Synthetic polymers, also known as plastics, have seen tremendous growth since their commercial introduction in the early 20th century. Prior to 1910, most modern plastics did not exist and materials like leather, wood, stone and metals dominated in applications where plastics are used today. The first major synthetic plastic was Bakelite, which was developed in 1907 and initially used for electrical and telecommunication applications. In the 1920s and 1930s, other plastics like celluloid, melamine resins, phenolic resins and vinyl were developed.
However, it was not until after World War II that plastics saw their use explode. Nylon was commercialized in the late 1930s and while in short supply during the war, post-war production skyrocketed. Other synthetic polymers that came to prominence in this time period included polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene. These early plastics offered properties like durability, strength and flexibility at lower costs than traditional materials. Their use grew rapidly in applications ranging from packaging to automotive to construction.
Recent Growth and Outlook
The continued growth has been driven by increasing populations and economic development around the world leading to greater consumption of plastics in areas like automotive, packaging, construction and more. However, environmental and sustainability concerns have also grown regarding plastic waste, so more recent innovation has focused on bioplastics and reuse/recycling efforts.
Types and Applications of Major Synthetic Polymers
Polyethylene (PE)
Being the number one produced Synthetic Polymers globally, polyethylene has a myriad of applications due to its versatility. It is used heavily in packaging films, bags and sacks, bottles, containers, lids and caps. Linear low-density PE is utilized in pipes and fittings whereas high-density PE is employed in rigid containers, garbage cans and toy construction materials. Approximately 100 million metric tons are produced annually.
Polypropylene (PP)
Produced at over 80 million metric tons per year, polypropylene brings durability and heat resistance at lower densities than PE. Major PP applications include automotive components, consumer electronics casings, textiles, ropes, fibers and laboratory equipment. It has also been replacing traditional materials in areas such as drinking straws and picnic forks/knives/spoons.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
With over 40 million metric tons produced yearly, PVC is known for its toughness and resistance to moisture. Popular uses are construction materials like pipes, floors, wall panels and window frames as well as wire and cable sheathing, bottles, clothing, medical devices and toys. PVC is a highly versatile polymer.
Polystyrene (PS)
Expanded polystyrene foam is best known as packing peanuts or coolers/cups but rigid polystyrene has diverse applications as well. Approximately 30 million metric tons are produced annually with major uses in appliances, medical devices, CD and DVD cases, floatation devices and refillable drinking cups.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
While only around 25 million metric tons are produced each year, PET uptake has surged due to its prevalence in water/carbonated drink bottles as well as food packaging and clothing fibers like polyester. Demand drivers include the pursuit of lightweight yet strong materials.
From humble beginnings a century ago, synthetic polymers have proliferated globally and impacted nearly every aspect of modern life. While challenges related to plastic waste persist, innovation continues around new polymer varieties and engineering biodegradable/recyclable solutions. Barring major regulatory shifts, industry projections indicate plastic production and consumption will expand further in the coming decades. Synthetic polymers' versatility, cost efficiency and performance make them difficult to surpass among mainstream materials. Their ongoing trajectory will thus shape worldwide and industry landscapes.
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