What is a random copolymer?
Random copolymer is a mixture of two different molecular chains used in plastics to create different properties than a single molecular type. Polymers are chains of molecules called monomers that are chemically associated with solid structures used for wrapping products. The combination of two monomers is a random copolymer if there is no consistent or regular structure of two monomers that occur under specific production conditions.
Polypropylene is a common polymer used in various plastic applications. As a pure polymer can often be cloudy or milk colors, which may not be ideal for food containers or other applications. It may also have a melting point higher than required for extrudation, which produces products by melting the polymer and forced into mold under pressure.
The creation of a random copolymer polypropylene with polyethylene changes the molecular structure of the resulting plastic. Correct operating conditions will create polymers that are Clear, which is ideal PRO packaging of food. Formulations can be prepared with lower melting temperatures than pure polypropylene, which can help in production.
The two monomers must be mixed with an unregular or random pattern to form a random copolymer. Regular copolymer structures tend to be harder, with what is called a crystalline structure. This regular molecular formula can provide poor durability in cold conditions or creates a container that is not flexible.
Food plastic packaging has become popular since the mid -20th century because consumer demand for frozen meals grew rapidly. Early packaging was often aluminum tanks, but the invention of microwave furnaces made a problem with aluminum because they are not compatible because metals can create electrical arches and cause fires in microwaves. Plastics have become more common for packaging of food of all types and gradually were a recordAzenyhlin as a preferred package.
Packaging of frozen foods was a problem for early polymers because the conventional crystal structure of the molecules has cooled them fragile. The growing demand for the trays of frozen foods and storage containers has led to random copolymers that remain flexible and more resistant to lower temperatures. The ability to create a package that was transparent, allowed manufacturers to develop a variety of frozen foods that could be microwaves and administered. These packages could be taken from the freezer to the microwave, they were clear to see the food inside the package while heating and endure high food temperatures.
Since metal and plastic recycling became more common at the end of the 20th century, it was more important to be plastic that could be reused. Many random copolymer products have been melted and extruded into the original bales and could be relative easily distinguished and recycled. It has become an importemaN As the prices of oil -based raw materials increased, which allowed manufacturers to recycle more plastic and reduce costs.