SC24d Problems with Polymers

Question 1

problems with polymers? 4

Answer 1

~made from crude oil which is a finite resource, non renewable
~polymers are non biodegradable so they fill landfill sites
~produce greenhouse gases and toxic substances when incinerated
~recycling polymers is time consuming and expensive

Question 2

steps to recycling polymers

Answer 2

~collect waste
~sort waste into different types of polymers- done by hand so time consuming + expensive
~dispose of waste that cannot be recycled into landfill sites
~clean polymers and grind into chippings
~purify chippings
~melt chippings then process into new product

Question 3

advantages of recycling polymers? 3

Answer 3

~new items can be made
~conserves supplies of crude oil
~landfill freed up

Question 4

disadvantages of recycling polymers? 2

Answer 4

~items need to be collected, sorted and washed - time consuming
~polymers need to be melted; energy requirements