1
A simple, individual molecule that makes up a polymer.
A monomer.
A chain of monomers linked together to form a compound.
A polymer.
A synthetic polymer is ____________?
a polymer that is man made, produced through labs.
Are most synthetic polymers biodegradable? Why?
No, as they're mostly made of carbon-carbon bonds that are stable
What is the subject of the presentation?
Environmental Concerns of Synthetic Polymers
Why are synthetic polymers typically non-reactive?
- Long chain structure
- Non polar bonds
What is the material most synthetic polymers based from?
Petroleum
The process of taking unused synthetic polymer material and reshaping it into something of use.
Recycling
What was the first synthetic polymer made for?
As a replacement for cueballs, which broke often as they were made from tusk ivory
(although their replacement invention would often times explode)
Who created the periodic table?
Some smart dude idk
What is are 2 examples of a flexible synthetic polymer, and a rigid synthetic polymer?
Flexible
Plastic Bags, Polyester clothing, rubber bands
Rigid
LEGO bricks, PVC pipes, plastic bottles
What are the 2 most common places for synthetic polymers to end up in?
Landfills, and the ocean.
What is the most common use of synthetic polymers worldwide?
Packaging, with around 144 000 000 tons being produced for that purpose annually.
What was the name of the first synthetic polymer documented?
X2 for what year was it created?
Celluloid
1869
What is Ms. Dermott's first name?
WRONG
It's Ms.
It's due to strong bonds accredited through the double bonds and the highly electronegative halogen added to it.
Which international organization established the first ban on certain synthetic polymers, specifically microplastics, due to severe health concerns?
The European Union, in 2023
What are the elements synthetic polymers are made out of?
Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Hydrogen
Which country imposed the first strict ban on plastic (polyethene) bags?
Bangladesh, although it hasn't quite worked.
Draw 1,2-dibromo-3,8-dichloro-3-ethyl-4-nitrooctacis-1-trans-3,7-triene-5-yne on the blackboard
idk
What makes synthetic polymers un-biodegradable?
The enzymes found commonly in nature fail to decompose of synthetic polymers because of their rigid crystalline structure, long strong polymerized chains, and chemical resistance due to their strong bonds.
(+100 more if you mention chloro or fluoro bonds making the bond more electronegative)
Why might Water-soluble polymers (such as Polyvinylalcohol) become a problem if released into the environment?
Water-soluble polymers are capable of contaminating water sources, which can be detrimental to wildlife, ecosystems, and even humans.
Why might plastic in the bottom of the ocean degrade faster rather than the surface?
In the increased atmospheric pressure of the oceans bottom, combined with the sub-zero temperatures of the water, the polymer undergoes microcracks and stress fractures, increasing the overall area for its degradation.
What is one use of PVC and one use of PVF?
Explain how their uses serve benefit or detriment to the environment.
PVC:
Piping, bloodbags, wire insulation, Kevlar
PVF:
Laminate, solar panel coating, aeroplane protection
What's my favorite color
Purple