Plastics and the Use of Electronics
Plastics are used with electronic devices for a wide number of purposes. Due to the thermal and insulating properties of plastic, it is ideal for use in house wiring. In fact, nearly all modern homes use plastic electrical connectors, switches, and receptacles.
Small appliances also take advantage of plastic. Plastic is durable, yet lightweight and attractive. Therefore, it is great for making small appliances such as can openers, food processors, microwave ovens, mixers, coffee makers, shavers, irons, and hair dryers. Even refrigerators use a special plastic foam for insulation purposes, while the interior is made from plastic that is durable and easy to clean. Without plastic, these products would last about half as long and would use 25-30% more energy.
Computers as we know them today would probably not exist without plastic. Plastic made smaller computers possible by being able to house all of the electronics necessary within a dust free and well-insulated environment. Components such as circuit boards and computer chips are able to be miniaturized without losing their abilities - or while also improving their performance - thanks to the use of plastic.
Of course, plastic has also made it possible to introduce electronics to children at younger ages. Even newborns can enjoy electronic toys to stimulate and entertain them as they grow. Thanks to plastic, these toys can be made to be safe and durable.
