Students determine the chemical and physical properties of four common plastics - polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, high-density polyethylene, and polystyrene. They test samples of each plastic using various liquids and heat to observe properties like flexibility, hardness, and density. Students then test an unknown "mystery" plastic sample to determine its properties and identify which of the four plastics it is based on the evidence from the tests. The key is relating the plastics' observed properties to possible uses based on how those properties affect functionality.
Packaging is best described as a coordinated system of
preparing goods for transport, distribution, storage,
retailing, and use of the goods. Contains, Types, Procedure of manufacturing the plastics, Advantages & Disadvantages.
This document provides an overview of polymeric food packaging materials. It discusses the history and evolution of packaging from skins and leaves to modern materials. The key types of polymeric materials used in food packaging are described, including polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride, polyesters, nylons, polystyrene, and polycarbonate. Properties, applications, and testing methods of these materials are summarized. The packaging industry is growing significantly with increasing global demand and consumption.
Ford uses recycled plastic bottles to make vehicle seats. The article details how Ford shreds used plastic bottles and mixes them with other materials to form pellets that can then be molded into car seat parts. This allows Ford to incorporate recycled materials into their vehicle components in an eco-friendly way. Using plastic bottles diverts waste from landfills and reduces Ford's carbon footprint.
Plastic is a synthetic material made from organic polymers that can be molded while soft and set into a rigid form. It is classified based on its behavior with heat (thermoplastics soften with heat, thermosetting plastics harden permanently), structure (homogeneous or heterogeneous), and properties (rigid, semi-rigid, soft, elastic). Common thermoplastics include polyethylene, PVC, and nylon, while epoxies, phenolics, and polyesters are thermosetting plastics. Plastics are composed of polymers, carbon, oxygen, and other elements, and may include additives like fillers, pigments, plasticizers, and catalysts to modify their properties.
Benefits And Applications of PET Plastic Packagingplasticingenuity
Polyethylene terephthalate or PET, is a staple in food and beverage packaging. It's also used in the packaging of plenty of other products, though not necessarily ones you want to eat or drink—PET is a mainstay for packaging things like cosmetics and cleaning chemicals. Just look at the recycling code on any PET plastic package, and you'll see: It's number one. Learn the benefits and applications of PET from the industry experts at Plastic Ingenuity.
Visit http://plasticingenuity.com/ for more information.
Plastic bottles were developed in the early 20th century and became widely used after World War II. The key materials used are polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP). These materials are chosen based on their properties like strength, flexibility, and barrier effectiveness. Plastic bottles are manufactured using blow molding processes and come in various colors, shapes, and sizes to suit different applications like water, soda, detergents and more. However, plastic waste is an environmental issue as most plastics do not decompose and recycling rates need improvement.
Brief lesson on where plastics come from, the difference between thermoplastics and thermosettings, types of thermoplastics and thermosettings products and how plastics are shaped.
The document discusses the process of obtaining plastics from raw materials through synthesis of monomers and polymers, addition of additives, shaping and finishing. It also covers the properties and classification of plastics, listing common thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics as well as their characteristics and uses.
Packaging is best described as a coordinated system of
preparing goods for transport, distribution, storage,
retailing, and use of the goods. Contains, Types, Procedure of manufacturing the plastics, Advantages & Disadvantages.
This document provides an overview of polymeric food packaging materials. It discusses the history and evolution of packaging from skins and leaves to modern materials. The key types of polymeric materials used in food packaging are described, including polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride, polyesters, nylons, polystyrene, and polycarbonate. Properties, applications, and testing methods of these materials are summarized. The packaging industry is growing significantly with increasing global demand and consumption.
Ford uses recycled plastic bottles to make vehicle seats. The article details how Ford shreds used plastic bottles and mixes them with other materials to form pellets that can then be molded into car seat parts. This allows Ford to incorporate recycled materials into their vehicle components in an eco-friendly way. Using plastic bottles diverts waste from landfills and reduces Ford's carbon footprint.
Plastic is a synthetic material made from organic polymers that can be molded while soft and set into a rigid form. It is classified based on its behavior with heat (thermoplastics soften with heat, thermosetting plastics harden permanently), structure (homogeneous or heterogeneous), and properties (rigid, semi-rigid, soft, elastic). Common thermoplastics include polyethylene, PVC, and nylon, while epoxies, phenolics, and polyesters are thermosetting plastics. Plastics are composed of polymers, carbon, oxygen, and other elements, and may include additives like fillers, pigments, plasticizers, and catalysts to modify their properties.
Benefits And Applications of PET Plastic Packagingplasticingenuity
Polyethylene terephthalate or PET, is a staple in food and beverage packaging. It's also used in the packaging of plenty of other products, though not necessarily ones you want to eat or drink—PET is a mainstay for packaging things like cosmetics and cleaning chemicals. Just look at the recycling code on any PET plastic package, and you'll see: It's number one. Learn the benefits and applications of PET from the industry experts at Plastic Ingenuity.
Visit http://plasticingenuity.com/ for more information.
Plastic bottles were developed in the early 20th century and became widely used after World War II. The key materials used are polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP). These materials are chosen based on their properties like strength, flexibility, and barrier effectiveness. Plastic bottles are manufactured using blow molding processes and come in various colors, shapes, and sizes to suit different applications like water, soda, detergents and more. However, plastic waste is an environmental issue as most plastics do not decompose and recycling rates need improvement.
Brief lesson on where plastics come from, the difference between thermoplastics and thermosettings, types of thermoplastics and thermosettings products and how plastics are shaped.
The document discusses the process of obtaining plastics from raw materials through synthesis of monomers and polymers, addition of additives, shaping and finishing. It also covers the properties and classification of plastics, listing common thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics as well as their characteristics and uses.
LDPE Moisture Barrier Bag Suppliers, Manufacturers IndiaSORBEAD INDIA
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer made from the monomer ethylene. LDPE has an open, flexible structure that makes it strong yet pliable. It is commonly used for plastic bags, food packaging, and other applications where flexibility is important. LDPE can be recycled by melting it to remove contaminants and reforming it into thin plastic sheets for use by manufacturers.
Plastics are organic polymers that are typically derived from petrochemicals but can also come from renewable sources like corn or cotton. They have displaced many traditional materials due to their low cost, ease of manufacture, and durability. Common plastics include polyethylene, polyester, polycarbonate, and polyurethane, which are used in products like bottles, fibers, electronics cases, and foams. Plastics can be classified by their chemical structure and production process and include both thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers.
plastic waste management 226 a perspectiveArvind Kumar
This document summarizes information about plastic waste management and e-waste management. It discusses the types and sources of plastic waste, issues with plastic waste in India like child labor in collection and import of waste without proper technology. It also discusses e-waste including sources and composition of e-waste, partnerships for e-waste management, and the growing e-waste problem in India.
The document discusses biodegradable polymers and their importance as an alternative to conventional plastics. It provides background on biodegradable polymers, describing how they are defined and how they differ from conventional plastics in being able to break down from the action of microorganisms. The document outlines the main types of biodegradable polymers, their applications in packaging, agriculture, and medical sectors, and how some automakers are starting to use biodegradable composites in vehicles.
Plastic is a general term for synthetic polymers that can be molded into solid objects. The first plastic, Parkesine, was created in 1862 from cellulose. Plastics are made from polymers formed through addition, condensation, or addition polymerization reactions from raw materials like monomers, plasticizers, and fillers. The two main types are thermoplastics, which soften when heated and harden when cooled, and thermoset plastics, which harden permanently after heating. Common plastics include polyethylene, PVC, PVA, and bakelite. Plastics are used widely due to properties like light weight, corrosion resistance, strength, and insulation.
This document discusses packaging and stability requirements for pharmaceuticals. It covers topics such as the purpose of pharmaceutical packaging in protecting drugs and ensuring stability. Various primary and secondary packaging materials are described, including glass, plastic and closures. The document also discusses packaging for different dosage forms like solids, liquids and medical devices. Key considerations for packaging include protection, compatibility, safety and performance. Packaging must meet regulations and standards to ensure drug quality and stability.
The document provides a history of polymer development from 1833 to the present. It notes key events and discoveries such as:
- 1833 - Coining of the term "polymer" by Berzelius
- 1920 - Staudinger proposes the macromolecular theory of polymers
- 1930s - Development of plastics as an industry with the discovery of polymers like polyethylene, nylon, and polystyrene
- 1940s - Polymers play a key role in World War 2 and postwar applications emerge in textiles, toys, packaging
- 1950s - Synthetic fibers and plastics enter widespread domestic and commercial use
- 1960s/70s - Innovation in polymer color, design, and
The document discusses different types of plastics including thermoplastics and thermosettings. Thermoplastics can be softened when heated and reshaped, while thermosettings are set permanently by heat. Common thermoplastics include polypropylene, acrylic, and nylon, which have various uses such as chairs, combs, and carrier bags. The document also outlines different plastic manufacturing and joining processes, such as injection molding, vacuum forming, adhesive bonding, riveting, and using nuts, bolts, and washers. Plastics have properties like being lightweight, tough, and resistant to electricity flow.
Many materials in day to day use are made from natural and synthetic polymers as constituents. Polymer based industries are products of research and development.
Plastics & it’s impact on the environment and health. Plastics are synthetic polymers derived mainly from petroleum and natural gas. While plastics are durable and inexpensive, they release harmful chemicals when broken down and cause significant pollution. Plastics do not biodegrade and accumulate as microplastics in the environment, harming wildlife and entering the food chain. Common plastic pollutants like BPA and phthalates have been linked to health issues like heart disease, infertility and cancer. To reduce risks, alternatives to plastic for food storage and minimizing single-use plastics are recommended.
The document discusses recycling of packaging materials. It provides information on different packaging materials like paper, plastic, glass, metals and their decomposition times. It also discusses the various techniques used for recycling these materials including reuse, physical/mechanical, and chemical recycling. Safety issues for using recycled materials for food packaging are also summarized. The document emphasizes the benefits of recycling in terms of resource and energy conservation.
This document discusses characterizing postconsumer resin (PCR) plastic through materials analysis to support increased recycling and reuse of plastics. It describes challenges with plastic waste and recycling efforts. Thermal and mechanical analysis techniques like DSC and DMA can provide detailed information on PCR properties to help manage variability and ensure suitability for applications. These analyses examine thermal behavior and properties under strain. Characterizing PCR can help increase recycled content in new plastics and support the development of a circular plastics economy.
Plastic recycling is the process of recovering scrap or waste plastic and reprocessing it into useful products. There are several reasons for plastic recycling including reducing waste in landfills, reclaiming the energy used to originally make the plastic, and reducing environmental damage from incineration. The plastic recycling process involves collection, cleaning, sorting, size reduction, melting, extrusion, cooling, pelletization and then manufacturing new products using injection molding, blow molding or film blowing. Scientists are also researching biodegradable plastics that can help reduce waste and environmental impacts compared to traditional recycling methods.
Amcor: packaging sustainability webinar, May 28th 2019Roi Perez
As brands strive to make responsible business decisions, how can you sort through the packaging myths and buzzwords to devise a more sustainable packaging strategy? With soon-to-arrive legislation, recyclability pledges, and growing consumer demand, brands and retailers need to be equipped with the right information.
In this free webinar, Gerald Rebitzer, Amcor Flexibles Sustainability Director will discuss:
- The most common packaging myths and truths
Sustainability-focused regulations and legislation that are on the horizon
- Why recyclability is not the only criteria for your packaging’s sustainability – key sustainability attributes for your packaging
- Learn your bio-based, from your biodegradable to your compostable – sustainable packaging 101
- How a brand’s packaging sustainability progress can be shared with consumers
https://www.amcor.com/
Plastics: An Economical Synthesis of Aesthetics and FunctionAr. Md Shahroz Alam
The document discusses plastics, including:
1. Plastics are polymers that can be molded into various shapes and are made from petroleum products and other raw materials.
2. There are two main types of plastics - thermoplastics, which can be remelted and reformed, and thermosets, which cannot be remelted once formed.
3. Common plastics include polyethylene, PVC, polystyrene, and nylon. Plastics have a wide range of applications from packaging to construction due to their properties like durability, insulation, and light weight.
Here we will see the classifications, Collection, Handling & Sorting, different methods of sorting of plastics
About Biodegradable polymers, how to use it and reuse it
This document is a term paper submitted by Swami Mrityunjay for his course MEC-208 at Lovely Professional University. The paper acknowledges the support and guidance of his guide Mr. Anuj and the LPU staff. The paper discusses plastics and their importance in engineering products. It provides examples of engineering plastics such as ABS, polycarbonate, and nylons. It explains how plastics are important in manufacturing due to properties like durability, light weight and low cost. Plastics have various applications in industries like automotive, food packaging and construction. The paper also mentions challenges of plastic waste and efforts towards recycling.
The document discusses awareness against polythene bags and provides an overview of plastics, bioplastics, and their applications. It notes that traditional plastics are made from oil and are difficult to decompose, while bioplastics are derived from renewable resources and can biodegrade. The use of bioplastics is growing due to concerns about climate change and waste reduction. The document outlines the bioplastics production process, applications in various industries, and disposal methods after use.
Plastic waste is a growing problem, with an estimated 3 million tonnes produced annually in India alone. Currently only 7% is recycled. Various types of plastics are identified by numbers 1-7 based on their chemical makeup. The top two recycled types are PETE (1) and HDPE (2) which can be used to make new bottles and other products. While recycling saves energy and resources over producing new plastic, it also faces challenges like cost, contamination between types, and potential health issues from recycled materials. Researchers are working on ways to use waste plastic as a fuel source without pollution as an alternative to dumping in landfills. Individual actions like refusing plastic straws and reusing containers can help reduce plastic waste
Over the past few years numerous campaigns have attempted to reduce our reliance on plastic. Recently attention has moved from supermarket plastic bags to drink straws and bottle manufacturers.
But has plastic been unfairly demonised? Might bio-derived, biodegradable plastics be kinder to the environment and acceptable to consumers or do these alternatives do more harm than good?
In this webinar, Julie Hill, explores the dilemmas, myths, science and unanswered questions surrounding our use of plastics, drawing on work done by the Green Alliance and WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme).
LDPE Moisture Barrier Bag Suppliers, Manufacturers IndiaSORBEAD INDIA
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer made from the monomer ethylene. LDPE has an open, flexible structure that makes it strong yet pliable. It is commonly used for plastic bags, food packaging, and other applications where flexibility is important. LDPE can be recycled by melting it to remove contaminants and reforming it into thin plastic sheets for use by manufacturers.
Plastics are organic polymers that are typically derived from petrochemicals but can also come from renewable sources like corn or cotton. They have displaced many traditional materials due to their low cost, ease of manufacture, and durability. Common plastics include polyethylene, polyester, polycarbonate, and polyurethane, which are used in products like bottles, fibers, electronics cases, and foams. Plastics can be classified by their chemical structure and production process and include both thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers.
plastic waste management 226 a perspectiveArvind Kumar
This document summarizes information about plastic waste management and e-waste management. It discusses the types and sources of plastic waste, issues with plastic waste in India like child labor in collection and import of waste without proper technology. It also discusses e-waste including sources and composition of e-waste, partnerships for e-waste management, and the growing e-waste problem in India.
The document discusses biodegradable polymers and their importance as an alternative to conventional plastics. It provides background on biodegradable polymers, describing how they are defined and how they differ from conventional plastics in being able to break down from the action of microorganisms. The document outlines the main types of biodegradable polymers, their applications in packaging, agriculture, and medical sectors, and how some automakers are starting to use biodegradable composites in vehicles.
Plastic is a general term for synthetic polymers that can be molded into solid objects. The first plastic, Parkesine, was created in 1862 from cellulose. Plastics are made from polymers formed through addition, condensation, or addition polymerization reactions from raw materials like monomers, plasticizers, and fillers. The two main types are thermoplastics, which soften when heated and harden when cooled, and thermoset plastics, which harden permanently after heating. Common plastics include polyethylene, PVC, PVA, and bakelite. Plastics are used widely due to properties like light weight, corrosion resistance, strength, and insulation.
This document discusses packaging and stability requirements for pharmaceuticals. It covers topics such as the purpose of pharmaceutical packaging in protecting drugs and ensuring stability. Various primary and secondary packaging materials are described, including glass, plastic and closures. The document also discusses packaging for different dosage forms like solids, liquids and medical devices. Key considerations for packaging include protection, compatibility, safety and performance. Packaging must meet regulations and standards to ensure drug quality and stability.
The document provides a history of polymer development from 1833 to the present. It notes key events and discoveries such as:
- 1833 - Coining of the term "polymer" by Berzelius
- 1920 - Staudinger proposes the macromolecular theory of polymers
- 1930s - Development of plastics as an industry with the discovery of polymers like polyethylene, nylon, and polystyrene
- 1940s - Polymers play a key role in World War 2 and postwar applications emerge in textiles, toys, packaging
- 1950s - Synthetic fibers and plastics enter widespread domestic and commercial use
- 1960s/70s - Innovation in polymer color, design, and
The document discusses different types of plastics including thermoplastics and thermosettings. Thermoplastics can be softened when heated and reshaped, while thermosettings are set permanently by heat. Common thermoplastics include polypropylene, acrylic, and nylon, which have various uses such as chairs, combs, and carrier bags. The document also outlines different plastic manufacturing and joining processes, such as injection molding, vacuum forming, adhesive bonding, riveting, and using nuts, bolts, and washers. Plastics have properties like being lightweight, tough, and resistant to electricity flow.
Many materials in day to day use are made from natural and synthetic polymers as constituents. Polymer based industries are products of research and development.
Plastics & it’s impact on the environment and health. Plastics are synthetic polymers derived mainly from petroleum and natural gas. While plastics are durable and inexpensive, they release harmful chemicals when broken down and cause significant pollution. Plastics do not biodegrade and accumulate as microplastics in the environment, harming wildlife and entering the food chain. Common plastic pollutants like BPA and phthalates have been linked to health issues like heart disease, infertility and cancer. To reduce risks, alternatives to plastic for food storage and minimizing single-use plastics are recommended.
The document discusses recycling of packaging materials. It provides information on different packaging materials like paper, plastic, glass, metals and their decomposition times. It also discusses the various techniques used for recycling these materials including reuse, physical/mechanical, and chemical recycling. Safety issues for using recycled materials for food packaging are also summarized. The document emphasizes the benefits of recycling in terms of resource and energy conservation.
This document discusses characterizing postconsumer resin (PCR) plastic through materials analysis to support increased recycling and reuse of plastics. It describes challenges with plastic waste and recycling efforts. Thermal and mechanical analysis techniques like DSC and DMA can provide detailed information on PCR properties to help manage variability and ensure suitability for applications. These analyses examine thermal behavior and properties under strain. Characterizing PCR can help increase recycled content in new plastics and support the development of a circular plastics economy.
Plastic recycling is the process of recovering scrap or waste plastic and reprocessing it into useful products. There are several reasons for plastic recycling including reducing waste in landfills, reclaiming the energy used to originally make the plastic, and reducing environmental damage from incineration. The plastic recycling process involves collection, cleaning, sorting, size reduction, melting, extrusion, cooling, pelletization and then manufacturing new products using injection molding, blow molding or film blowing. Scientists are also researching biodegradable plastics that can help reduce waste and environmental impacts compared to traditional recycling methods.
Amcor: packaging sustainability webinar, May 28th 2019Roi Perez
As brands strive to make responsible business decisions, how can you sort through the packaging myths and buzzwords to devise a more sustainable packaging strategy? With soon-to-arrive legislation, recyclability pledges, and growing consumer demand, brands and retailers need to be equipped with the right information.
In this free webinar, Gerald Rebitzer, Amcor Flexibles Sustainability Director will discuss:
- The most common packaging myths and truths
Sustainability-focused regulations and legislation that are on the horizon
- Why recyclability is not the only criteria for your packaging’s sustainability – key sustainability attributes for your packaging
- Learn your bio-based, from your biodegradable to your compostable – sustainable packaging 101
- How a brand’s packaging sustainability progress can be shared with consumers
https://www.amcor.com/
Plastics: An Economical Synthesis of Aesthetics and FunctionAr. Md Shahroz Alam
The document discusses plastics, including:
1. Plastics are polymers that can be molded into various shapes and are made from petroleum products and other raw materials.
2. There are two main types of plastics - thermoplastics, which can be remelted and reformed, and thermosets, which cannot be remelted once formed.
3. Common plastics include polyethylene, PVC, polystyrene, and nylon. Plastics have a wide range of applications from packaging to construction due to their properties like durability, insulation, and light weight.
Here we will see the classifications, Collection, Handling & Sorting, different methods of sorting of plastics
About Biodegradable polymers, how to use it and reuse it
This document is a term paper submitted by Swami Mrityunjay for his course MEC-208 at Lovely Professional University. The paper acknowledges the support and guidance of his guide Mr. Anuj and the LPU staff. The paper discusses plastics and their importance in engineering products. It provides examples of engineering plastics such as ABS, polycarbonate, and nylons. It explains how plastics are important in manufacturing due to properties like durability, light weight and low cost. Plastics have various applications in industries like automotive, food packaging and construction. The paper also mentions challenges of plastic waste and efforts towards recycling.
The document discusses awareness against polythene bags and provides an overview of plastics, bioplastics, and their applications. It notes that traditional plastics are made from oil and are difficult to decompose, while bioplastics are derived from renewable resources and can biodegrade. The use of bioplastics is growing due to concerns about climate change and waste reduction. The document outlines the bioplastics production process, applications in various industries, and disposal methods after use.
Plastic waste is a growing problem, with an estimated 3 million tonnes produced annually in India alone. Currently only 7% is recycled. Various types of plastics are identified by numbers 1-7 based on their chemical makeup. The top two recycled types are PETE (1) and HDPE (2) which can be used to make new bottles and other products. While recycling saves energy and resources over producing new plastic, it also faces challenges like cost, contamination between types, and potential health issues from recycled materials. Researchers are working on ways to use waste plastic as a fuel source without pollution as an alternative to dumping in landfills. Individual actions like refusing plastic straws and reusing containers can help reduce plastic waste
Over the past few years numerous campaigns have attempted to reduce our reliance on plastic. Recently attention has moved from supermarket plastic bags to drink straws and bottle manufacturers.
But has plastic been unfairly demonised? Might bio-derived, biodegradable plastics be kinder to the environment and acceptable to consumers or do these alternatives do more harm than good?
In this webinar, Julie Hill, explores the dilemmas, myths, science and unanswered questions surrounding our use of plastics, drawing on work done by the Green Alliance and WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme).
Plastic production has increased tremendously since 1900, reaching over 100 million tons per year globally. While plastic is durable, inexpensive and useful for many applications, its production creates pollution and plastic waste persists for centuries in landfills and the environment. Increased recycling efforts are needed to reduce plastic waste, though challenges remain in recycling technologies and developing infrastructure and policies to support greater recycling. The future of plastics depends on reducing usage where possible and developing more sustainable alternatives through research on other materials.
This document summarizes a student project on polymers. It includes 5 activities exploring properties of polymers like absorption, molecular weight, and strength. It tests how polymers like polyacrylamide, polyethylene, and polyvinyl acetate absorb liquids. It finds that higher molecular weight polymers have greater tensile strength. It designs a humidity sensor using polyvinyl acetate and an indicator. The final project tests how heat affects plastics like polystyrene, polyethylene, and PET, finding their melting points and that they release harmful gases at high temperatures, making them unsuitable for hot food and drinks. It recommends alternatives and acknowledges sponsors for their support of the learning experience.
Fuel from waste plastic by pyrolysis
Plastic is used [ PP, HDPE, LDPE, PS] .
By :
1-Ali Jumaah Thamer
2-Ali Kadhim Morwad
3- Muslim Kareem
4-Omar Montaser
Iraq-Basra
Plastic-Pollution1 Plastic Management: Strategies for Sustainable Solutions....aabhishekkushwaha9
Title: Plastic Management: Strategies for Sustainable Solutions
Abstract:
Plastic pollution has become a pressing global issue, with severe environmental, economic, and health consequences. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses reduction, recycling, innovation, policy reform, and public engagement. This essay explores various aspects of plastic management, including the current state of plastic pollution, the impact on ecosystems and human health, existing management strategies, and emerging solutions for a sustainable future.
Introduction:
Plastic has become an integral part of modern life, revolutionizing industries and consumer products. However, its widespread use has led to significant environmental degradation, with millions of tons of plastic entering oceans, rivers, and landfills every year. Plastic pollution poses threats to marine life, terrestrial ecosystems, and human health, highlighting the urgent need for effective management strategies.
Understanding Plastic Pollution:
Plastic pollution is a complex issue driven by multiple factors, including excessive production, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and improper disposal practices. Single-use plastics, in particular, contribute significantly to pollution due to their short lifespan and limited recycling options. Plastic debris accumulates in the environment, posing entanglement risks to wildlife and leaching toxic chemicals into ecosystems.
Environmental and Health Impacts:
The environmental impacts of plastic pollution are far-reaching, affecting biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem functioning. Marine animals ingest plastic debris, leading to internal injuries, starvation, and death. Microplastics, small particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items, are pervasive in water bodies and soil, posing risks to aquatic organisms and potentially entering the food chain. Moreover, plastics contain additives and pollutants that can leach into the environment, posing risks to human health through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure.
Current Plastic Management Practices:
Plastic management involves a combination of waste reduction, recycling, and regulation. Many countries have implemented policies such as plastic bag bans, extended producer responsibility schemes, and deposit-return systems to reduce plastic consumption and promote recycling. Recycling infrastructure varies globally, with some regions having advanced facilities capable of processing various types of plastics, while others lack adequate capacity, leading to landfilling or incineration.
Challenges and Limitations:
Despite efforts to manage plastic pollution, several challenges persist. Technical limitations, such as the difficulty of recycling certain types of plastics and the contamination of recyclable materials, hinder effective waste management. Economic factors, including the low market value of recycled plastics compared to virgin mat
Beryl is interning at a plastic manufacturing factory and is asked to help design a new plastic shopping bag that can carry heavy loads while being light and inexpensive. To test the strength of a proposed material, Beryl outlines an experiment using Young's Modulus to measure how the material stretches under different weights by creating strips of the plastic, attaching weights, and measuring the extension. The results would be plotted on a stress-strain graph to determine the material's Young's Modulus and suitability for plastic shopping bags.
The document is a final report for a project selecting a polymer material for a beverage bottle. It includes sections on materials selection, statistical analysis, material properties testing, sustainability analysis, physical tests, impact testing, and economic feasibility. Three polymers were chosen for testing: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinylchloride (PVC). A variety of tests will be conducted on the materials to determine which polymer best meets the requirements of withstanding drops, being manufacturable at scale, and having the best combination of material properties, sustainability, and cost.
Plastic-Pollution ,plastics and the contamination of recyclable materials, hi...aabhishekkushwaha9
Title: Plastic Management: Strategies for Sustainable Solutions
Abstract:
Plastic pollution has become a pressing global issue, with severe environmental, economic, and health consequences. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses reduction, recycling, innovation, policy reform, and public engagement. This essay explores various aspects of plastic management, including the current state of plastic pollution, the impact on ecosystems and human health, existing management strategies, and emerging solutions for a sustainable future.
Introduction:
Plastic has become an integral part of modern life, revolutionizing industries and consumer products. However, its widespread use has led to significant environmental degradation, with millions of tons of plastic entering oceans, rivers, and landfills every year. Plastic pollution poses threats to marine life, terrestrial ecosystems, and human health, highlighting the urgent need for effective management strategies.
Understanding Plastic Pollution:
Plastic pollution is a complex issue driven by multiple factors, including excessive production, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and improper disposal practices. Single-use plastics, in particular, contribute significantly to pollution due to their short lifespan and limited recycling options. Plastic debris accumulates in the environment, posing entanglement risks to wildlife and leaching toxic chemicals into ecosystems.
Environmental and Health Impacts:
The environmental impacts of plastic pollution are far-reaching, affecting biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem functioning. Marine animals ingest plastic debris, leading to internal injuries, starvation, and death. Microplastics, small particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items, are pervasive in water bodies and soil, posing risks to aquatic organisms and potentially entering the food chain. Moreover, plastics contain additives and pollutants that can leach into the environment, posing risks to human health through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure.
Current Plastic Management Practices:
Plastic management involves a combination of waste reduction, recycling, and regulation. Many countries have implemented policies such as plastic bag bans, extended producer responsibility schemes, and deposit-return systems to reduce plastic consumption and promote recycling. Recycling infrastructure varies globally, with some regions having advanced facilities capable of processing various types of plastics, while others lack adequate capacity, leading to landfilling or incineration.
Challenges and Limitations:
Despite efforts to manage plastic pollution, several challenges persist. Technical limitations, such as the difficulty of recycling certain types of plastics and the contamination of recyclable materials, hinder effective waste management. Economic factors, including the low market value of recycled plastics compared to virgin mat
Production Fuel From Waste Plastic By Pyrolysis (Theoretical part)Alitek97
In our experiments, commercially available shredded plastics were procured and washed before pyrolysis. Pyrolysis it is one of the most favorable and effective disposing methods, the process is an environmentally friendly and efficient way to eliminate the effect of plastic. Pyrolysis is the thermal degradation of solid wastes at high temperatures (250- 325℃) in the absence of air (and oxygen). The main process given below:
1. Identification of waste plastics. (PE/PP/PS/LDPE/HDPE)
2. Crash and cut the plastic for the pyrolysis process
3. Condensation of the gas to obtain raw fuel.
4. Collect the sample and perform tests to identify the kinds of fuel produced.
Strategies for Effective Upskilling is a presentation by Chinwendu Peace in a Your Skill Boost Masterclass organisation by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan on 08th and 09th June 2024 from 1 PM to 3 PM on each day.
This slide is special for master students (MIBS & MIFB) in UUM. Also useful for readers who are interested in the topic of contemporary Islamic banking.
Physiology and chemistry of skin and pigmentation, hairs, scalp, lips and nail, Cleansing cream, Lotions, Face powders, Face packs, Lipsticks, Bath products, soaps and baby product,
Preparation and standardization of the following : Tonic, Bleaches, Dentifrices and Mouth washes & Tooth Pastes, Cosmetics for Nails.
বাংলাদেশের অর্থনৈতিক সমীক্ষা ২০২৪ [Bangladesh Economic Review 2024 Bangla.pdf] কম্পিউটার , ট্যাব ও স্মার্ট ফোন ভার্সন সহ সম্পূর্ণ বাংলা ই-বুক বা pdf বই " সুচিপত্র ...বুকমার্ক মেনু 🔖 ও হাইপার লিংক মেনু 📝👆 যুক্ত ..
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1. 2-3
40-
to 50-minute sessi
ons
B-65
ACTIVITY OVERVIEW
In this activity students determine the chemical and physical properties of four plas-
tics. They then test a “mystery” sample to find out what it is. Based on the plastics’
chemical and physical properties, students relate possible uses for each plastic to its
properties.
KEY CONCEPTS AND PROCESS SKILLS
(with correlation to NSE 5–8 Content Standards)
1. Plastics can be identified based on their physical properties, including flexibility,
hardness, and density. (PhysSci: 1)
2. The properties of a material determine how it can be used. (PhysSci: 1)
3. Making decisions about complex issues often involves trade-offs. (Perspectives: 4)
4. Scientists think critically and logically to make the relationship between evidence
and explanation. (Inquiry: 1)
KEY VOCABULARY
chemical property
physical property
plastic
relative density
18Properties of Plastics
LA BO RAT
O
RY
2. MATERIALS AND ADVANCE PREPARATION
For the teacher
32 vials with caps
8 packets of table salt
ethanol
* water
10-mL graduated cylinder
2 strips each of:
blue polypropylene (PP)
green polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
red high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
yellow polystyrene (PS)
8 strips each of four unknown plastics (clear, black, orange, white)
1 bottle of acetone
* 1 glass container (beaker, petri dish, or jar)
* 1 heat lamp, hairdryer, or other heat source
* 1 metal ring stand and clamp (or similar setup)
* 2 wood strips or glass slides
* 1 pair of heavy-duty scissors (optional)
* 1 overhead projector
* paper towels
1 Transparency 18.1, ”Four Common Plastics”
1 Transparency 18.2, “Some Common Plastics and Synthetic Fibers
1 Transparency 18.3, “2005 U.S. Plastics Production”
1 Transparency 18.4, “Plastic Recycling Codes”
Scoring Guide: ANALYZING DATA (AD) and/or
Scoring Guide: EVIDENCE AND TRADE-OFFS (ET)
For each group of four students
* 1 petri dish or other container to hold set of plastic strips and plastic
squares
1 strip and square each of:
blue polypropylene (PP)
green polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
red high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
yellow polystyrene (PS)
unknown plastic (orange, clear, black, or white)
1 30-mL graduated cup
1 vial of alcohol
1 vial of water
1 vial of alcohol-water mixture
1 vial of saltwater
Activity 18 • Properties of Plastics
B-66
3. Properties of Plastics • Activity 18
B-67
1 15-mL bottle of hydrochloric acid
1 paper clip
1 pair of plastic forceps
* 1 additional plastic strip from plastic containers brought from home
(optional)
For each student
1 Student Sheet 18.1, “Properties of Different Plastics” (optional)
* 1 pair of safety goggles
1 copy of Scoring Guide: ANALYZING DATA (AD) (optional) and/or
1 copy of Scoring Guide: EVIDENCE AND TRADE-OFFS (ET) (optional)
*Not supplied in kit
Masters for Scoring Guides are in Teacher Resources III: Assessment.
For each group, prepare a set of four labeled vials, each containing one of the follow-
ing solutions: alcohol, water, alcohol-water, and saltwater.
Alcohol: fill with 8mL of denatured alcohol (ethanol)
Alcohol–water: fill with 4mL of alcohol and 4 mL of water
Water: fill with 8mL of water
Saltwater: fill with 8mL of water and one packet of salt.
Place the blue, green, red, and yellow plastic strips and squares for each group in a
small container for easy distribution. You will distribute the orange, clear, black, and
white plastic pieces when the students begin Part B of the Procedure. Be prepared to
provide fresh strips for each group.
Set up the equipment for the effects-of-heat test and effects-of-acetone test before class.
You may want to start these demonstrations as described in Teaching Suggestion 2 that
there will be observable differences in the plastic pieces to show the class in Teaching
Suggestion 3.
To demonstrate the effects-of-heat test you will need to set up a ring stand with a heat
source attached to it. Use a heat-lamp apparatus or a hair dryer as the heat source.
Clamp the four plastic strips to the ring stand, and with two strips of wood or two glass
slides sandwich the ends of the strips flat in the ring stand. A diagram of the setup is
shown below.
2461 LabAids SEPUP IAPS TG
Figure: PhysTG B 18.01
4. Activity 18 • Properties of Plastics
B-68
Students can test additional plastics by bringing in clean, empty plastic containers
from home. You can then use scissors to cut plastic strips for testing. Because of the
shape and sturdiness of many plastic containers, cutting strips can be time-consum-
ing and possibly hazardous were students to do the cutting. If you are planning to
have students test additional strips, be sure to prepare them in advance. Containers
for shampoos, medicines, milk, soft drinks, juices, or other foods are best. Be sure to
eliminate the recycling code on the containers from the samples. The recycling code
shows a number that identifies the type of plastic, as shown on Transparency 18.4,
“Plastic Recycling Codes.”
SAFETY
Students should wear safety glasses during this investigation. It is recommended that
students wear protective plastic gloves when working with caustics, such as
hydrochloric acid. Note, however, that the concentration that is used in this activity is
low enough that wearing gloves is not imperative. Check your school’s and district’s
safety requirements to determine if you must provide them in this activity.
Acetone is an extremely flammable liquid. Keep acetone and its bottle away from
heat, sparks, and open flames. Acetone will degrade most plastic containers except
polypropylene and polyethylene. Use acetone with adequate ventilation. Avoid
inhalation, ingestion, or repeated skin contact.
TEACHING SUMMARY
Getting Started
1. Discuss the useful properties of plastic.
Doing the Activity
2. Students investigate the properties of four plastics.
3. Students test the chemical and physical properties of an unknown plastic .
Follow-Up
4. (AD ASSESSMENT) The class discusses how the properties of plastics affect their use
and applies evidence to identify the unknown plastic sample.
5. Properties of Plastics • Activity 18
B-69
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Plastics
The first completely synthetic plastics to be commercially produced were those made
from phenol and formaldehyde. Leo Baekeland developed the chemical process in
1907 which created “Bakelite,” the first synthetic plastic. Phenolic plastics eventually
led to the development of urea and thiourea, which were used to make such products
as foam rubber cushions and melamine laminate furniture. As petroleum became a
major source of polymers the development of plastics through the 20th century accel-
erated and organic chemists invented sophisticated techniques that allowed them to
tailor a plastic for a specific purpose.
Today, most synthetic plastics are produced from oil or natural gas. Crude oil is com-
posed of hydrocarbons that vary in length and configuration and, as a result, have
different properties. To separate these hydrocarbons, chemists heat crude oil to
400˚C. Because the various hydrocarbons have different boiling points, they con-
dense at different temperatures. For example, naptha, a liquid, is made up mostly of
molecules containing 8–12 carbon atoms, and it condenses at 150˚C. Gases, includ-
ing ethane, methane, and propane, generally have 1–4 carbon atoms and condense
at 110˚C. The smaller hydrocarbons, particularly ethane (which is converted into eth-
ylene), are used for the manufacture of a whole variety of polymers, which will be
treated in more depth in later activities. About 84% of a typical barrel of crude oil is
converted to fuels that are burned for heating or to gasoline and jet fuel. Less than 3%
of the oil goes into the synthesis of plastics.
Even though the manufacture of most plastics begins with just carbon and hydrogen,
other elements can be involved. Oxygen, chlorine, fluorine, nitrogen, silicon, phos-
phorous, and sulfur are added to hydrocarbon chains to create certain plastics. Poly-
ethylene (PET) contains only hydrogen and carbon, while tetrafluoroethylene, better
known as Teflon, contains fluorine in place of the hydrogen atoms.
There are two categories of plastics:
1. Thermoplastics are those that can be continually and repeatedly formed and
reshaped with the application of heat and pressure. About 85% of all plastics pro-
duced are thermoplastics. Most recyclable plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropy-
lene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride are thermoplastics.
2. Thermosets are those that cannot be reshaped once they are formed. This is usually
because those plastics have been cross-linked, and the cross-linked bonds cannot be
broken. About 15% of all plastics produced are thermosets. Examples include poly-
ester, polyurethane, and epoxy resins such as silicone.
REFERENCES
American Plastics Council. PIPS Year-end Statistics for 2005. Production, Sales, and
Captive Use. Plastic Industry Producers’ Statistics Group. Retrieved January 2007 from
www.americanplasticscouncil.org/s_apc/docs/1700/1678.pdf.
6. Activity 18 • Properties of Plastics
B-70
TEACHING SUGGESTIONS
GETTING STARTED
1. Discuss the useful properties of plastic.
Ask each student to name a product made of plas-
tic. Next ask, What makes plastic a useful material?
Develop a list of students’ responses. Some possible
answers are that plastics are lightweight, strong,
long lasting (durable), flexible, and available in all
sorts of shapes and colors. Point out that often one
plastic item has properties that are not shared by
another plastic item. For example, the clear plastic
wrapping on items such as CDs is easy to tear, while
plastic detergent bottles are fairly sturdy. This sug-
gests that there are different types of plastic, each
with its own physical properties.
Emphasize that physical properties of a substance
are characteristics that can be observed without
seeing how it reacts chemically with other sub-
stances. Make a list of some physical properties that
might distinguish plastics from other materials.
Prompt students to think back to the materials they
considered for drink containers in Activity 12, “Eval-
uating Materials,” and Activity 13, “ Life Cycle of a
Material.” Ask, If you were going to manufacture a
product such as a drink container, why might you
make it out of plastic? To this students may respond
that containers made of plastic are strong, durable,
flexible, and lightweight. They might also add that
it comes in many colors. Then ask, What are some
physical properties of plastics? Possible responses
include that they are hard, solid, flexible, and light
in weight. Point out that they are in fact relatively
low in density (mass per volume) compared to glass
and most metals. If students suggest color, point out
that it is not a physical property of the material
itself. Reiterate that most things made of plastic can
be dyed any color. Because of this, color is not an
inherent physical property for characterizing plas-
tics. In this activity, students will identify the prop-
erties of four different types of plastics.
DOING THE ACTIVITY
2. Students investigate the properties of four
plastics
Tell students they will investigate some of the chem-
ical and physical properties of four plastics. They
will use these characteristics to distinguish one type
of plastic from another and then use their data to
identify an unknown, or “mystery,” plastic. Explain
to students that their investigations involve a vari-
ety of chemicals and equipment. Review classroom
safety guidelines.
Go over how to pronounce each of the four types of
plastics. Display Transparency 18.1, “Four Common
Plastics.” Explain that the four pieces they will test
fall into one of these four types. There are many
more types, but these are the four major types they
will investigate. Point out the color coding that has
been done so students visually can tell one piece
from the next.
Review the physical and chemical properties listed
in Table 1, “Testing Properties of Plastics,” in the
Student Book. Explain to students that since plastics
can be molded and dyed, the shape and color of a
plastic is not characteristic of the type of plastic.
Review the information in the table that describes
how to test the properties of the plastic samples.
This activity provides the opportunity for students
to construct their own data table. You may decide as
a class or in groups of four the best data table for-
mat, which will reinforce students’ ability to design
a data table. Depending on the developmental
appropriateness, however, you may choose for stu-
dents to use optional Student Sheet 18.1, “Properties
of Different Plastics,” to record the results of their
tests.
As necessary, review the tests that students will con-
duct. One additional test, for which the materials
have been supplied, but that is not described in the
student book, is the affect of hydrochloric acid. To
conduct this test, show students how to drop 2 drops
of the acid on each of the strips of plastic. After
observing if the acid and the plastic react, students
should dip the plastic in water to rinse it, and dry it
with a paper towel.
7. Properties of Plastics • Activity 18
B-71
While students are completing their tests, demon-
strate for the class the effects of acetone and heat on
the four known plastics as described in the Materi-
als and Advance Preparation section. Students
should notice that polystyrene bends the most in
response to heat, followed by polyvinyl chloride.
Polypropylene and high-density polyethylene are
unaffected. Polystyrene is soluble in acetone and
may swell and become very loose and stretchy. The
polyvinyl chloride will react to acetone in the same
way but to a lesser degree. Sample results for all
tests are shown in the table below.
Testing the Effect of Heat on Different Plastics
Clamp the four plastic strips to the ring stand as
shown below. Use two strips of wood (or two glass
slides) to sandwich the ends of the strips. Use a heat
lamp or hair dryer to test the effect of heat on the
plastics. Turn the heat source on the samples for at
least 10 minutes, making sure that the heat falls
evenly on all four strips. You may begin the test
while students are completing their own investiga-
tions, or you may have them observe the entire test
as you conduct it.
If you use a heat lamp (or 150–200 watt light bulb)
with a reflector as your heat source, the reflector
must have a ceramic base. Be careful when han-
dling these items; they can become very hot. An
illustration of the setup is shown in Advanced
Preparation above.
Testing the Effect of Acetone on Different Plastics
Pour a small amount of acetone into a glass con-
tainer, using enough to cover half the length of a
plastic strip. (Because acetone quickly evaporates
and diffuses through a room, you should wait to
pour the acetone until right before you conduct the
acetone test, and cover the container while con-
ducting the test.) Place one strip of each of the four
plastics in the acetone for at least five minutes. After
five minutes, remove the strips from the acetone
and place them on a paper towel in a well venti-
lated area away from any flames or sources of com-
bustion. Students can then examine the strips.
Sample Results, Student Sheet 18.1, “Properties of Different Plastics”
Polypropylene
(PP)
Polyvinyl chloride
(PVC)
High-density
polyethylene (HDPE)
Polystyrene
(PS)
Plastic is color-coded Blue Green Red Yellow
Flexibility Fairly flexible Very flexible Fairly flexible Not very flexible
Crease color Slightly white Still green Still red White
Hardness Gets scratched Gets scratched Gets scratched Gets scratched
Density relative to alcohol Sinks Sinks Sinks Sinks
Density relative to alcohol-
water mixture
Floats Sinks Sinks Sinks
Density relative to water Floats Sinks Floats Sinks
Density relative to saltwater Floats Sinks Floats Floats
Effect of acetone None Softens None Softens greatly
Effect of heat None Bends None Bends greatly
Reaction with HCl None None None None
8. Activity 18 • Properties of Plastics
B-72
3. Students test the chemical and physical
properties of an unknown plastic.
Tell students that they will now receive samples of a
mystery plastic. This plastic has been dyed a color
different than the four original samples. Not all
groups will be receiving samples of the same color.
Ask the student groups to decide which of the tests
used in this investigation they will conduct to iden-
tify the plastic, as described in Procedure Step 4.
Then they should design a data table to record their
results.
After students have constructed their data tables,
give each group a sample of one of the unknown
plastics, and allow them to conduct their tests. They
should check their results with the information they
recorded for each strip in their data table, “Proper-
ties of Plastics,” to determine the type of the mystery
plastic. If they do not have adequate information,
encourage groups to conduct additional tests until
they are able to identify the mystery plastic.
The color key that follows will help you check the
results of students’ tests. The results for each plastic
are shown in the table “Properties of Different Plas-
tics” in Teaching Step 2.
Students are not given this color key.
Key to Plastic Types
FOLLOW-UP
4. (AD ASSESSMENT) The class discusses how the
properties of plastics affect their use and
applies evidence to identify the unknown
plastic sample.
Ask students to identify the similarities and differ-
ences among the plastics they tested. Some of the
similarities, which may not be obvious to students,
are shown in their results in their tables, “Properties
of Different Plastics.” The plastics tested are fairly
low in density, somewhat flexible, scratch easily,
and are easily molded and dyed. In Analysis Ques-
tions 1 and 2 students are asked to identify specific
properties and to back their answers with their test
results.
Summarize the activity by highlighting the fact that
plastics are materials that can be shaped. The word
plastic itself comes from the Greek word plastikos
that refers to the ability to be molded or shaped.
Suggest the following as a working definition for
plastics: Plastics are a group of materials manufac-
tured primarily from petroleum and natural gas.
Many plastics are used to create products because
they can easily be formed, dyed, and molded into
any shape.
Begin by asking students, Which of the four types of
plastic you tested do you think is used most today
and why? Students may postulate that polystyrene
is used extensively because of its relative inflexibil-
ity, which could make it more sturdy and good for
forming food containers. They might also say that
low-density polyethylene would be used a lot to
hold certain chemical substances since it does not
weaken in acetone. To give students an idea of the
myriad types and names of common plastics and
those that are produced in the greatest numbers,
project Transparency 18.2, “Some Common Plastics
and Synthetic Fibers,” and Transparency 18.3,
“2005 U.S. Plastics Production.” You may choose to
ask the class to summarize the information shown
on Transparency 18.3 as an exercise in interpreting
data contained in a table.
Point out that it is not usually easy to tell one plastic
from another by simply looking. One way plastic
Plastic Type
Color of identified
plastic strip
Color of
“unknown”
plastic strip
Polypropylene
(PP)
blue clear
Polyvinyl
chloride (PVC)
green orange
High-density
polyethylene
(HDPE)
red black
Polystyrene
(PS)
yellow
white
9. Properties of Plastics • Activity 18
B-73
manufacturers indicate the type of plastic is
imprinting its recycling code somewhere on the
product. Project transparency 18.4, “Plastic Recy-
cling Codes,” to show students the codes for types of
plastic containers. By finding this number on the
container, they will be able to easily identify the
type of plastic it is made of.
For Analysis Question 3, students’ responses will
depend on which plastic sample that they are given
to identify. They should support their identification
with their test results and then compare the physi-
cal properties of the unknown with the four known
plastic types investigated in Part A. Check their
responses for consistency between the properties of
the plastic and its identification. Use the ANALYZING
DATA (AD) Scoring Guide to provide feedback on
students answers. A sample Level 3 response is pro-
vided below.
Analysis Question 4 serves as a review of the con-
cept of relative density first developed in Issues and
Physical Science, Unit A, Activity 7, “Properties of
Solids.” You might find it useful to put one of each of
the plastic squares in each of the liquids to provide a
visual as students answer this question. Then lining
up the liquids as they are shown in the diagram will
help students determine which liquid is the most
dense and which it is the least dense.
EXTENSION
To further explore and identify kinds of plastics you
can have students test samples they bring from
home. Some students may be frustrated to find that
some of the samples do not exactly fit the properties
found with the pure sample strips from the kit. Tell
them that plastic products often contain additives,
such as fillers, plasticizers (which make them more
flexible), stabilizers, and lubricants that may alter
the properties. If students cannot make an exact
match from their data, they should select the plas-
tic that their sample resembles most closely.
SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
1 Using evidence from your table, “Properties of Plas-
tics,” identify the plastics which were scratched. How
will this property affect their use?
All of the plastics were scratched.
2. Below is a scale showing the relative density of the
four liquids you used to determine the density of the
plastics.
a. Which plastic sample was the most dense?
Explain your evidence.
Polyvinylchloride (PVC) is the densest
because it sinks in saltwater, the densest solu-
tion. The others float in saltwater.
b. Which plastic sample is the least dense? Explain
your evidence.
Polypropylene is the least dense because it
floats in the alcohol/water mixture, and all
of the other samples sink.
c. In your science notebook, make a copy of the
scale shown above. On it draw a labeled arrow
that shows where each plastic fits on this scale of
relative density.
3. (AD ASSESSMENT) What type of plastic is your
mystery sample? Explain the evidence you used to
come to this conclusion.
Level 3 Response
The white unknown sample is polystyrene. It is
not very flexible, the crease color is white, and it
sinks in water and water-alcohol mixture, but
floats in saltwater. Further testing showed that
the unknown plastic piece is softened greatly by
acetone and bends greatly when heat is applied.
It was also observed that it gets scratched, but
all of the plastics shown in the table do, so this
test doesn’t help determine which type of plastic
it is.
2561 LabAids SEPUP IAPS SB
Figure: PhysTG B 18.02
LegacySansMedium 10/11.5
0.80
Alcohol
1.10
Saltwater
1.00
Water
0.90
Alcohol/water
Relative density
PP HDPE PS PVC
10. Activity 18 • Properties of Plastics
B-74
4. You are a materials scientist asked to rec-
ommend a type of plastic for manufacturing three
products. Using the information in your table,
“Properties of Plastics,” choose the best plastic for
each of the following products. Be sure to include evi-
dence from the activity in your answer.
a. nail polish (high in acetone)container
Polypropylene or high-density polyethylene
because they are not affected in acetone
since it needs to not soften when containing
acetone.
b. dishwasher-safe food container
Polypropylene or high-density polyethylene
because they are not affected by heat, and a
dishwasher-safe container needs to be able to
withstand high temperatures.
c. sports drink container
High-density polyethylene because it does
not crease, and is not affected by heat. So if
the drink bottle sits in the sun it will not be
affected.