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Chapter 15: Problem 31

Which of the following polymers would be suit( able for the fabrication of cups to contain hot coffee: polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(vinyl chloride), PET polyester, and polycarbonate. Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: PET polyester and polycarbonate are the most suitable polymers for fabricating cups to contain hot coffee due to their good heat resistance, rigidity, and thermal stability.

Step by step solution

01

List the given polymers

The exercise provided us with a list of polymers to consider for the fabrication of cups to contain hot coffee: 1. Polyethylene (PE) 2. Polypropylene (PP) 3. Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) 4. PET polyester 5. Polycarbonate (PC) Now, let's investigate the properties of each polymer.
02

Examine the heat resistance of the polymers

To contain hot coffee, the polymers need to have good heat resistance. The heat resistance can be evaluated by looking at the glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), and thermal stability. We will compare the Tg and Tm values of the given polymers: 1. Polyethylene (Tg: -80°C, Tm: 120-180°C) 2. Polypropylene (Tg: -20°C, Tm: 160-175°C) 3. Poly(vinyl chloride) (Tg: 80-90°C, Tm: 210°C) 4. PET polyester (Tg: 76°C, Tm: 250-260°C) 5. Polycarbonate (Tg: 145°C, Tm: 225-230°C) Considering the average temperature of hot coffee is about 70-85°C, the polymers with higher Tg values will be more suitable as they can maintain their rigidity and shape at high temperatures.
03

Analyze the rigidity and stability of the polymers

For a cup containing hot coffee, rigidity and stability are important factors. The polymers should be strong enough to hold the hot liquid without deforming or breaking. 1. Polyethylene has low rigidity and may become deformed when heated. 2. Polypropylene has better rigidity than polyethylene, but it can still deform under high temperature. 3. Poly(vinyl chloride) has good rigidity but may release harmful chemicals when heated. 4. PET polyester has excellent rigidity and good thermal stability. 5. Polycarbonate has very high rigidity and excellent thermal stability.
04

Select the most suitable polymer for hot coffee cups

After examining the properties of the given polymers, PET polyester and polycarbonate emerge as the best options for fabricating cups to contain hot coffee, as they have good heat resistance, rigidity, and thermal stability. Additionally, they do not release harmful chemicals upon heating. In conclusion, PET polyester and polycarbonate are the most suitable polymers for the fabrication of cups to contain hot coffee.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Cite four factors that determine what fabrication technique is used to form polymeric materials.

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