 | Plastics are pushing back the boundaries to reveal amazing possibilities few could have imagined. This program investigates the remarkable world of plastics and takes an in-depth look at how these materials are created and what makes them so unique. |
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Mention the word ‘plastic’ and most people think of ‘cheap’ and ‘mass produced’, but not all plastics are like that. In fact some of them are so special that we’re prepared to stake our lives on them.
Fantastic Plastic – A Future Near You takes an in-depth look at how these simple synthetic materials are pushing back the boundaries of medical science, and enabling pioneers in dozens of different fields to explore new frontiers.
Plastics are made by joining small molecules into long chains called polymers. They are designer materials – we can give them whatever characteristic we like – and we use them everywhere, to make cars, spacecraft, clothes, military armour, and even replacement body parts.
Around the world researchers are working to develop bioengineering to the point where they will be able to produce complete, made-to-measure replacement organs, and spare part surgery will be routine. Scientists are even working to produce a robot made with polymer muscles which act in exactly the same way as normal muscles.
They are also making ‘intelligent’ plastics which can think and have their own senses. A robot’s face equipped with plastic sensors and polymer muscles would be able to show emotion, just like the real thing. Before too long, sensing polymers may be used in mood-sensing fabrics that respond to the emotions of the wearer. We could all have an interactive wardrobe.
But, the future of plastics is not all good – there are also problems which must be solved. In America alone, millions of plastic bottles are discarded every hour, and because these bottles are built to last, they do not biodegrade. But biodegradable plastics do exist. Some are made from natural cornstarch, which disappear completely after a couple of months in the city dump. Another solution is to melt the waste plastic down and use it again. Automakers believe the completely recyclable car may be just around the corner.
Find out what plastics have in store for us and how they will continue to influence our lives as Fantastic Plastic – A Future Near You reveals the never-before-seen side of these miracle substances.
©2002 Natural History New Zealand Ltd
NTSC 4:3 – Total Running Time: 50-minutes
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Interesting Links:
The Future is Plastic
Cars of the Future: Plastic Makes Perfect?
Click for the Full Script of this Program
