Polymer problems Flashcards

1
Q

problems with the manufacture of polymers

A

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
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2
Q

biodegradable materials

A

eventually rot away:

  • microbes feed on them
  • this breaks them down
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3
Q

polymers and biodegradability

A

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
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4
Q

list of ways to dispose of polymers

A

landfill sites

recycling

burning/combustion

biodegradable polymers

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5
Q

landfill sites

A

problematic

  • polymers are not biodegradable
  • they last for many years
  • we are running out of landfill sites
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6
Q

recycling

A

positive

  • melting and breaking down into new objects
  • breaking down into new raw materials
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7
Q

combustion

A

problematic

-many polymers release toxic gas when burnt

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8
Q

biodegradable polymers

A

positive

  • are being developed
  • they will rot away in landfill sites
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9
Q

positives of landfill sites (2)

A
  • waste is disposed of quickly

- waste is out of site once it is covered over

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10
Q

negatives of landfill sites (3)

A
  • 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
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11
Q

positives of plastics (4)

A
  • 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
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12
Q

negatives of plastics (3)

A
  • 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
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13
Q

arguments for recycling (2)

A

uses less resources/fossil fuels

produces less CO2 than making a new item

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14
Q

arguments against recycling (2)

A

still produces CO2 - melting/sorting/collecting

useless if the plastic is contaminated, which happens easily

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