The World of Polymers and Plastics

Flashcards about polymers and plastics.

Polymers

Large molecules made up of long chains of atoms covalently bonded together.

Monomers

Small molecules used to synthesize the polymeric chain.

Natural polymers

Cellulose, starch, tar, shellac, tortoise shell, horns, tree saps that produce amber and latex

Polymers

Macromolecules involving thousands of atoms, with molecular masses reaching over a million; often composed of hydrocarbons.

Hydrocarbons

Polymer structure where carbon makes up the backbone of the molecule and hydrogen atoms are bonded to the carbon atoms.

Dispersion forces

attractions between molecules in the polymer that hold the material together

HDPE

High-density polyethylene, used for opaque milk, juice, and detergent bottles.

LDPE

Low-density polyethylene, used for bags, films, bubble wrap, and wire insulation.

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride, used for plumbing pipes, garden hoses, and shower curtains.

PS

Polystyrene, used for food wrap, foam cups, insulated containers, and egg cartons.

PP

Polypropylene, used for bottle caps and cream/margarine containers.

PETE or PET

Polyethylene terephthalate, used for soft-drink bottles and carpet yarns.

Thermoplastic polymers

Polymers that can be melted and reshaped over and over again.

Thermosetting polymers

Polymers that solidify or 'set' irreversibly with heat.

Functional groups

Distinctive arrangements of groups of atoms that impart characteristic chemical properties to the molecules that contain them.

Condensation Polymerization

Monomers crosslink together by eliminating a small molecule, such as water.

Polyester

When an ester functional group connects the monomers.

Peptide Bond

Covalent bond that forms between a carboxylic acid (-COOH) group of one amino acid and the amine (-NH2) group of the next amino acid.

Polyamides

Condensation polymers that contain the amide functional group.

The Four R's of Recycling

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover

Municipal solid waste (MSW)

Includes waste from industry, agriculture, mining, and construction sites, averaging about 262 million tons per year in the U.S.

Plastics from Renewable Materials

Polymers originating from renewable sources such as wood, cotton, fibers, starch, or sugar; they are compostable and involve fewer resources in their synthesis.

Polylactic acid (PLA)

Thermoelastic polyester with a similar look and feel to PET; applications include clear shiny bottles, transparent food packaging, and clothing fibers.

Plasticizers

Mixed into the polymer when being fabricated to make the final product softer and more pliable

Precautionary principle

The wisdom of acting, even in the absence of complete scientific data, before the adverse effects on human health or the environment become significant or irrevocable.