Plastcis Flashcards
What is crude oil
A thick black foul smelling liquid
It’s a mixture of Hydrocarbons which are separated in an oil refinery by distillation
How are plastic made
Simple hydrocarbons are separated from crude oil
They are known as monomers
The monomers react together and form long chains called polymers
What are monomers
Simple hydrocarbons separated from crude oil
What a re polymers
Chains on monomers
What is polymerisation
Repeating units (monomers) being linked together to make polymers
Flexible PVC
- use
- why
Insulation for electric wires
Hose pipes
Shower curtains
Strong
Long lasting
Very flexible
Electrical insulator
Polystyrene
- use
- why
Food container
Yoghurt pots
Electrical components
Strong (but brittle)
Rigid
Electrical insulator
Non biodegradable
Bacteria cannot break it down
Is plastic biodegradable
It’s non biodegradable
Plastics nowadays have what to help them breakdown
They contain additives which promotes the breakdown I’d the plastic to carbon dioxide and water
Why are plastics fire risks
When they burn, poisoned fumes are released
Two categories of plastics
Plastics which melt when heated
Plastics which do not melt or soften when heated
What are plastics made from
Crude oil
