Polyamides and Polyesters Exam Review

This set of flashcards covers key concepts, terminology, and significant details regarding polyamides, polyesters, and plastics' environmental impact.

Synthetic aliphatic polyamides are known as __.

Nylons.

In 2016, __ tonnes of Nylons were produced.

7.8 million

Nylon fibres constitute __% of total fibre production.

10-20

Of the total Nylon production, __% is made up of Nylon 6,6 and Nylon 6.

90

Nylon 6,6 was commercially produced by __ in 1938.

EI DuPont

Nylon 6 was commercially produced by __.

IG Farben industrie after 1945

One problem with Nylon 6,6 is __ uptake.

water

Higher Nylons (y > 6) have __ stiffness and heat resistance.

less

The most important polyester is __.

PET.

PET was discovered in __ by chemists Rex Whinfield and James Dickson.

1941

The commercial process for PET was developed in the __.

1950s

Direct esterification of PET faces the problem of terephthalic acid which __ before melting.

sublimes

The two-step process for preparing PET uses __ to increase the reaction rate.

Lewis acid

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch has a total mass of __ tonnes made up of 1-4 trillion pieces.

80-100,000

Plastics in the environment debate states "The enemy is not plastics, it is __ waste."

plastic

Ellen MacArthur Foundation's diagram outlines the __ Economy.

Circular