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Construct separate flow diagrams to show the steps used in the production of polyethylene and those used in the production of a recently developed biopolymer - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 31 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 31
Construct separate flow diagrams to show the steps used in the production of polyethylene and those used in the production of a recently developed biopolymer. Polye... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Construct separate flow diagrams to show the steps used in the production of polyethylene and those used in the production of a recently developed biopolymer - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 31 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Production of Polyethylene
Answer
- Starting Material: Ethylene gas, derived from fossil fuels.
- Conditions: The process typically requires high pressure and high temperature.
- Initiation: Peroxide species are heated, which leads to the formation of initiator species.
- Polymerization: Monomers get activated and join together, forming long polymer chains through a process called addition polymerization.
- Termination: The reaction concludes when the ends of two polymer chains join together to form the final polyethylene product.
Step 2
Production of Biopolymer
Answer
- Microorganism: A suitable microorganism, such as Ralstonia eutropha, is used.
- Nutrient Provision: The microorganism is fed appropriate nutrients to promote growth and halophilic production of biopolymer.
- Polymerization: The biopolymer produced is known as Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB).
- Regulation: The production process can be modified by restricting the nutrient diet, which can stop or alter PHB production.
Step 3
Justification of Biopolymer Use
Answer
The recently developed biopolymer (PHB) is preferred over fossil fuel-derived polymers due to its biodegradability. Unlike conventional plastics, PHB degrades naturally without leaving harmful residues, thus alleviating the environmental issues associated with plastic waste. Moreover, PHB production uses renewable resources, whereas fossil fuel-derived polymers deplete nonrenewable resources and contribute to pollution and climate change. Additionally, the production of biopolymers presents fewer disadvantages, such as the release of toxic byproducts during degradation.