Plastic,

Rubber and
Fabric

Plastics
are

complex organic compounds that

can be formed or molded by heat and
pressure into variety of shapes, colors,
textures, hardness, durability, and
elasticity.
They are usually lightweight and
resistant to environmental corrosion.
They are good insulators for heat and
electricity.

Polymers or resins
Are

raw materials of plastics.

Some are natural, others are synthetic
They are long chain of molecules linked
together by process called
polymerization--a process that is
initiated by a catalyst and a solvent.

Rubber
is a group of organic compounds that that
very elastic properties.
KINDS OF RUBBER
Natural Rubber is a polymer that is obtained
as a milky emulsion, called latex, from the
rubber tree.
This latex is sticky, but when it is mixed with
sulfur, carbon, and other substances, and then
molded into its final form, it becomes elastic.
This process is called vulcanization.

Synthetic Rubber
is

a group of polymers that have the

elastic properties similar to natural
rubber.
This kind of rubber resists the action of
oil or gasoline, so it becomes an
excellent material for automobile tires.

Fabric
Natural

and
synthetic fabrics
are polymers in
the form of fibers.
Natural Fibers
Silk
Cotton
wool

Synthetic
Nylon
Rayon
Polyster
acrylics

Fibers

 Once

the fibers are woven or knitted

into fabrics and treated with chemicals
and dyes to obtain the desired design
and resistance to soil, static, mildew,
water, fire and heat.
They fall under the category of textile.

Thoughts to ponder
The

outstanding property of plastic is its

ability to be molded into a variety of shapes.
A child is like plastic. A child can be readily
molded at a younger age. As he grows, he
becomes more and more resistant. When he
becomes an adult, it is almost impossible to
change him.
In your opinion, which then is the most
important period of your eduation?

 Choosing

your friends is like choosing a

fabric for your clothes. If you were to
choose your best friend, what would he
be like?

Evaluation
1. Plastics are complex organic compounds that
can be formed or molded by heat and pressure
into variety of shapes, colors, textures, hardness,
durability, and elasticity. The raw materials of
plastics are called resins or polymers. What are
polymers?
a) Polymers are long chains of molecules.
b) Polymers are organic compounds derived from
wood.
c) Polymers are inorganic compounds derived
from rocks and minerals.
d) None of these.

2. Why are most handles of kitchen cookware

made of plastic?
a)
b)
c)
d)

Plastic
Plastic
Plastic
Plastic

is a poor conductor of heat.

is an excellent conductor of heat.
can be molded into shape.
does not burn easily.

3. Rubber is made by the vulcanization of latex.

Latex come from
a) rubber trees
b) sulfur
c) volcanoes
d) Natural fibers

4. Which does not belong to the group?

a) rayon
b) cotton
c) nylon
d) Polyster
5. Plastics and fabrics are both
e) polymers
f) biodegradable
g) elastic
h) natural

Assignment
Name

five hazardous materials in your

homes that must be kept out of reach of
children.