Chapter 15: Problem 28

Name the following polymer(s) that would be suitable for the fabrication of cups to contain hot coffee: polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(vinyl chloride), PET polyester, and polycarbonate. Why?

Short Answer

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Answer: Polycarbonate (PC) is the best suited polymer for fabricating cups to hold hot coffee due to its excellent thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability. It has a high heat resistance, good chemical resistance, and is resistant to leaching or degradation, making it a safe and efficient choice among the other considered polymers.

Step by step solution

Research Properties of Each Polymer

Start by researching the properties of each polymer (PE, PP, PVC, PET, and PC), particularly in terms of thermal and mechanical properties, as well as chemical resistance, since these will be relevant to holding hot coffee.

Compare Properties and Eliminate Unsuitable Polymers

Based on the properties of each polymer, determine which ones have the necessary thermal stability and mechanical strength to hold hot coffee, as well as chemical resistance to avoid leaching or degradation. If a polymer does not meet these requirements, eliminate it from consideration.

Choose the Best Polymer for Hot Coffee Cups

After eliminating unsuitable polymers, select the polymer that best meets the requirements, and would therefore be the best material for fabricating cups to hold hot coffee.

Justify the Choice of Polymer

Explain why the selected polymer is the most suitable for holding hot coffee, by citing its thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties that make it the best choice among the considered polymers for this application. Based on the analysis of the properties of each polymer, it appears that polycarbonate (PC) would be the most suitable for fabricating cups to hold hot coffee.

Explanation of the Choice

Polycarbonate (PC) is chosen due to its excellent thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability. It has a high heat resistance, which means that it maintains its strength, rigidity, and dimensional stability when exposed to hot coffee. Additionally, PC has good chemical resistance and is resistant to leaching or degradation. Thus, it would be safe and efficient to use for hot coffee cups compared to the other polymers.

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Name the following polymer(s) that would be suitable for the fabrication of cups to contain hot coffee: polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(vinyl chloride), PET polyester, and polycarbonate. Why?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Research Properties of Each Polymer

Compare Properties and Eliminate Unsuitable Polymers

Choose the Best Polymer for Hot Coffee Cups

Justify the Choice of Polymer

Explanation of the Choice

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