Dealing with polymer waste

Question 1

define recycling

Answer 1

the conversion of polymer waste into other materials

Question 2

polymer waste can be converted in…………………from polymer waste through……………………..

Answer 2

convert polymer waste into energy through combustion

Question 3

how do we turn polymer waste into chemical feedstock?

Answer 3

by converting polymer waste into gases (through a process similar to cracking), feedstock gases are produced such as hydrogen and carbon monoxide which can be used in other chemical reactions or to make new polymers.

Question 4

what are alternatives to recycling or incinerating polymer waste?

Answer 4

using biodegradable polymers (biopolymers) instead of traditional polymers means used polymers can be broken down by microbes.

Question 5

what are some disadvantages of biodegradable polymers? (biopolymers)

Answer 5

like for biofuels, land is needed to grow the plants used for their manufacture, and once they decompose, the hydrogen and carbon which makes them up can not be reused directly.

Question 6

what do we mean by life cycle analysis?

Answer 6

the analysis of a polymer’s manufacture, use and disposal.

Question 7

reasons for the increasing use of polymers includes: (4 items)

Answer 7

1) they can be manufactured on a large scale and variety
2) they are lighter in weight than traditional alternatives
3) they are unreactive so can hold substances safely for long periods
4) polymers are relatively cheap to make