Production of Plastics

• Polycondensations - polyester (PET)
• Mass polymerizations - polystyrol (PS)
• Emulsion polymerizations (ABS)
• Suspension polymerizations (S-PVC)
• Precipitation polymerizations - polyethylene (HDPE)

Plastics are highly polymerized, organic substances produced from simple chemical substances. Besides bulk plastics like PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PE (polyethylene), there are special plastics tailor-made for specific applications. The bulk products are produced (usually continuously) by plants with capacities as high as 500,000 t/a. Specialties are normally manufactured batchwise because of frequent product changes.

The speed of the polymerization reaction cannot be increased infinitely, because reaction products and end products would suffer thermal decomposition. Because reaction times are generally several hours, tubular reactors are rarely used. The agitated vessel is the reactor of choice for both batch and continuously operated plants.