Polymers and Recycling

Flashcards about recycling plastics, addition polymers, and their environmental impact.

What are the two main methods to recycle plastic?

Physical (mechanical) and chemical methods.

Describe the physical method of recycling plastics.

Plastics are melted, cooled, pulled into strands, cut into pellets, and then made into new products.

What does the chemical method of recycling plastics involve?

Converting plastic waste into different raw materials through chemical reactions, such as cracking to form short chains of alkanes and alkenes.

What are the three main issues related to recycling plastics?

Social, economic, and environmental issues.

Give an example of a social issue related to recycling plastics.

Many people find it more convenient to throw all waste away or are not aware of proper recycling methods.

What is an economic issue of recycling plastics?

Recycling plastic waste is expensive, and it might not be worthwhile if the cost is higher than the value of recycled plastics.

What is an environmental issue of recycling plastics?

Untreated wastewater from the recycling process can cause water pollution.

What type of monomers are used in addition polymerization?

Unsaturated monomers.

What is required for addition polymerization to occur?

High temperature, pressure, and a catalyst to break the carbon-carbon double bonds.

Give two examples of uses for poly(ethene).

Zipper bags, plastic bags, and cling film.

What are some advantages of using plastics?

Relatively cheap, easily molded, light, tough, and waterproof.

Why are most plastics considered an environmental problem?

Most plastics are non-biodegradable and cannot be broken down by bacteria.

How do plastics contribute to land pollution?

Burying plastic waste in landfills leads to an increasing amount of built-up waste, and land for landfills is limited.

How do plastics contribute to water pollution?

Marine animals mistake plastic bags for food and choke on them, and plastics clog up rivers and drains.

How do plastics contribute to air pollution?

When plastics are incinerated, they produce poisonous gases, such as hydrogen chloride.

What can we do to reduce

• Strict measures and law must be put in place

• Recycling programs and creative activities can be introduced for people to practice recycling