Are Plastics Too Strong?

Plastics are strong and versatile but persist in the environment due to their durable carbon-carbon bonds. Scientists are developing new plastics like polylactide, which degrade more easily due to carbon-oxygen bonds. However, these new plastics face challenges such as higher costs and lower softening points, making them less practical for some uses. The search for the perfect plastic continues.

What characteristic of plastics makes them persist in the environment?

• Their strong carbon-carbon bonds

• Their lightweight nature

• Their high melting point

• Their ability to be recycled easily

Why are scientists looking for new types of plastics?

• To reduce the cost of production

• To make plastics more colorful

• To create plastics that degrade more easily

• To increase the strength of plastics

What is a key feature of polylactide that makes it different from traditional plastics?

• It is heavier than traditional plastics

• It is non-recyclable

• It has carbon-oxygen bonds

• It is made from metal

What is a drawback of using polylactide as a plastic alternative?

• It cannot be molded into different shapes

• It is more expensive than traditional plastics

• It is not biodegradable

• It is not transparent

What happens to new degradable plastics in the right processing facility?

• They become non-degradable

• They turn into metal

• They degrade into carbon dioxide and water

• They become stronger