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. 2022 Mar 22;15(1):33–51. doi: 10.1007/s12403-022-00470-8

Table 1.

Characteristics, fields of application, and market share of the major types of commercial plastics

Plastic type Chemical structure (Ehrenstein 2011) Morphology Density [g/cm3] Important characteristics Fields of application Demand distribution [%] 2018
Polyethylene (PE) graphic file with name 12403_2022_470_Figa_HTML.gif Semi-crystalline 0.91–0.96 Medium stiffness and strength (mechanically flexible), chemical-resistant, considered food safe, weldable, cost-efficient Bags, agricultural films, food packaging, bottles, houseware, toys, pipes 29.7
Polypropylene (PP) graphic file with name 12403_2022_470_Figb_HTML.gif Semi-crystalline 0.90–0.91 Moderately stiff and dimensionally stable, chemical-resistant, considered food safe, cost-efficient Food packaging, wrappers, containers, pipes, automotive parts 19.3
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) graphic file with name 12403_2022_470_Figc_HTML.gif Amorphous 1.16–1.55 Soft to rigid (dependent on plasticizer concentration), dimensionally stable, chemical-resistant, weather-resistant, flame-retardant, cost-efficient window frames, profiles, pipes, cable insulation, hoses, pools 10.0
Polyurethane (PUR) graphic file with name 12403_2022_470_Figd_HTML.gif Amorphous -cross-linked 0.01–1.25 Wide range of properties dependent on applied monomers (see applications) Cleaning products, furniture, sealants, insulation, synthetic leather, varnish, adhesives 7.9
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) graphic file with name 12403_2022_470_Fige_HTML.gif Semi-crystalline 1.38–1.40 Rigid, dimensionally stable, chemical-resistant, considered food safe, high transparency Bottles for drinks and cleaners, textile fibers 7.7
Polystyrene (PS) graphic file with name 12403_2022_470_Figf_HTML.gif Amorphous 0.02–1.05 Rigid, brittle, dimensionally stable, susceptible to stress corrosion cracking, partly chemical-resistant, considered partly food safe, cost-efficient Food packaging, building insulation, electronics, leisure 6.4
Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) (Yuen and De Snaijer 2016) graphic file with name 12403_2022_470_Figg_HTML.gif Amorphous—cross-linked 1,3–1,6 Flexible, high tensile and impact strength, resilience, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, cost-efficient Car and light truck tires, insulation for wire and cabling, gaskets, adhesives, shoe soles, coated fabrics, chewing gums –

Polymethyl methacrylate

(PMMA) (La Mantia 2002)

 graphic file with name 12403_2022_470_Figh_HTML.gif Amorphous 1,14–1,21 Crystal clear transparency to light, weatherproof, chemical resistance Windows, aircraft canopies, lighting fixtures –
Polyamide 66 (Nylon 66) (Intratec Nylon 66 Production Cost Reports 2019) graphic file with name 12403_2022_470_Figi_HTML.gif Semi-crystalline 1,14 Hardness, abrasion resistance, wear resistance, chemical resistance Fibers for textiles and carpets, fishing lines, food packaging –