DIFFERENT MATERIALS USED FOR THE MANUFACTURING OF PLASTIC BOTTLES

Plastic bottles are highly durable and are also highly resistant. They are some of the most commonly used products for varied purposes, but mainly storage or liquids and solids. Although the production of plastic bottles is conducted with the aid of plastic, they might as well be restricted or limited due to their wide varieties.

The extensive use of plastics has enabled them to be more popular than before. This also means that the products of plastic have diversified, giving rise to different variations of the same. With different properties, the purpose of these plastics is determined and are then used for manufacturing accordingly.

The materials that are used for the manufacturing of a plastic bottle are highly varied. Based on their application, cost of production, and their utility, the product and material type for making a PET bottle are selected. Some of the common types of materials used for plastic bottle molding are as follows:

Petrochemical resins

HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE)

HDPE is one of the most commonly and popularly used resins for the manufacturing of plastic bottles. This material is regarded to be economical and is also highly resistant and durable. It offers a great barrier or hindrance for moisture within and will not get broken or cracked easily.

The nature of HDPE materials areas is such that they can be highly compatible along with a huge range of products. This is inclusive of highly corrosive acid. The durability of HDPE makes it one of the most popular choices of plastic bottle material.

Yet, despite its strength, the material does not stand compatible with solvents. It is regularly used in a manner that is accepted by FDA for storing food and other edible materials and is thus called a food-grade material. The built of HDPE is such that it remains naturally translucent. This will help in making see-through content storage. Additionally, the material is also highly flexible which also adds to its convenience.

Despite being translucent the products made using HDPE will not be highly smooth. Even adding color will not make it glossy and the product will remain opaque. It has often been used to make decorative content and alike products.

Apart from its high durability and protection, the material is not ideal to be used below freezing temperature. It is ideal to store products that are only below 190℉. Even products that might require a hermetic seal which is also known as a vacuum seal are ideal to be stored within it.

Fluorine-treated HDPE

Bottle made using fluorine treated HDPE is exposed to fluorine. It is a gas and is conducted in the second operation. It is also highly similar in its appearance to HDPE. It also acts as a resistance to hydrocarbon as well as solutions that have a high sense of smell.

Bottles that are fluorine treated might hold chemicals such as insecticides, herbicides, agricultural chemicals, pesticides, photographic chemicals, industrial cleaners, electronic chemicals, household chemicals, medical liquids, citrus materials, flavors, essential oils, perfumes, d-limonene, additives, pre-emergents stone, tile cleaner, waxes, graffiti cleaner, polishes, gasoline, surfactants, paint thinner, xylene, kerosene, biodiesel and acetone among others.

LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LDPE)

LDPE is very identical in its build to an HDPE. It remains less tough and is also possesses limited chemical defiance. It is not as strong or as stable as an HDPE. But the greatest trait in LDPE is that it is far more translucent and visible over an HDPE. One of the most general usages of an LDPE is in squeeze contents that can be easily handled or transferred.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE)/ Polyester

PET or PETE resin is highly used for storing carbonated beverages and drinks. They are also widely used for making water bottles, food packaging, and other similar products. They are also highly chemically resistant and don’t corrode easily. Acetone and Ketone are the most common chemicals that might impact a PET bottle. They also possess good tensile strength making them highly durable.

Their resistance is another popular trait present in PET bottles. Their built aids them in enhancing gas as well as moisture along with elements of barrier and hindrances to protect its content. But apart from all its features, a PETE or PET bottle is not resistant to high temperatures. The highest temperature for a PET bottle is said to be 200 °F.

Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate is a clear plastic that is used for making bottles to store milk as well as other similar liquids. They are also used in storing water. Water or liquid gallons are the most common products that are made by making use of polycarbonate.

Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene is a transparent yet highly rigid material. It is generally used to store dry elements or food materials. Some of the basic products stored in such containers are vitamins, spices, petroleum jelly among many other similar things.

The major drawback regarding the product is that it might not always offer good resistance or hindrance and also has weak resistance to things.

Polypropylene (PP)

PP is a material that is commonly found in jars as well as other thick plastic products. It is the material that is used for making closures or caps. It is quite rigid or strong and will also help in acting as a hindrance against the seeping of moisture. It will ensure that the products that are stored within it are tightly secured.

The stable temperature for the contents to be stored in PP is up to the range of 220 °F. It is also highly suitable for conducting steam sterilization which is quite effective. The compatibility that PP has with high temperature, makes it completely perfect for storing products that might be needed to be filled in and sealed when hot.

Polypropylene also holds a high range of chemical resistance or chemical barrier. But it also has very poor impact resistance in the case of cold temperatures or conditions.

These are some of the most commonly and widely used types of plastics that can be found in bottle production.