Plastic vs. Polythene

Attribute	Plastic	Polythene
Definition	A synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers	A type of plastic that is made from the polymerization of ethylene
Types	Includes various types such as PET, PVC, HDPE, etc.	A specific type of plastic
Properties	Durable, lightweight, flexible, and resistant to chemicals	Durable, flexible, and resistant to moisture
Usage	Used in packaging, construction, electronics, etc.	Commonly used in plastic bags, bottles, and containers

Introduction

Plastic and polythene are two commonly used materials in our daily lives. While they may seem similar, there are key differences between the two that are important to understand. In this article, we will compare the attributes of plastic and polythene to help you better understand their uses and properties.

Composition

Plastic is a synthetic material made from polymers, which are long chains of molecules. These polymers can be derived from natural sources like plants or synthesized from petrochemicals. Polythene, on the other hand, is a type of plastic that is specifically made from ethylene, a byproduct of petroleum refining. This means that all polythene is plastic, but not all plastic is polythene.

Durability

One of the key attributes of both plastic and polythene is their durability. They are both known for their resistance to wear and tear, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. However, polythene is generally considered to be more durable than other types of plastic due to its high molecular weight and strong intermolecular forces.

Flexibility

Both plastic and polythene are highly flexible materials that can be molded into various shapes and forms. However, polythene is known for its exceptional flexibility, making it ideal for applications where a high degree of bendability is required. This attribute makes polythene a popular choice for packaging materials and plastic bags.

Environmental Impact

One of the biggest differences between plastic and polythene is their environmental impact. Plastic is known for its negative impact on the environment, as it is non-biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose. Polythene, on the other hand, is considered to be more environmentally friendly as it can be recycled and reused more easily than other types of plastic.

Cost

When it comes to cost, plastic and polythene are both relatively inexpensive materials to produce. However, polythene is often cheaper to manufacture than other types of plastic due to its simple production process and abundance of raw materials. This makes polythene a cost-effective option for a wide range of applications.

Applications

Plastic and polythene are used in a wide range of applications due to their versatility and durability. Plastic is commonly used in the production of consumer goods, electronics, and construction materials. Polythene, on the other hand, is often used in packaging materials, plastic bags, and agricultural films due to its flexibility and strength.

Conclusion

In conclusion, plastic and polythene are two important materials that play a significant role in our daily lives. While they share some similarities, such as durability and flexibility, they also have key differences in terms of composition, environmental impact, and cost. Understanding these attributes can help you make informed decisions about the use of plastic and polythene in various applications.