Plastic and Polymers

Plastic and Polymers

1. Making plastics

   • Made from molecules called polymers
   • Long chain molecules of monomers
   • Polymerisation
   • Made from hydrocarbons called alkanes
   • Alkanes come from gas oil, fractions of crude oil
   • Heat alkanes under pressure or with a catylist
   • Monomers are then polymerised to make plastic

2. Disposing of waste plastic

   • Plastic isn't bio degradeable
   • Recycle plastic
   • Use crude oil to make plastic, crude oil is finite