Biodegradability and disposal of polymersAQA A-Level Chemistry: Mind map

Exam questions on Biodegradability and disposal of polymers

1. A council is choosing between poly(propene) crates and polyester food trays for a school canteen. It wants to know how each material will behave if it ends up in the environment.
   Explain why poly(propene) is chemically inert.2 marks
2. Fishing nets made from nylon-6,6, a polyamide, are sometimes lost at sea. Nylon-6,6 is made from hexanedioic acid and 1,6-diaminohexane.
   The nylon-6,6 is hydrolysed by hot aqueous acid. Give the formulae of the two organic products.2 marks
3. A local authority collects poly(ethene) packaging waste. It can send the waste to landfill, burn it in an energy-from-waste plant, or recycle it.
   State one advantage and two disadvantages of disposing of poly(ethene) waste in landfill.3 marks