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Related Concept Videos

Polymers02:34

Polymers

42.4K
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...
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Polymers02:34

Polymers

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Polymer Classification: Architecture01:14

Polymer Classification: Architecture

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Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...
4.0K
Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters01:20

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters

2.6K
The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
2.6K
Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes02:35

Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes

10.1K
The conversion of alkenes to macromolecules called polymers is a reaction of high commercial importance. The structure of the polymer is defined by a repeating unit, while the terminal groups are considered insignificant. The average degree of polymerization represents the number of repeating units in the polymer molecule and is denoted by the subscript n.
10.1K
Polymer Classification: Crystallinity01:21

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

4.2K
Unlike ionic or small covalent molecules, polymers do not form crystalline solids due to the diffusion limitations of their long-chain structures. However, polymers contain microscopic crystalline domains separated by amorphous domains.
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
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Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
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Polymers as Solid Waste in Municipal Landfills.

J D Hamilton1, K H Reinert1, J V Hagan2

  • 1a Toxicology Department , Rohm and Haas Company , Spring House , Pennsylvania , USA.

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|January 15, 2017
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Summary

Stable synthetic polymers in landfills offer advantages for solid waste management. Their resistance to degradation ensures responsible disposal within municipal landfills, complementing other waste management strategies.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Materials Science
  • Waste Management

Background:

  • Synthetic polymers are prevalent in municipal solid waste, found in products like packaging, textiles, and sanitary items.
  • Some consumer polymers are engineered for photodegradation or biodegradation, but landfill conditions often do not support these processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the role and significance of degradable and stable synthetic polymers in the context of municipal solid waste management.
  • To assess the implications of polymer stability for landfill disposal practices.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and analysis of polymer behavior in landfill environments.
  • Examination of existing waste management strategies and the place of landfilling within them.

Main Results:

  • Most municipal landfills are not optimized for the photodegradation or biodegradation of solid waste.
  • Stable polymers, such as polyethylenes and polyacrylics, exhibit minimal degradation or mobility when disposed of in landfills.
  • The inherent stability of these polymers is advantageous for their containment and management in landfills.

Conclusions:

  • Landfill disposal of stable synthetic polymers can be a responsible component of a comprehensive waste management plan.
  • Effective polymer waste management integrates landfilling with source reduction, recycling, reuse, composting, and waste-to-energy incineration.