Past HSC chem question on polyethylene and polystyrene (1 Viewer)

[eyeseeyou]

This kinda sounds like a stupid question but how would I answer this past HSC question (Q26 2007)

Explain how the structure and properties of polyethylene and polystyrene relate to the way each is used.

Thanks

 

[ishan]

Well for polyethylene.In LDPE, lack of cross linking due to extensive chain branching which means that it can be remoulded into different shapes. Therefore, polyethylene can be used as a thermoplastic in such materials such as disposable milk bottles, bottles you bring to school, etc.
For Polystyrene(crystalline) it's phenyl substituient makes makes it quite stiff and not elastic. It has minimal chain branching and hence has a crystalline shape and can be made transparent. Because of this it can be used in transparent objects lol so like plastic drinking glasses or screw driver/handles due to the hard rigid nature of the polymer.
Hope that helps. Many more properties and applications you could mention but those are some easy ones to remember.

 

[eyeseeyou]

Well for polyethylene.In LDPE, lack of cross linking due to extensive chain branching which means that it can be remoulded into different shapes. Therefore, polyethylene can be used as a thermoplastic in such materials such as disposable milk bottles, bottles you bring to school, etc.
For Polystyrene(crystalline) it's phenyl substituient makes makes it quite stiff and not elastic. It has minimal chain branching and hence has a crystalline shape and can be made transparent. Because of this it can be used in transparent objects lol so like plastic drinking glasses or screw driver/handles due to the hard rigid nature of the polymer.
Hope that helps. Many more properties and applications you could mention but those are some easy ones to remember.

lol thanks

Wtf is with that avatar?

 

[eyeseeyou]

haha, I should change it lol

Why did you even use it? I get this feeling that if someone associated with your avatar actually saw it, they'd get pissed