Chap 25C - Polymers

Describe biodegradability of Terylene

• Degradable in specialised industrial conditions

• Generally non-biodegradable in natural environments

• Accumulates in landfills and is a major pollutant in oceans -> microplastic pollution

• Can break down via hydrolysis as a polyester BUT non-polar parts makes it resistant to degradation

Describe PLA + DRAW IT

• Biodegradable polyester derived from renewable raw materials like corn starch or sugarcane

Describe uses of PLA

Used in: 

1. threads in surgical stitches

2. 3D printing

3. Food packaging due to its biocompatibility, low toxicity and ease of handling

Are PCL and PGA biodegradable

• Polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyglycolic acid (PGA) also degradable (used in the controlled delivery of medicine)

Draw ACID hydrolysis of polyamides

Draw BASE hydrolysis of polyamides

What is RIC

Resin Identification Code (RIC) is a symbol embedded on plastic products to sort plastic waste for recycling

Describe environmental advantages of recycling

1. Transforming plastic waste into valuable materials -> reduces the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills, where it can take many years to decompose and release harmful greenhouse gases 

2. Less plastic waste going into the environment -> less pollution of natural landscapes and oceans where it may pose a threat to wildlife

3. Recycling plastic limits the need for new raw materials, conserving finite natural resources and protecting ecosystems

4. Using recycled plastic to make new products consumes less energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions (lower carbon footprint)

Describe economic advantages of recycling

1. The recycling industry is labour intensive and creates more jobs than landfill disposal in sectors such as collection, sorting and processing

2. Using recycled plastic often reduces production costs compared to using new raw materials -> increasing profitability for these businesses

3. Cost saving in waste management for cities by reducing the volume of waste requiring expensive landfilling or incineration

4. The demand for recycled materials drives innovation in recycling technologies and better product design for recyclability -> leads to a growing green economy

Describe social advantages of recycling

1. Recycling minimises the risk of microplastics entering food and water sources -> healthier natural environments and cities and improved public health in the long term.

2. Active participation in recycling programmes fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages communities to adopt sustainable lifestyles