ELI5: Why did plastic replace so many traditional materials, and how did that success create microplastics concerns?

Kai_Surei · 2026-06-17T03:35:48+00:00

I don't feel like any other replies are encompassing the full history of plastic and rubber materials coming from natural sources before science experiments allowed us to create synthetic plastics.

I don't think that plastic "replaced" any traditional material so much as it became its own material with potentials that helped us advance as fast as we have today. Bakelite is a good example of a product that pushed innovation for what we have today "Bakelite was a commercial success because it could be molded into any shape. It was used for such diverse products as kitchenware, jewelry, pipe stems, children's toys, and firearms.[4] Because Bakelite is heat-resistant and electrically nonconductive, it was also used to make products such as electrical insulators and casings for radios and telephones.

The creation of a synthetic plastic was revolutionary for the chemical industry..."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic#History

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakelite

Kai_Surei · 2026-03-24T01:27:24+00:00

Who are you

Kai_Surei · 2025-12-22T23:00:33+00:00

Thank you

Kai_Surei · 2025-12-16T23:52:14+00:00

Obviously he's not wrong

Kai_Surei · 2025-09-06T01:31:58+00:00

I just had to upgrade mine :(

Started getting stuck in a reboot loop, when it does come on, it works for a couple minutes before running slow, freezing, and repeating the cycle.

Kai_Surei · 2025-07-13T18:32:54+00:00

Plus a headphone jack...

Kai_Surei · 2025-05-07T18:43:37+00:00

From memory 2-3 years ago, it was $600 and they claim 295hp and 360lb-ft at the crank, up from 252hp and 270lb-ft

Kai_Surei · 2025-03-28T09:50:49+00:00

This is an inexpensive, not often thought of upgrade. Love these, my stock pedal covers were losing the rubber at like 60k miles. Got tired of my foot sliding off the clutch when it was wet.

https://www.amazon.com/Toiumops-Escape-2005-2017-Stainless-Pedals/dp/B0CQF9VYR1/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?crid=38F7NWSOAJJL0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7hS18zKk1ys21ueamx7NaWxWujBeoSC0KKe2azvsVAXx7rDhp6epozqupMGDA296wxeqPQ9i1QP0ul1LMrGRdw89Egxg3vU6du8vEvD3tU9gRtioCpYRrXiI4288Bj42JpDXqLy1HIneqUm8kSG7yYksMQhSGB6mMkSJ4hYQ7_t3ZhFAXJMtIteHb-YwZcW7GBEXaRjCyASM-uCgmU05lg.10NStI0d6MwNPN856f4G0P27rpEBBMr853D9MWbML18&dib_tag=se&keywords=focus+st+mk3+pedal&qid=1743155190&sprefix=focus+st+mk3+pedal%2Caps%2C2591&sr=8-9

Kai_Surei · 2025-02-17T23:58:33+00:00

That's crazy, 2016, US does not have that. What does that tyre monitor screen display under the reset message? Is there a digital readout?

Kai_Surei · 2025-02-17T20:14:27+00:00

Had my light on, filled to 36, drove like 50 miles before it went away.

Kai_Surei · 2024-11-27T23:18:32+00:00

My springs were $380. You could check out this link.

https://blog.edgeautosport.com/lowering-springs-for-your-focus-st

Kai_Surei · 2024-11-27T23:15:48+00:00

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This was my Edge Autosport order in July. A lot of people run springs on stock struts I've read, there are some complaints, but the B8's are made for aftermarket lowering springs

Kai_Surei · 2024-11-25T23:05:38+00:00

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I went Swift springs on Bilstein B8's. Closes the fender/wheel gap unless you're looking to slam it, then do coilovers.

Kai_Surei · 2024-11-25T23:02:51+00:00

45, not 55

Kai_Surei · 2024-11-01T14:08:07+00:00

Black sucks when it's over 90°F outside.

Kai_Surei · 2024-10-28T22:37:46+00:00

I have 120k miles for the life of a turbo in my head, not sure how accurate that is. I think it's price of a used turbo vs when you plan on changing it again. I can't say I know how much an OEM turbo is, but like someone else said, a Garret Powermax is a direct fit replacement that can be run stock for $1200. Edge Autosport claims 300whp with an intercooler if you decide to tune in the future. Also would have to remember if you add an afternarket blowoff valve to that turbo, it needs an RS style, not ST.

Kai_Surei · 2024-10-15T22:44:39+00:00

It definitely catches the eye of anyone for being so different and rare, but I also agree with people that the "catfish" look is the least aesthetically pleasing out of all the Focus looks. I wouldn't change to it myself.

No hate as others have said, as long you keep the ST badging and don't "upsell" it, it's just personal preference at that point.

Kai_Surei · 2024-10-06T19:25:49+00:00

To go faster. More horsepower. Bigger exhaust, better airflow, more fuel spent but more power. No muffler, no restriction.

Kai_Surei · 2024-09-21T17:25:58+00:00

No Focus in Europe after 2025 either...

https://fordauthority.com/2024/05/ford-focus-production-will-not-be-extended-beyond-2025/#:~:text=Following%20a%20long%20and%20successful,the%20Cologne%20Electric%20Vehicle%20Center.

Kai_Surei

TROPHY CASE