POLYMERIZATION
Many small molecules bind to one another to form large compounds, and the resulting compound is called polymer and this process is called as polymerization.
Small molecules: MONOMER
Large molecules: POLYMER
Polymerization occurs by either addition (bonding by breaking of one bond of double/triple bonds) or condensation (eliminating H2O from two separate molecules).
CH3 – CH3 Not Polymerized
CH2 = CH2 Can be polymerized
Acrylic polymer formation:
IMPORTANT POLYMERS:
| Polymer Structure | Polymer Name | Use of Polymer |
 |
PolyEthylene
(PE) |
PE: Used for making containers, plastic boxes, kitchenware, coatings, pipes and tubes, toys, insulated layers in cables, packaging and packaging films. |
 |
PolyTetraFluoroEthylene
(PTFE)= TEFLON |
PTFE: Used in pots and pans. |
 |
PolyVinylChloride
(PVC) |
PVC: Used in water pipes, identity screens, doors and windows. |
 |
Polystyrene
(PS) |
PS: Used in isolation materials, cooling towers, disposable cups and sheets. |
 |
Rubber
(Polyisoprene) |
Rubber: Used in construction of belts, socks, corsets, diver clothes, hose, rubber etc. |
 |
PolyEthylene Terephthalate
(PET) |
PET: It is used in making beverage bottles, jars, storage containers, etc. |
Condensation Polymerization
When the monomers are linked together, they are also polymerization reactions with side products such as H2O, NH3, CO2 together with the polymer.
Example: Proteins, cellulose, starch, nylon, polyester etc. formation
- Protein formation: While proteins are obtained from amino acids, n amino acids are bonded to each other by peptide bonds and n-1 H2O is released.
- Nylon is also the product of the bonding of two different monomers and the H2O is released. For this reason, the formation of nylon is also the condensation polymerization.
RECYCLING OF POLYMERS IN TURKEY
Waste like glass, paper, cardboard, plastic and metal is collected especially in the fields of waste dumping and used in various industries as a source of raw material.
The recycling wastes constitute 43% of waste recycled paper, 27% plastic, 12% of the glass, textile products accounted for 8%, 4% of metal.
For the successful and sustainable execution of practices regarding the separate collection of packaging waste at the source, a detailed plan defining what activity is to be done when, where, and how, the activity needs to be prepared. This plan, entitled “Packaging Waste Management Plan”, shall be prepared through the cooperation of ÇEVKO, municipal authorities, and licensed companies.
With the Regulation on the Control of Packaging Waste taking effect in 2005, the municipal authorities are now responsible for the collection of packaging waste in addition to household waste.
Practices regarding separate collection of packaging waste at the source need to be executed within the “Packaging Waste Management Plan”, as indicated in the Regulation. Municipal authorities work in accordance with the plan, supervise its implementation and take necessary precautions.
Recycling Sings of Polymers
The number in the signs identifies resin (type of plastic) content only.
