When it comes to making plastic bowls, several materials stand out for their unique properties and advantages. The main materials considered better for making plastic bowls include Polypropylene (PP), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Tritan. Here is a detailed analysis:
Polypropylene (PP)
- Excellent Heat Resistance: PP has a relatively high melting point, usually around 164 – 170°C. This allows plastic bowls made of PP to withstand high temperatures without easily deforming. They can be safely used in microwaves for heating food, and can also tolerate the temperature changes in the process of hot food storage and disinfection.
- Good Chemical Stability: It is resistant to most chemical substances and has low reactivity with common acids, alkalis, and salts. This means that PP plastic bowls are not easily corroded or damaged by food ingredients, ensuring the safety and stability of the bowls during use.
- High Toughness and Impact Resistance: PP has good mechanical properties, with higher toughness and impact resistance compared to some other plastics. The plastic bowls made from it are not easy to break when dropped accidentally, which increases their service life and practicality.
- Food Safety and Non-Toxicity: PP is a food-grade material that is non-toxic and odorless, making it widely used in the food packaging and tableware industry. It meets strict food safety standards and poses no harm to human health when in contact with food.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- Superior Durability: HDPE has a high degree of crystallinity and density, which gives it excellent durability and wear resistance. Plastic bowls made of HDPE are sturdy and can withstand long-term use and various physical stresses without significant deformation or damage.
- Good Low-Temperature Performance: It has good flexibility and toughness at low temperatures and will not become brittle or crack easily in cold environments. This makes HDPE plastic bowls suitable for use in different temperature conditions, such as in refrigerators or freezers.
- Excellent Chemical Resistance: HDPE has strong resistance to a variety of chemical substances, which can effectively prevent the bowl from being corroded or deteriorated by chemical substances in the food, ensuring the quality and safety of the food.
- Good Water Resistance: HDPE has excellent water resistance and low water absorption. Plastic bowls made of this material can maintain their original shape and performance even when in contact with water for a long time, and are not prone to swelling or softening.
Tritan
- High Transparency: Tritan has excellent transparency, similar to glass, allowing plastic bowls made of it to have a clear appearance, which is very popular in terms of aesthetics. It can clearly show the color and shape of the food inside, increasing the appetite.
- Outstanding Impact Resistance: It has higher impact resistance than traditional plastics and is not easy to break even under strong impact. This makes Tritan plastic bowls more durable and suitable for use in various environments.
- Good Heat Resistance: Tritan can withstand a certain range of high temperatures and can be used in some cases where moderate heat resistance is required. Although its heat resistance is not as high as that of PP, it can still meet the needs of normal use in many situations.
- BPA-Free and Safe: Tritan is a BPA-free material, which means it does not contain bisphenol A, a substance that is harmful to the human body. This makes it a safe choice for making plastic bowls, especially for products used by children and pregnant women.
