HOME APPLIANCES & FURNISHINGS

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Home appliances are safer, lighter, quieter and more hygienic as a result of chemicals and plastics use. Plastics do not conduct electricity and can be used for housings in hairdryers, electric razors and food mixers. The poor heat conductivity is useful for toasters and kettles and the thermal insulation properties for handles on kitchen utensils, tools, and saucepan lids. The lightweight properties are ideal for appliances such as vacuum cleaners and the durability is desirable for hardwearing and easily cleaned kitchen appliances and surfaces.

Polyamide is tough and durable, ideal for moving parts in home appliances. Polycarbonate’s transparent properties are used for display panels on washing machines, dishwashers and microwaves. Polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate are used for handles and door facings on cookers, liners, handles and internal fittings on refrigerators and freezers and housings and tops on washing machines and dishwashers. Ethylene vinyl acetate is used for freezer door strips, vacuum lean hoses, and handle-grips. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is infrared transparent which is required for remote control handsets.

Synthetic fibres are durable and hard-wearing textiles for upholstery, curtains and carpets subjected to heavy traffic. For furniture applications, polystyrene is used for stackable, hard seating. Seating coverings are often made from synthetic fibres or PVC, and soft, flexible, polyurethane foam is used for comfortable seat padding, armchairs and memory foam mattresses.