
With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements:
- Its fibers can be blended with wool and cotton fibers to reinforce their properties.
- Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage.
- Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products.
- Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 3
- 2 and 4
- 1 and 4
- 2 and 3
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
- Polyethylene terephthalate is commonly used in textiles and can be blended with natural fibers such as wool and cotton. This blending process enhances the properties of the fabrics, such as durability, strength, and resistance to wrinkles and shrinkage.
Statement 2 is incorrect
- PET containers are widely used for packaging non-alcoholic beverages, such as water and soft drinks. However, they are not suitable for alcoholic beverages, particularly those with higher alcohol content.
- Alcohol can interact with PET, leading to potential degradation of the container and affecting the quality and safety of the beverage. For alcoholic beverages, glass or certain types of plastic designed specifically for alcohol are preferred.
Statement 3 is correct
- One of the significant advantages of PET is its recyclability. PET bottles can be collected, cleaned, and processed into new products. Recycled PET can be turned into a variety of items, including new bottles, clothing fibers (such as fleece jackets), carpets, and other consumer goods.
Statement 4 is incorrect
- While PET can be incinerated, this process does generate greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide.
- Incineration of PET, like other plastics, releases carbon dioxide and potentially other pollutants, which can contribute to climate change. Recycling PET helps to minimize the need for incineration and reduces the overall environmental footprint of PET products.

Additional Information
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