1.

3 PROBLEM STATEMENT
How can different types of polymers be identified ?

1.4 OBJECTIVE
The main objective of this project is
i)
ii)

To identify six kinds of recycled plastic polymers by measuring their physical

properties.
To compare the physical properties of polymers

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 THEORY
In our everyday life, we encounter many polymeric materials, many of which are
in the form of disposable containers used for many household products. As our
natural resources are diminished and our landfills become filled , we are finding that
it is better to recycle much of our waste materials than to dispose of them or burn
them. Most of the polymers we encounter in our daily lives are the six polymers listed
in Figure 1. To make recycling of these polymers easier, the plastics industry has
adopted the codes shown. Since compliance in labeling is voluntary, not all plastics
are labeled for identification. Identification, simply by appearance, is difficult,
however, there are a few types that are readily identifiable. Clear, colorless containers
that are used for soft drinks are most often polyethylene terephthlate (PETE). Opaque,
translucent (and often white in color) plastics used for containers such as milk cartons
are usually highdensity polyethylene (HDPE). Bottles used for shampoos or cleaning
materials are usually made from polyvinyl chloride (V or PVC). Plastic bags and
some plastic wrap is often made from low-density polyethylene (LPDE).
In this experiment, we will examine some common plastics and perform several
tests to identify them. A flow chart for the tests is given below:

1.2 LITERATURE REVIEW

First of all,why we need to identify different types of polymer?Based on Dr. David G.

Bucknall as a research scientist at the UK national ISIS Neutron Facility at the Rutherford
Appleton Laboratory (1992-1999),he once said that: we need to know what material we are
dealing with in order to be able to attempt to devise a suitable treatment. Where plastics are
concerned, we need to know more than that.Hence,he and his team worked together to choose
an appropriate analytical method based on the physical properties (volatility, density) and
proceed with the method development, using their knowledge and experience to deal with any
issues that are encountered along the way.

Furthermore,Professor Dr. Rampi Ramprasad (MSE/IMS) and colleagues Dr. Greg

Sotzing (CHEM/IMS along with their research group members and collaborators, have published
an article titled Rational Design of All Organic Polymer Dielectrics in Nature
Communications, a prestigious and multidisciplinary natural sciences journal. In the paper, the
group details their development of identifying polymer by carrying out heating test.A small
amount of material to be tested is taken and heated on Bunsen burner.The ease of burning give an
indication of the possible identify of the material.A second heating test can be conducted with the
help of a clean copper wire and the colour of flame is noted.

The second group of identification possibilities is based on density test.According to the

journal J. Chem. Eng. Data, 2002, 47 (3) ,Publication Date :April 11, 2002,it states that samples
of several polymers found as everyday plastics are placed into a range of liquids of
known density and observed, to see whether they float or sink. From a table of known polymer
densities, it is possible to identify each polymer.

In this experiment,we will identify six different types of polymer basically depends on
density test and heating test.