13.5 Environmental concerns

Question 1

Disposing waste polymers

Answer 1

they are readily available
cheap to purchase
more convenient to throw away

they are not reactive which makes them good for storing chemicals

Question 2

Recycling polymers

Answer 2

this conserves finite fossil fuels by decreasing the amount of waste going to landfill

Question 3

When can polymers not be recycled?

Answer 3

when the polymers are mixed as it makes the product unusable

Question 4

Recycling PVC

Answer 4

it is hazardous as PVC contains high chlorine content

when burnt, HCl is produced which is a harmful gas

Question 5

Using waste polymers

Answer 5

waste polymers are incinerated to produce heat which creates steam and drives a turbine which produces electricity

Question 6

Feedstock recycling

Answer 6

chemical and thermal process from which monomers, gases and oils are reclaimed from waste polymers

These reclaimed materials are used to produce new polymers

Question 7

What are bioplastics?

Answer 7

produced from starch, cellulose, plant oils and proteins

Question 8

What are photodegradable polymers?

Answer 8

these contain bonds which are weakened when light is absorbed