Advantages and Disadvantages to the use of Poly(ethene)

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  • Created by: R.Perkins
  • Created on: 09-01-13 18:55

Advantages and Disadvantages to the use of Poly(ethene)

Advantages

  • Useful properties. Poly(ethene) is water resistant, durable and is of a low density.
  • The polymer can be reused after intial use, as bin liners and shopping bags.
  • Poly(ethene) can be burned to provide a source of energy as heating for buildings.
  • Poly(ethene) bags can be recycled. An example would be milk bottle crates.

Disadvantages

  • The polymer takes a long period of time to break down in landfill sites, which we are running out of space for.
  • These landfill sites destroy greenspaces and habitats
  • Poly(ethene) is made from crude oil, which is a now renewable fossil fuel. We will gradually run out of this material.
  • The production and combustion of Poly(ethene) produce a by product of Carbon Dioxide; this greenhouse gas contributes to global warming.
  • Large amounts of energy is required to produce the polymer.

Evaluation

In my opinion, I believe Poly (ethene) is a very useful and effective polymer, which we humans couldn't live without. Due to its properties, so many products nowadays, consist of it. Despite the fact that Poly (ethene) can be recycled and reused, it is not an environmentally friendly resource, as it takes hundreds of years to decompose in landfill sites and consists of crude oil, which is a non renewable source of fuel. The production and burning of this material, produces Carbon Dioxide, which contributes to global warming and the melting of the ice caps. With this in consideration, I believe there should be a more eco friendly alternative, which still achieves the same purposes.

Comments

ShelleyK

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thankyou...

ShelleyKate