Disposal of polymers_students Q's

1. Which environmental concern is associated with the incineration of polymers?

• A) Greenhouse gas emissions

• B) Groundwater contamination

• C) Soil erosion

• D) Ozone depletion

Which of these is an advantage of incinerating polymers?

• A) No harmful gases are produced

• B) Plastics do not need to be sorted into different types

• C) The energy may be used to generate electricity

• D) It is cheap to set up

Which factor of polymer incineration minimises its environmental impact (limits toxicity of products)?

• A) Limited air supply

• B) Shredding the plastic items

• C) Minimal use of catalysts

• D) High temperature

Which is NOT a reason why PLA might take longer than 12 weeks to degrade in a landfill site?

• Not enough water for hydrolysis

• Too cold

• No UV light to assist decay

• Acidic conditions

Which polymer is least likely to degrade in a landfill site after several years?

• Kevlar

• Nylon

• Terylene

• Polythene

Suggest why polyesters degrade faster when buried in landfill than addition polymers

• Addition polymers have intermolecular forces between chains

• Ester link can be hydrolysed

• UV light can cause homolytic fission

• Amide link can be hydrolysed

Which of these is an economic disadvantage of recycling?

• Cheaper than new plastic

• Reduces need for crude oil

• Contamination of the plastics means washing is required

• Energy needed for processing (sorting, shredding, transporting)

Which is not an environmental advantage of recycling?

• Reduces toxic emissions

• Reduces need for crude oil

• Less waste to landfill

• Cheaper than new plastic

Why is recycled plastic often not used again for its original use?

• Recycled plastic is cheaper

• Plastic may be contaminated or lower grade

• Consumer behaviours

• Lower carbon footprint