Difference Between Aluminum and Plastic

Aluminum vs Plastic

Aluminum and plastic are widely used in day to day life. Every day, the use of aluminum and plastic is increasing. As we all know, aluminum and plastic differ in many ways. It is not only in their properties that the two differ, but also in their usage.

As the third most abundant thing in the earth’s crust, aluminum is not found alone. It is found along with calcium, iron, and potassium in the earth. Plastics are made up of organic molecules.

One of the major differences that can be seen between plastics and aluminum is that the former can be molded into various shapes. Another advantage of plastics is that it does not rot; changing weather conditions has no impact on plastic. On the other hand, weather conditions can have some impact on aluminum. This means that plastic products have a longer life than aluminum products.

When comparing the strength of the two materials, aluminum is stronger than plastic. Moreover, no additional materials are needed to strengthen aluminum. On the contrary, plastic is made strong by fusing it with glass or steel, but even then they are not as strong as aluminum.

One more difference that can be seen is that aluminum is a good conductor of electricity, whereas plastics are not. When compared to plastic, aluminum is more durable. Aluminum also has more tensile strength,which makes it good for making parts of trains and planes.

It can also been noted that plastics are lighter than aluminum.

When looking at the environmental aspects, plastic is more dangerous than aluminum. It is easy to recycle aluminum, whereas plastic is hard to recycle. It is very hard to get rid of plastics; it does not degrade or decompose.

Last of all, plastic is cheap to produce when compared to aluminum.

Summary:

1. Plastics can be molded into various shapes.

2. Weather conditions have no impact on plastic. On the other hand, weather conditions can have some impact on aluminum.

3. No additional materials are needed to strengthen aluminum. On the contrary, plastic is made strong by fusing it with glass or steel.

4. Aluminum is a good conductor of electricity, whereas plastics are not.

5. When compared to plastic, aluminum is more durable and has more tensile strength.

6. It is easy to recycle aluminum, whereas plastic is hard to recycle.

7. It is very hard to get rid of plastics; it does not degrade or decompose.

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