Exp. 6: Plastics and Polymers

ChemLab

plastic can be recycle or reuse.

What does the chasing arrows with numbers mean?

code, type, name, chemical structure, description, examples

Categories of plastics

polyethylene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polystyrene and silicone rubber

Some of the common and familiar polymers are

Polyethylene teraphthalate (PETE)

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Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

High-density polyethylene (HDPE)

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)

Polypropylene​ (PP)

Polystyrene​ (PS)

Multilayer plastics

Usually clear or green, rigid

PETE (Polyethelene terephthalate) Description

Semi-rigid

HDPE (High-density polyethylene) Description

Semi-rigid

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) Description

Flexible, not crinkly

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) Description

Semi-rigid

PP (Polypropylene) Description

Often Brittle

PS (Polystyrene) Description

Squeezable

Other (Multilayer plastics) Description

PETE or Polyethylene Terephthalate

one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products, and is found in most water and pop bottles.

PETE or Polyethylene Terephthalate

It is intended for single use applications; repeated use increases the risk of leaching and bacterial growth.

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PETE or Polyethylene Terephthalate

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is difficult to decontaminate, and proper cleaning requires harmful chemicals.

PETE or Polyethylene Terephthalate

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and may leach carcinogens.

PETE or Polyethylene Terephthalate

Releases endocrine disrupting chemicals like acetaldehyde over time, as well as toxic antimony, use once only.

should be recycled but not reused

Are PETE plastics recyclable? or reused?

HDPE or High-Density Polyethylene

is the most commonly recycled plastic and is considered one of the safest forms of plastic.