Scribd
Upload
71 views1 page

Polymer Disposal Challenges

This document discusses polymers, their production from crude oil, and various methods of disposal and recycling. It notes that polymers are large molecules made of joined monomers, and are often non-biodegradable. It also outlines some of the advantages and disadvantages of landfill disposal, incineration, and recycling as options. Recycling reduces disposal problems and crude oil usage but requires separating different polymers, which can be difficult and expensive.

Uploaded by

G s Reddy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
71 views1 page

Polymer Disposal Challenges

This document discusses polymers, their production from crude oil, and various methods of disposal and recycling. It notes that polymers are large molecules made of joined monomers, and are often non-biodegradable. It also outlines some of the advantages and disadvantages of landfill disposal, incineration, and recycling as options. Recycling reduces disposal problems and crude oil usage but requires separating different polymers, which can be difficult and expensive.

Uploaded by

G s Reddy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Alkenes can be used to make polymers.

Different polymers must be separated first


Difficult Polymers are very large molecules made when many smaller
molecules join together, end-to-end. The smaller molecules
are called monomers.

Making
Recycling Disadvantages
Crude oil is running out

Crude oil is a non-renewable source


Expensive Made from crude oil

Problems with Polymers


Waste polymers are disposed of in landfill sites. This uses up
valuable land, and suitable sites often fill up quickly. Reduces disposal problems

Landfill

Recycling Advantages
Reduces amount of crude oil used
Disposing

Incineration

Polymers release a lot of heat energy when they burn. This


energy can be used to heat homes or generate electricity. But Most polymers, including poly(ethene) and poly(propene), are not
there are problems with incineration. Carbon dioxide is produced, biodegradable. This means microorganisms cannot break them
which adds to global warming. Toxic gases are also produced, Biodegradable polymers down, so they may last for many years in rubbish dumps.
unless the polymers are incinerated at high temperatures. However, it is possible to include chemicals that cause the
polymer to break down more quickly. Carrier bags and refuse
bags made from degradable polymers are already available.

Recycling

Many polymers can be recycled. This reduces disposal problems


and the amount of crude oil used. But first the different polymers
must be separated from each other. This can be difficult and
expensive.

You might also like