disposing of polymers Flashcards
why are polyalkane and polypropen not biodegradable
as they are basically long chain alkane molecule that are strong and non polar
what happens in anatural environment
they will not easily break as they are very unreactive
so where are they usually disposed
in landfill sites with other rubbish, sometimes they are melted and remoulded
what can happen to polyalkanes
they can be burnt in oxygen to form co2 and water to produce energy
why is this not carried out
as carbon monoxide which is toxic may be produces, and co2 increase level in atmosphere
what happens if we burn polystyrene
release toxic products like styrene vapour in certain conditions
why are polyester biodegradable
can be broken down by hydrolysis in reverse of polymerisation
why doesn’t it occur everyday
the reaction is slow in every day conditions and require specific conditions for hydrolysis to occur
