Curated OER
Real-World Projects: Challenges from the Polymer Industry
Two scenarios are presented for chemistry detectives to decipher. Both require the use of an infrared spectrometer and focus on the examination of polymer materials. In the first, lumps in polyethylene bottles are analyzed. In the...
Curated OER
Sorting Plastics For Recycling
First, young chemists practice polymer identification by density and flame tests. With the data collected, they propose a method of separating polyethylene from other plastics and determine what property makes it desirable for recycling....
Curated OER
Oils and Plastic
Peruse the properties of polymers with your materials engineers, chemistry aces, or emerging ecologists. The inquiries in this resource include puncturing polyethylene plastic bags, dissolving polystyrene cups, creating a polymer ball...
Other
Polythene: Production and Properties & Uses
A wonderful site for information on polythene. Contains a table of information for high density and low density polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE) which tells melting point, uses, chemical properties, and more for each. Also contains the...
NBC
Nbc Learn: Chance Discoveries: Lab Experiments, Unexpected Results
Many (if not most) experiments in the chemistry lab do not get significant results - or the expected results. In this Chemistry Now original video series, we highlight the curiosity, daring, and creativity of the best bench chemists by...
Other
San Diego Plastics, Inc.: Polyethylene
The features, applications, and the fabrication process of high density and low density polyethylenes are listed and described.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Carbon Monomers and Polymers
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Difference between a monomer and polymer and examples of natural and synthetic carbon polymers.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Ldpe Plastic
LDPE stands for low-density polyethylene. This resource describes its structure, physical and chemical properties, resistance to various chemicals, advantages and disadvantages, uses, its BPA-free status, and the issue of recycling LDPE...
Frostburg State University
General Chemistry Online: Glossary: Polymer Chemistry
A glossary of terminology surrounding polymer chemistry. Good site for vocabulary building or reinforcement.
University of Washington
University of Washington: The World of Polyethylene
This website explains how polyethylene is produced in both scientific terms and in easier-to-understand terms.
Other
Designsite: Polyethylene
Basic information about polyethylene and links to its uses and variations.
York University
Chemistry Hall of Fame: Polyethylene a Plastic of Many Uses
Background information on the discovery of polyethylene is found on this website. Also lists polyethylene's many uses.