Question

Polyethylene terephthalate: (potential IR stretches: C-O, C=C aromatic, C-C, C-H)

Polyethylene: (potential IR stretches: C-C, C-H)

Polyvinyl chloride: (potential IR stretches: C-C, C-H, C-Cl)

Polypropylene: (potential IR stretches: C-C, C-H) NOTE: It would not be possible to distinguish this material from polyethylene using only IR analysis.

Polystyrene: (potential IR stretches: C-C, C-H, C=C aromatic)

1. List three polymers commonly used in household products that were not listed above and describe how they are used. (What products or applications use them?)

Answer 1

1. Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon); Used as a coating in non-stick cookware

2. Nylon ( Polyamide) ; Used in textiles,ropes, carpets

3. Bakelite; Used for making switches and other electrical appliances, kitchenware, radio and telephone casings