18. Polymers

Question 1

Why are plastics usually used?

Answer 1

1. Cheap
2. Easily moulded into various shapes
3. light, tough and waterproof
4. Durable

Question 2

What is the meaning of non-biodegradable

Answer 2

Non-biodegradable materials cannot be broken down by bacteria and other living organism

Question 3

What pollution would it cause when plastics are being disposed?

Answer 3

1. Land pollution: Plastics do not decompose hence burying the plastic waste in landfills leads to an increasing amount of built-up waste
2. Water pollution: Plastics being thrown into the sea endangers marine animals as they mistake the plastic for food. As they may also clog up rivers and drains making it the perfect condition to breed mosquitoes
3. Air pollution: Plastics are mostly flammable. When it is being burnt, poisonous gases is being produced

Question 4

Physical method of recycling plastics

Answer 4

1. Known as mechanical recycling
2. After pre-treatment, they are being melted to form pellets

Question 5

Chemical method of recycling plastics

Answer 5

1. Convert plastic waste into different raw materials through chemical reactions
2. Undergo the reaction: cracking

Question 6

Environmental issues of recycling plastics

Answer 6

• Untreated wastewater from the recycling process can result in water pollution

Question 7

Economic issues of recycling plastics

Answer 7

• Very expensive
• May not be worthy since the cost of the recycled plastic cannot earn back the cost of the treatment of plastic waste

Question 8

Social issues of recycling plastics

Answer 8

• As it is not convenient for them to recycle their waste
• Adapting the lifestyle of recycling waste can be too long
• Not aware of the proper way to recycle plastics