4.1.3 Alkenes: Waste polymers and alternatives

Question 1

why are polymers useful for manufacturing everyday plastic products?

Answer 1

they are unreactive hydrocarbon chains with multiple strong, non-polar covalent bonds

Question 2

what is the downside of the unreactive nature of the bonds in addition polymers?

Answer 2

they do not biodegrade and cannot be broken down in nature

Question 3

what is the downside to combusting polymers?

Answer 3

can release toxic gases which must be removed to reduce the impact on the environment

Question 4

how can addition polymers be disposed of?

Answer 4

-recycled
-combusted for energy production
-used as organic feedstock

Question 5

what is a an example of a toxic gas being released when a polymer is combusted?

Answer 5

HCl may be released when haloalkanes are combusted (chlorine containing)

Question 6

explain how some polymers are used as organic feedstock

Answer 6

used in organic feedstock for production of plastics and other organic chemicals

Question 7

what are the benefits to the environment of the development of biodegradable and photodegradable polymers?

Answer 7

helps to reduce dependancy of