TOPIC 8 - The Eos π-Phone Project (Plastics & Ceramics) Flashcards
general equation for the complete combustion of any plastic
plastic + oxygen => carbon dioxide + water
plastics are an example of
synthetic materials
advantages of using natural materials (3)
made form renewable sources
are thought to be better for the environment
have a natural look/feel to them
disadvantages of using natural materials (4)
fixed properties are difficult to improve
paint or dyes have to be added for colour
heavy for their physical properties
intricate designs are difficult to produce
advantages of using synthetic materials (6)
properties can be altered to improve them lightweight but strong many colours can be added some are transparent intricate designs are possible electrical insulators
disadvantages of using synthetic materials (4)
plastics burn
not biodegradable
thought to use up valuable resources
concerns over effects environmentally
often other elements are present in plastics, when burnt, this causes toxic gases to form such as (3)
hydrogen chloride
hydrogen cyanide
unburnt carbon/soot
the best way to prevent waste in the first place is to
minimise unnecessary production of packaging etc.
ways to dispose of plastics (5)
re-use recycle chemical recovery energy recovery landfill
Define: thermosoftening plastics
once heated they soften and can be remoulded
examples of thermosoftening plastics
polyethene, polystyrene, nylon and PVC.
where are thermosoftening plastics used?
plastic piping or squeezy bottles; where intricate or flexible mouldings are required
Define: thermosetting plastics
don’t melt, but decompose at high enough temperatures
examples of thermosetting plastics
polyester resins, Bakelite, melamine.
where are thermosetting plastics used?
light fittings or car body repairs; when strength and rigidity is required
