Yr 8 Uses of Glass Plastics

Uses of Glass
1. Glass is used for computer screens, TV screens, diodes, fuses, etc.

2. Glass is used for electrical insulator as in glazed types used on high tensions.
3. Glass is used for windows, doors and mirrors.
4. It can also be used for bottles, lenses, cups, bulbs and fluorescent tubes.
5. Glass is used for building walls.
01/11/2023 Processing of materials plastics
What is Plastic?
Plastic is defined as a material that contains as an essential ingredient an organic substance
of large molecular weight. It is also defined as polymers of long carbon chains. Carbon
atoms are linked in chains and are produced in long chain molecules.
Plastic was discovered by famous German chemist Christian Schonbein in 1846. Plastics
were actually discovered accidentally. Christian was experimenting in his kitchen and by
accident; he spilt a mixture of nitric acid and sulphuric acid. To mop that solution (a mixture
of nitric and sulphuric acid) he took a cloth and after moping he kept it over the stove. After
some time, the cloth disappeared and from there plastic got its name.
Introduction to Plastic
The word, plastic, was derived from the word ‘Plastikos’ meaning ‘to mould’ in Greek.
Fossil fuels have compounds containing hydrogen and carbon (hydrocarbon) which act as
building blocks for long polymer molecules. These building blocks are known as monomers,
they link together to form long carbon chains called polymers.
Types of Plastics
Depending on physical properties, plastics are divided into two types: Thermoplastic and
thermosetting.
1. Thermoplastic: Plastics that can be deformed easily upon heating and can be bent
easily. Linear polymers and a combination of linear and cross-linked polymers come
under thermoplastics. Example: PVC, nylon, polythene, etc.
When a thermoplastic is heated and reshaped the atomic bonds between the
molecules are weakened. The molecules can then slide, move and re-align
themselves into new positions. If the plastic is re-heated the bonds can be weakened
again. This will allow their further re-shaping or a return to its original shape.
2. Thermosetting: Plastics that cannot be softened again by heating once they are
molded. Heavily cross-linked polymers come under the category of thermosetting
plastics. Example: Bakelite, melamine, etc. Bakelite is used for making electrical
switches whereas melamine is used for floor tiles.
In order for thermosetting plastics to be formed they need to go through a curing

stage. During curing molecular links are formed between the original long chain
molecules. This is termed cross-linking. Cross-linking is irreversible and so
thermosetting plastics cannot be re-formed once curing has taking place. Because of
cross-linking thermosets need to have stage during moulding they are manufactured
by compression moulding or transfer moulding.
Properties of Plastics
 Strong and ductile

 Poor conductors of heat and electricity
 Easily molded into different shape and size
 Resist corrosion and are resistant to many chemicals.
Methods for processing of Plastics
1. Injection Method: In this method, the resin is fed into a heating chamber
through the hopper. A plunger is then used to force the molten plastic into
the required mould. This method can be used for making water bottles.
2. Extrusion Moulding: This is the older version of the injection moulding.
Instead of the plunger, a knob with screw is used to force the molten plastic into
the mould.
3. Compression Moulding: This is the method used for processing hollow
pipes like biro cases, water pipes and drainage pipes. This method makes use of
two mould at a time.
4. Vacuum Forming: This is the method used in the processing of plastic
cups, buckets and bowls. A vacuum is always created with the cavity of the
mould. As air is sucked out of the cavity, pressure is created on the plastic so as to
take the shape of the mould.
5. Calendaring: This is the method used to produce long sheets of plastics like
nylon and polythene products. The plastic runs through a number of rollers.
Uses of Plastics
(i). Plastics are used for dinnerware (dishes).
(ii). Used for electric switch-boxes and switches.
(iii). Used for trays, cutlery handles, brushes and baby dishes.
(iv). Plastic is used for funnels, radio and television cabinets.
(v). Mobile phone casing, automobile accessories and spectacle (eye-glass)
frames.
(vi). Used for roofing sheets, refrigerator doors and air-conditioning housing.
(vii). Plastic is used for electric iron and cooking pot handles.
(viii). Used for containers for liquids, computer housing cases, ball-point pen
casing.
09/11/2023 Processing of materials (Rubber )

Rubber is an elastic material obtained from the latex of a rubber trees.
Types of Rubber
(i). Natural rubber: This is the type mentioned above. Latex is a whitish liquid
obtained from a rubber tree, used for processing elastic materials.
(ii). Synthetic or Artificial rubber: This is the type of rubber obtained from
petroleum products.
Artificial (synthetic) rubber and natural rubber are processed through the following
stages:
 Foremost, the rubber is softened by adding chemicals and mixing it
thoroughly to bring it to a mouldable state.
 It is then pre-heated in a chamber into a molten form.
 The molten rubber is then forced in to a mould designed to take the shape of
the article desired.
It should be noted that the methods used in the processing of plastics, is also
the same method applied in the processing of rubber.
Application of Rubber
1. Tyres
2. Soles for shoes
3. Foamed rubber products
4. Sports equipment
5. Footwear
6. Engine belts
7. Shock absorbers
8. Conveyor belts
9. Hose
10.Seals
Processing of Rubber
Processing of rubber takes the same procedure like the processing of plastics
covered above. But before rubber is taken through these processes, rubber
must be treated first.
The whitish liquid is first treated with formic acid and turned into a
coagulate. The coagulate is sieved and transferred into an airtight
coagulating tank until the process is completed. The completed process is
then dried and aired by adding additives. It is this additives that harden
rubber.
This hardened rubber is then processed by injection or compression
moulding method.
Rubber and its common uses
Uses of Rubber
(i). Rubber can be used as shock dampers (absorbers) and as engine mounting.
(ii). Rubber is used for making tubes and tyres.
(iii). It is used for producing bathroom slippers.
(iv). Rubber is used for water proofing.
(v). Rubber is used as electrical insulator.
(vi). Products such as vee-belts, hoses, shoe heels and soles, tyres, footballs are
all made from rubber
CLASSWORK
09/11/2023 COMMON USES OF MATERIALS
OBJECTIVES:
1. State at least five uses of wood.
2. State at least five uses of metals.
3. State at least five uses of ceramics.
4. State at least five uses of plastics.
5. State at least five uses of rubber.
6. State at least five use of glass
Uses of Wood
Wood is used in many divers ways, especially when dried and splinted into
planks of different sizes:
(i). As Fuel: This is when burnt wood produces heat which can be used for
cooking and warming of the home during cold season.
(ii). Farm Implements: Agricultural implements like yokes, barns, handles of
cutlasses and hoes are all produced from wood.
(iii). Building construction: Wood is used in roofing, window and door frames
and casting concrete pillars, beams and floors.
(iv). Furniture Making: Beds, chairs, settees, tables, shelves, stools, are all
made of wood.
(v). Industrial packaging: Bottled drinks, machines, spare parts, are all
packaged in crates, pallets made of wood.
(vi). Tool Making: Handle of chisels, hammers, gauge, pick axes, screw
drivers, are made of wood.
(vii). Medicinal Use: Most African herbs are produced from wood. Some
artificial limbs and arms are made from wood.
(viii). Vehicle Body Construction: Bodies of lorries, railway wagons and
coaches are built from wood.
(ix). Pulp and Paper: Wood is usually processed into pulp(tissue paper) and
other forms of paper work.
(x). Others: Other uses of wood include bridges built across gutters, electric
poles, etc.
Uses of Metals
Metals are used in the following areas for industrial work as shown below:
(i). Mild Steel: This metal is used for making bolts and nuts, tin plates and non
cutting tools.
(ii). Cast Iron: It can be used for bench vice bodies, marking out tables, surface
plates and cylinder blocks.
(iii). Wrought Iron: This metal is used for making crane hooks, boiler plates,
chairs and haulage gears.
(iv). High Carbon Steel: It can be used for making cutting tools, hammer
heads, punches, screwdriver and hacksaw blades.
(v). Aluminum: This metal can be used for manufacturing electrical cables,
cooking pots and kitchen utensils.
(vi). Copper: It can be used for making electrical cables, soldering bits,
decorative work of arts and rivets.
(vii). Lead: Lead is used for water pipes, sheeting for roofing and as battery
plates.
(viii). Bronze: Bronze can be used for making coins, artworks and ornaments.
(ix). Brass: This metal can be used for making ornamental articles, pipes and
machine components.
(x). Duralumin: This is the metal suitable for making aircraft bodies.
Uses of Ceramics
Ceramics can be used for the following:
(i). Building construction: Ceramics is used for making sand-screte blocks,
concrete, bricks, cement blocks and clay tiles.
(ii). Artwork: Sculptures at homes, round-about, etc, are all made of ceramics.
(iii). Electronic insulators: Ceramics are used in electrical installations as
insulators.
(iv). Sanitary-wares: Ceramics are used for making kitchen, bathroom and
toilet wares like water closet (W.C.), wash-hand basins, sinks and bath tubs .
(v). Kitchen-wares: These kitchen-wares include pots, dishes, cups and plates.
(vi). Ceramics is used for making spark plugs, oven, furnaces and incinerators.
Uses of Plastics
(i). Plastics are used for making buckets, jerry-cans and containers (bottles).
(ii). Used for plates, cups and spoons.
(iii). Used in making mud-guards and bumpers of vehicles.
(iv). It is used for making drawing instruments like T-square, set-square and
French curves.
(v). Used for making cases of electronic gadgets, electrical switches, sockets
and accessories.
(vi). Plastics is also used for polythene bags, toys, telephone, box, slippers.
(vii). Buttons, and tooth brush handles, etc.
Uses of Rubber
Rubber can be used for the following items:
(i). Tyres and tubes.
(ii). Hand gloves.
(iii). Car bumpers.
(iv). Bathroom slippers, sandals and soles for shoes.
(v). Raincoats and boots.
(vi). Electrical cable sheath.
(vii). Contraceptives (e.g. condom).

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Uses of Glass

1. Glass is used for computer screens, TV screens, diodes, fuses, etc.

01/11/2023 Processing of materials plastics

In order for thermosetting plastics to be formed they need to go through a curing

 Strong and ductile

09/11/2023 Processing of materials (Rubber )

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