Problems with Polymers (Oxford AQA IGCSE Combined Science Double Award) : Revision Note

Alexandra Brennan

Written by: Alexandra Brennan

Reviewed by: Stewart Hird

Updated on

Problems with Polymers

  • Many polymers are not biodegradable

    • This means they are not broken down by microbes

    • As a result they take a very long time to degrade, and lead to problems with waste disposal

  • Some non-biodegradable plastics get sent to landfill

    • Landfill sites are filling up quickly and can release gases such as methane which contribute to global warming

  • Some non-biodegradable polymers are incinerated

    • This process produces carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change

  • Polymers can be recycled but different polymers must be separated from each other which is a difficult and expensive process

  • Plastic waste has been spilling over into the seas and oceans and is causing huge disruptions to marine life

Landfill
Non-biodegradable plastics are sent to landfill

Image from pngtree.com

Biodegradable Polymers

  • Some plastic bags are made from polymers and cornstarch

  • These plastics are biodegradable so can be broken down by microorganisms

  • This is helping reduce the impact that disposing non-biodegradable plastics is having on the environment

Pollution caused by plastic bottles
Developing biodegradable plastics will reduce help reduce pollution caused by non=biodegradable plastics

Photo from Unsplash by Ishan

You've read 1 of your 5 free revision notes this week

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Alexandra Brennan

Author: Alexandra Brennan

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.

Stewart Hird

Reviewer: Stewart Hird

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.

Download notes on Problems with Polymers