Polymer problems

Question 1

problems with the manufacture of polymers

Answer 1

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

Question 2

biodegradable materials

Answer 2

eventually rot away:

• microbes feed on them
• this breaks them down

Question 3

polymers and biodegradability

Answer 3

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

Question 4

list of ways to dispose of polymers

Answer 4

landfill sites

recycling

burning/combustion

biodegradable polymers

Question 5

landfill sites

Answer 5

problematic

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

Question 6

recycling

Answer 6

positive

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

Question 7

combustion

Answer 7

problematic

-many polymers release toxic gas when burnt

Question 8

biodegradable polymers

Answer 8

positive

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

Question 9

positives of landfill sites (2)

Answer 9

• waste is disposed of quickly

- waste is out of site once it is covered over

Question 10

negatives of landfill sites (3)

Answer 10

• 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

Question 11

positives of plastics (4)

Answer 11

• 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

Question 12

negatives of plastics (3)

Answer 12

• 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

Question 13

arguments for recycling (2)

Answer 13

uses less resources/fossil fuels

produces less CO2 than making a new item

Question 14

arguments against recycling (2)

Answer 14

still produces CO2 - melting/sorting/collecting

useless if the plastic is contaminated, which happens easily