Polymer problems Flashcards
problems with the manufacture of polymers
crude oil is the main raw material needed to make addition polymers and most condensation polymers
crude oil is:
-finite, it is no longer being made or is being made extremely slowly
- non-renewable resource, it is being used up faster than it is made
- often imported, its supply and cost vary over time
biodegradable materials
eventually rot away:
- microbes feed on them
- this breaks them down
polymers and biodegradability
most are not biodegradable:
- useful because objects made from polymers last a long time
- problem because objects made from polymers do not break down easily when they are disposed of
list of ways to dispose of polymers
landfill sites
recycling
burning/combustion
biodegradable polymers
landfill sites
problematic
- polymers are not biodegradable
- they last for many years
- we are running out of landfill sites
recycling
positive
- melting and breaking down into new objects
- breaking down into new raw materials
combustion
problematic
-many polymers release toxic gas when burnt
biodegradable polymers
positive
- are being developed
- they will rot away in landfill sites
positives of landfill sites (2)
- waste is disposed of quickly
- waste is out of site once it is covered over
negatives of landfill sites (3)
- space for landfill sites is running out
- most polymers are not biodegradable and will last for many years
- landfill sites are unsightly and attract pests
positives of plastics (4)
- plastic that is thrown away can be burnt for energy, saving fossil fuels and space in landfills
- plastic bottles and bags can be reused more than once, reducing the need for fossil fuels and energy
- plastic can be easily recycled as it is flexible and not easily broken, so less is wasted
- using plastic instead of paper products reduces deforestation, preventing the destruction of habitats, and allowing the forests to keep producing oxygen
negatives of plastics (3)
- most plastics aren’t biodegradable so stay in the oceans or ground for years, there is an estimated 3.5 million tons of plastic in the oceans
- when plastics are burnt to save space in landfills, they release CO2 and contribute to global warming as well as causing acid rain, which harms plants
- lots of plastics end up in landfill sites which take up valuable space needed for habitats or crop farming
arguments for recycling (2)
uses less resources/fossil fuels
produces less CO2 than making a new item
arguments against recycling (2)
still produces CO2 - melting/sorting/collecting
useless if the plastic is contaminated, which happens easily