVC plastic
PVC plastic particles are very brittle and are often used to make raincoats, cable covers, etc. There are still some food containers made of PVC plastic. To increase the flexibility of the finished product, manufacturers often add PP or PE plastic. However, PVC containers should only be used for raw food and short-term use.PC plastic
PC plastic particles have transparent color, high durability, good wear resistance and chemical resistance. In addition, PC plastic is heat-resistant to over 100 degrees Celsius and has high breathability. Therefore, these plastic beads are often used as containers and lids for sterilized products.
PET plastic
PET plastic pellets, also known as PETE, have high durability and good impact resistance. PET plastic has low thermal stability, so its use in high-temperature environments should be limited. In addition, PET plastic is easily oxidized.
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