Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics?
- Low-density polyethylene
- Polycarbonate
- Polyethylene terephthalate
- Polyvinyl chloride
Explanation
Option (b) is correct
- Bisphenol A or BPA is commonly used in consumer plastics, particularly polycarbonate plastic items such as sunglasses, reusable bottles, food packaging, and baby bottles. It is one of the key building blocks in the synthesis of polycarbonate. However, use of BPA has raised concerns due to its potential to leach from products into food or beverages and its possible health effects. Some studies have suggested that BPA may have endocrine-disrupting properties, which means it could interfere with hormonal systems in the body.
Option (a) is incorrect
- Low-density polyethylene, or LDPE for short, is a type of thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. If treated correctly, LDPE is 100% recyclable. It is commonly used in products such as grocery and garbage bags, juice containers, and cling wrap.
Option (c) is incorrect
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most widely used thermoplastic polymer resin in the polyester family. PET finds applications in numerous areas, including fibers for clothing, packaging materials for liquids and foods, and thermoforming processes in manufacturing. It is often reinforced with glass fibers to improve its mechanical properties for specific uses.
Option (d) is incorrect
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl) is a high-strength thermoplastic material. It is widely used in applications such as pipes, medical devices, and wire & cable insulation etc. It is the world’s third-most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer.
