Experiment 7: Plastics and Polymers

Question 1

• one of the most commonly use plastics in consumer products, and is found in most water and pop bottles
• intended for single use applications; repeated use increases the risk of leaching and bacterial growth
• difficult to decontaminate, and proper cleaning requires harmful chemicals
• leach carcinogen
• release endocrine disrupting chemicals like acetaldehyde over time, as well as toxic antimony, use once only

Answer 1

01 PET polyethylene Terephthalate

Question 2

• commonly recycled plastic and is considered one of the safest forms of plastic
• relatively simple and cost-effective process to recycle for secondary use
• very hard-wearing and does not break down under exposure to sunlight or extremes of heating or freezing
• reusable and recycable

Answer 2

02 HDPE High-Density Polyethylene