Disposal of addition polymers
2 marks · NormalState two reasons why addition polymers, such as poly(ethene), create problems for disposal in the environment.
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Also accept: They are non-biodegradable; They do not break down naturally; They are very stable/inert in the environment; They remain unchanged for thousands of years
Common mistakes: They are poisonous; They react easily in the soil
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States that addition polymers are non-biodegradable/ do not break down by bacteria.
B2 · 1 mark · States that addition polymers remain in the environment for a very long time/ have strong covalent bonds / are inert.
Worked solution
Addition polymers are not broken down by bacteria, so they are non-biodegradable.
They have strong covalent bonds making them very stable, and so they remain unchanged in the environment for thousands of years.