Exercise 3:

A. Matching Type. Match the different types of plastics listed in Column A with their
indicated use listed in Column B. Write the letters that corresponds to your answer.

Column A Column B
__H__1. Polyethylene A. chewing gums
__G__2. Polyvinyl chloride B. non-stick coating for cooking pans
__J__3. Nylon C. mattresses and foams
__I__4. Dacron D. disposable cups
__C__5. Polyurethanes E. carpets and sweaters
__A__6. Polyvinyl acetates F. rice sacks
__F__7. Polypropylene G. water pipes
__E__8. Polyacrylonitrile H. plastic bags
__B__9. Polytetrafluoroethylene I. wash-and-wear clothes
__D__10. Polystyrene J. stockings and undergarments

B. Questions:

1. What is the crystal structure of diamond?

Diamond is a crystal structure with a face centered cubic Bravais lattice and two
atoms in the basis. Crystal Structure Diamonds typically crystallize in the cubic crystal
system and consist of tetrahedrally bonded carbon atoms.

2. What are the seven types of crystals?

1. COVALENT CRYSTALS
2. IONIC CRYSTALS
3. METALLIC CRYSTALS
4. MOLECULAR CRYSTALS
3. Give five examples of elements (metals) under:
a. Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) Structure

1. CHROMIUM
2. IRON
3. NIOBIUM
4. VANADIUM
5. TUNGSTEN

b. Faced Centered Cubic (FCC) Structure

1. ALUMINUM
2. COPPER
3. GOLD
4. LEAD
5. NICKEL

c. Hexagonal Close Packed (HCP) Structure

1. CADMIUM
2. COBALT
3. MAGNESIUM
4. TITANIUM
5. ZINC

4. What are polymers? Polymerization?

Polymers are substances composed of macromolecules. Polymers make

up important class of compounds that widely exist in nearly every aspect of our
lives. Polymers are composed of hydrocarbons, compounds of carbon and
hydrogen. Specifically made of carbon atoms bonded together. To sum up,
Polymerization has two general types. The addition and condensation
polymerization. In simple way, polymerization is the reaction involved in the
formation of a polymer. And, it is the process in which relatively small molecules,
called monomers, combine chemically to produce a very chainlike or network
molecule, called a polymer.
 5. Differentiate: HDPE from LDPE; Thermoplastics from Thermosets

HDPE used in making beer cases, toys, television cabinets and bottle cops or any
object that is hard and durable. LDPE are used to make plastic bags, plastic films or any
object that are flexible or soft. In simple way, HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) is rigid and
durable and offers greater chemical resistance. It’s higher melting point allows it to
withstand higher temperatures than LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene). LDPE is softer and
more flexible than HDPE. To sum up, Thermoplastics are very incomparable to Thermosets,
because thermoset will always remain in a permanent solid state, while Thermoplastics can
be melted and cooled multiple times to form various shapes.

6. Explain how tough plastics like PVCs can be transformed into softer materials.

Most vinyl products contain plasticizers which are used to make the material softer
and more flexible, and lower the glass transition temperature. PVC is most widely produced
synthetic plastic polymer. PVC’s are being converted and transformed into softer and
flexible material by adding plasticizers like polychlorinated biphenyls and dibutyphthalate.
Plasticizers are compounds that added to the polymer to become softer and flexible.

7. What is the main problem of polymers on the environment? How do we counteract

these bad effects of polymers on the environment?

The problem of polymers on the environment is the depletion of the ozone layer, but the real
and main problem is us because of our ignorance and apathy. We are one the who burn and deplete
the environment that causes different environmental phenomena’s. We counter act these bad
effects through what we do to environment, like using chemicals. Because what we do to
environment, environment will turn to us the favor. Our micro effort will have macro effects. We
need to start changing our ways redirecting our steps and recalibrating our minds to save our home
our future. Remember the 3r’s Recycling, Reduce and Reuse. It is very effective method and a shield
to these bad effects of polymers to our nature.