According to ABC News on December 24, 2007, although the popular hard plastic water bottles are strong, heat resistant, cold-resistant, and odor-free, there are safety risks, and it is recommended to avoid using as much as possible.
So what is BPA? What do we use it for?
Bisphenol A is an organic synthetic compound with the chemical formula (CH₃)₂C(C₆H₄OH)₂ belonging to the group of diphenylmethane derivatives and bisphenols, with two hydroxyphenyl groups. It is a colorless solid that is soluble in organic solvents, but poorly soluble in water。Wikipedia--Linkage
Polycarbonate is widely used in the production of hard plastic water bottles (space cups), an important material in the material is bisphenol A(abbreviated as BPA). While BPA is convenient for humans, some experts in the United States and Canada say it can harm the human body’s immune system.
Not only the above products but also some of our Daily utensils (mainly called PVC materials )also contain BPA.
Such as the humidifier, diffuser, aroma diffusers which are with Plastic cover or shells.
Because it contains an element named Cl, which makes it not so stable, so when it was heated, BPA is produced under the influence of certain additives.
Then it will become toxic to human beings. Besides that, PVC itself also contains dangerous chemical additives including phthalates, lead, cadmium, and/or organotins, which can be toxic to our child’s health. These toxic additives can leach out or evaporate into the air over time, posing unnecessary dangers to children.
Since PVC will cause so much harm to children, we found a second one for replacement-PP, short for Polypropylene.
And the advantages are here:
1. Available and relatively inexpensive.
2. High flexural strength due to its semi-crystalline nature.
3. A relatively slippery surface.
4. Very resistant to absorbing moisture.
5. Good chemical resistance over a wide range of bases and acids.
6. Possesses good fatigue resistance.
7. Good impact strength.
8. A good electrical insulator.
While according to the above learnings, I also found out the disadvantages of PP.
1. A high thermal expansion coefficient which limits its high temperature applications.
2. Susceptible to UV degradation.
3.Poor resistance to chlorinated solvents and aromatics.
4. Difficult to paint as it has poor bonding properties.
5. Flammable.
6. Susceptible to oxidation.
Despite its shortcomings, polypropylene is a great material overall. It has a unique blend of qualities that aren’t found in any other material which makes it an ideal choice for many projects.
