Designer Polymers Flashcards
When making Gore-Tex clothing, what is sandwiched between two layers of nylon
Why can’t it be used on it’s own
PTFE membrane is laminated and sandwiched between two layers of nylon fibres
This is too weak and fragile to be used on its own
How does PTFE make Gore-tex waterproof and breathable
PTFE has tiny holes that are big enough to let perspiration out but too small to allow liquid in
It also is windproof
Why are plastics hard to recycle
They don’t break down
How can plastics be disposed of
What are the current issues with these
Landfill🗑- most plastics are non biodegradable, throwing them away wastes the resource and land
Burning🔥 - produces air pollution and wastes the resource. Carbon dioxide produced increases greenhouse effect, some plastics are toxic and cannot be burnt
Recycling♻- plastics need to be separated which is difficult and time consuming but prevents wasting the resource
What type plastics are more environmentally friendly
Soluble and biodegradable plastics
How can you test for carbon dioxide
Limewater turns milky
In making Gore-tex why is nylon used
What is the problem with having a nylon jacket
Nylon blocks UV light, it is tough and lightweight and waterproof
Nylon does not let water vapour escape, uncomfortable to wear when person respires
What are some properties of polymers (plastics)
Mouldable Waterproof Electrical insulator Non Biodegradable Lightweight and flexible Unreactive
Properties and uses of polythene
Leightweight, flexible and mouldable
Used for plastic bags and moulded containers
Properties and uses of polystyrene
Lightweight, poor heat conductor
Used for insulation and in packaging
Properties and uses of nylon
Lightweight,waterproof and tough
Used for clothing and climbing ropes
Properties and uses of polyester
Lightweight, waterproof and tough
Used for clothing and bottles
Polymers consist of what sort of molecules
Describe the bonds
Long-chain molecules held together by strong covalent bonds
Properties of a plastic depend on it’s structure
Describe melting point and stretchiness of a plastic with weak intermolecular force between chains
Low melting point
Stretched easily as the polymer molecules can slide over one another
Describe melting point and stretchiness of a plastic with strong covalent bonds between chains
High melting points
Rigid and cannot be stretched easily
