2 Extra chemistry questions? Medals for BA.

Question

anonymous · Answer

List two uses of high density polyethylene other than those listed in the table.

Two plastics that are targeted for recycling from household waste are polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE). One of the problems of recycling such materials is separating them. Suppose you have been hired to set up a process for separating large quantities of waste plastic that is a mixture of PETE and HDPE. Describe how you might perform this separation.

Probably my last questions. Any thoughts are appreciated ^.^

anonymous · Answer

@aaronq do you think you can help me out on this?

aaronq · Answer

since they have different densities, you can separate them when they're molten. I think HDPE floats on water and PETE doesnt, check their densities and melting points though

anonymous · Answer

Floating on water? How is this a good use? Is there any other one you can think of? And I've answered the second one so It's fine.

aaronq · Answer

water has a density of 1 g/mL so it's a good comparison point, that's why i mentioned it. 

you literally melt them in a container and remove one of them either by draining, or suctioning from the top. 

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