Thermoplastics, a type of temperature-sensitive plastic, derive their name from this property. The history of thermoplastics, found in a wide range of applications, dates back quite far. Celluloid, considered the first thermoplastic, has been in existence since the mid-1800s. Did you know that the first plastics were also bio-based? Industrial production of plastics became widespread after the 1950s.

Thermoplastics soften and become easily malleable at a specific pressure and temperature, making them widely used in many industries. This material can be heated and cooled repeatedly, allowing it to be reshaped and recycled. But where do we encounter thermoplastics in our daily lives? In this article, we've compiled the areas of application for thermoplastics.

What are the Applications of Thermoplastics?

As a material suitable for repeated reshaping, thermoplastics find utility in various industries. Let's take a look at the usage areas of thermoplastics that you often come across in your daily life, perhaps without even realizing:

1. Automotive Industry Thermoplastics are commonly used in the automotive industry. This material can be used in vehicle bodies, seats, console panels and many other parts. In these applications, thermoplastics provide advantages due to their lightweight, durability, flexibility and malleable structure.
2. Packaging Industry Thermoplastics are one of the commonly used materials in the packaging industry. They are often preferred in food and pharmaceutical packaging, plastic bottles and various other types of packaging to enhance durability and prevent damage to products. PETKİM, one of Türkiye's major petrochemical producers, meets a significant portion of the sector's needs with the production of Polyethylene, a commonly used thermoplastic in the packaging industry.
3. Healthcare Industry Thermoplastics also find their place in the healthcare industry, being used in the production of medical devices, surgical instruments, hospital equipment, prosthetics and various other medical products. During the pandemic, the face masks widely used by humanity, as well as commonly used medical items like syringes and blood bags, are produced from polypropylene, a product manufactured by PETKİM.
4. Electronics Industry Another area where thermoplastics are utilized is the electronics industry. Thermoplastics used in many electronic devices such as computer casings, circuit boards and electronic tools are chosen to enhance the durability and heat resistance of these products.
5. Furniture Industry Thermoplastics are heavily involved in the furniture industry. In construction, household appliance manufacturing and agricultural industries. Widely used in water pipes, greenhouse films, doors and window frames, and certain parts of household appliances.
6. Textile Industry Petrochemical products find their place in the textile industry due to their durable structures. Fabrics like Gore-Tex, made from products like nylon and polyester, possess a structure with 1.4 billion pores. Gore-Tex, a fabric that is impermeable yet breathable, is used in various other industries due to its thin but durable nature. Polyester fiber used in Gore-Tex production is derived from PTA (purified terephthalic acid) and MEG (monoethylene glycol) products produced by PETKİM. Additionally, polypropylene products manufactured by PETKİM are used in carpet yarn production.

“In conclusion, thermoplastic materials are widely used in many industries. You are likely touching a thermoplastic even as you read this article. In our daily lives, we are much closer to thermoplastics than we might think.”

In conclusion, thermoplastic materials are widely used in many industries. You are likely touching a thermoplastic even as you read this article. In our daily lives, we are much closer to thermoplastics than we might think.

PETKİM, one of Türkiye's significant petrochemical producers, meets a significant portion of Türkiye's thermoplastic material needs with the raw materials it provides to the industry. If you're curious about other petrochemical products we use in our daily lives, we recommend reading our article 'What Petrochemical Products Do We Regularly Use in Daily Life?'