Category Chemistry

How does polyurethane affect our environment?

           Commonly known as PU, polyurethane is a polymer that is used to make cushions and mattresses. It is also used as enamel for paints. Though it provides us a comfortable night’s sleep without disturbances, it disturbs our environment. Sad, but true.

           PU cannot be recycled. Sometimes it is burned or simply dumped in landfills. Toxic substances like dioxins are released when PU is burned. You already know what this toxic chemical can do to us. Besides dioxins, other harmful substances like isocyanides and hydrogen cyanides are also produced.

          When PU degrades, it gives out chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) that depletes the ozone layer.

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How safe are our feeding bottles?

           Most babies are fed using feeding bottles. A plastic called polycarbonate is used to make feeding bottles because it is strong, durable and heat resistant to an extent. It can be sterilized easily and would not soak up odours. When it was first introduced, it was commonly accepted as a suitable substitute for glass and ceramic. Polycarbonate is preferred for making the inner linings of food containers and reusable plastic bottles as well.

           Though polycarbonate is a preferred material, it is not essentially safe. A harmful substance known as bisphenol-A leaches out of the polymer and gets mixed with food. This chemical can cause health issues. It changes the level of oestrogen in our bodies.

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How bad are polyethylene bags for us?

           Polyethylene bags have multiple applications in our daily life. Though we use polyethylene products at least five times a day, they are not entirely safe.

           Lead and cadmium are used as additives in polyethylene. These metals are toxic and are known to leach out.

           Lead affects the nervous system; it is capable of causing unconsciousness, heart attacks, respiratory diseases and even death.

           Cadmium affects the cells and tissues of the kidneys and causes inflammation. It can also lead to diabetes. If these metals leach into the soil, it will result in soil and groundwater contamination.

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Which polymer is used to make wetsuits?

           Do you enjoy watching water sports like scuba diving or river rafting? If you do, you should know about neoprene, the polymer used to make wetsuits.

           Neoprene is a polymer made out of chloroprene monomers and has a wide variety of uses. This polymer shows good resistance to wear and tear and can be used in any weather. It is thermally stable and also resists heat and flames. Neoprene is buoyant; it has a tendency to remain afloat in water. It is highly flexible and can be stretched out easily. It is therefore used to make wetsuits.

           Neoprene is not a very expensive material and is used to make a range of other products like safety equipment such as gloves, laptop sleeves, knee and elbow supports, conveyor belts and children’s toys.

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How is zylon connected with Formula One racing?

            Zylon is a thermoset fibre that was developed in the 1980s. How would this polymer have connection with Formula One racing, the highest class of single seater auto racing?

           Zylon is one of the strongest man-made organic fibres. In fact, it is ten times stronger than steel. This polymer shows high flame resistance and would remain unaffected by most of the chemicals. It is therefore used to make Formula One racing cars.

           Zylon is used to attach the wheels of race cars used in Formula One to the chassis that is the framework of the vehicle. This prevents the wheel from falling into a crowded area, in case of an accident. The driver’s cockpit is also covered with special panels made of zylon. Nowadays, the helmets used in the race are also lined with zylon to reduce hazardous injuries.

           Zylon has other application too; it is used to make sports equipment like tennis racquets and table tennis blades. It also has some medical applications and is a preferred fibre in the manufacture of high altitude balloons. However, zylon is very expensive and is used only in highly demanding applications.

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Do solar cooking stoves and nail polish have something in common?

           You would be thinking that it is ridiculous to ask something like this. But, solar cooking stoves and nail polish have something in common- a polymer called Mylar.

           Mylar is a special type of stretched polyester generally known as BoPET. It is also known as Melinax and Hostaphan. Don’t be confused with too many names. It is made of polyethylene terphtalate (PET) monomers. It is transparent and chemically stable. It also provides good electrical insulation.

           Mylar is used for making packaging and lids for food products. It is also used as a covering over paper or clothing. This coating gives a shiny surface and a protective coating. It is used in a range of other products like the diaphragms of headphones.

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