Producing Useful Materials Polymers

Name the main sources of Polymers. Hint; 3 answers.

• Crude Oil

• Coal

• Ores

• Natural Gas

Answer explanation

The main sources of polymers are Crude Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas. These materials provide the hydrocarbons necessary for the production of various synthetic polymers used in countless applications.

Select the different categories of polymers.

• Manufactured polymer

• Thermosetting

• Natural

• thermoplastic

Answer explanation

The correct categories of polymers include thermosetting and thermoplastic. Thermosetting polymers harden permanently when heated, while thermoplastics can be reshaped upon heating. Manufactured and natural are broader classifications.

What type of plastic is most commonly use for disposable cups, food containers, cheap toys, and school based vacuum forming?

• Acrylic

• Expanded polystyrene

• High Density Polyethylene

• HIPS (high Impact Polystyrene)

Answer explanation

HIPS (high Impact Polystyrene) is commonly used for disposable cups, food containers, and cheap toys due to its durability and ease of molding, making it ideal for school-based vacuum forming applications.

Select the properties that enable HIPS to be used as per the last question. Hint; 2 answers.

• Cheap

• Easily available

• Impact resistant

• Tough

Answer explanation

HIPS is 'Cheap' and 'Impact resistant', making it a cost-effective choice for applications requiring durability without high expenses. These properties ensure it meets practical needs effectively.

Select all of the thermoplastic. Hint; 4 answers.

• Acrylic (PMMA)

• Urea Formaldehyde

• Polystyrene (PS)

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Answer explanation

Acrylic (PMMA), Polystyrene (PS), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are all thermoplastics, while Urea Formaldehyde is a thermosetting plastic.

Urea formaldehyde is suitable for electrical plugs and fittings. Select the 3 properties that allow the material to be used for these applications. Hint; 3 answers.

• Does not distort with heat

• Good strength properties

• Rigid

• Does not melt

Answer explanation

Urea formaldehyde is ideal for electrical plugs due to its properties: it does not distort with heat, ensuring stability under temperature changes; it has good strength properties for durability; and it does not melt, maintaining its shape.

What material is used for bleach bottles?

• Acrylic

• HDPE

• PPE

• HIPS

Answer explanation

Bleach bottles are typically made from HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) because it is resistant to chemicals and has good durability. Other materials like acrylic, PPE, and HIPS do not offer the same level of chemical resistance.

Select the three (3) properties of HDPE a suitable material for bleach bottles. Hint; 3 answers.

• Chemical resistant

• Lightweight

• Tough

• Rigid

Answer explanation

HDPE is chemical resistant, making it safe for bleach storage. It's also lightweight, which aids in handling, and tough, providing durability against impacts. These properties make HDPE ideal for bleach bottles.

Is this statement true or false?

Thermoplastics become soft, malleable and pliable and can be moulded and formed into shape (another shape)

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is true because thermoplastics can be heated to become soft and pliable, allowing them to be molded into different shapes. This characteristic is a defining feature of thermoplastics.

Which two items are not made from acrylic. Hint; 2 answers.

• Plastic iphone holder

• Single use water bottle

• Sweater

• Pipe elbows

Answer explanation

A single-use water bottle is typically made from polyethylene or PET, not acrylic. Pipe elbows are usually made from PVC or other plastics, not acrylic. Therefore, both are correct answers.