A Systematic Review of Engineering Plastics and their Viability in Conventional Industrial and Manufacturing Processes

Abstract

The use of traditional materials such as metals and ceramics in industrial applications has limitations in terms of weight, cost, and design flexibility. Engineering plastics offer a promising alternative with their lightweight nature, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to be molded into complex shapes. However, while their longevity is beneficial for industrial applications, it also implies that once they reach the end of their lifecycle, they can take hundreds of years to decompose. This poses a challenge for industries looking to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint. Moreover, while some plastics can be recycled, the process is often complex and costly, making it less attractive for industrial applications. This results in a significant amount of plastic waste being disposed of in landfills or incinerated, further exacerbating the environmental impact of plastic production. To address this problem, a systematic literature review was conducted to gather information on the properties, carbon footprint, recyclability, challenges, opportunities and applications of engineering plastics in various industries. The findings revealed that engineering plastics exhibit excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, impact resistance, and fatigue endurance. These properties make them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications, such as automotive components, electronic enclosures, and medical devices. The study further showed that engineering plastics can outperform traditional materials in terms of weight reduction, cost savings, and design flexibility. However, challenges such as limited temperature resistance and poor dimensional stability were identified as potential barriers to their widespread adoption. Additionally, the release of toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures, posing a health risk to workers in industrial settings. This highlighted the importance of implementing proper safety measures and regulations to protect workers from potential hazards associated with the use of engineering industrial plastics.