How is plastic made?

Question

Coal and natural gas are broken down from long chains into the smaller compounds we call plastic.
Coal and natural gas are chemically broken down into small compounds that combine to form plastic.
Oil and natural gas are chemically broken down into small compounds that combine to form plastic.

Answer 1

Plastic is primarily made from oil and natural gas. The production process typically involves the following steps:

1. Extraction: Oil and natural gas are extracted from the earth.

2. Refinement: These hydrocarbons are refined in a process that separates them into different components, including naphtha, which serves as a key raw material for plastic production.

3. Cracking: The naphtha and other components undergo a process called cracking, where the long-chain hydrocarbons are broken down into smaller molecules, known as monomers.

4. Polymerization: The monomers combine through a chemical reaction called polymerization to form polymers, which are the building blocks of plastic. This process can vary depending on the type of plastic being produced (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene).

5. Pelletizing: The final polymers are cooled, solidified, and often formed into small pellets or granules, which can be further processed into various plastic products.

So, the correct statement would be: "Oil and natural gas are chemically broken down into small compounds that combine to form plastic."