answersLogoWhite

0

a. Visually examine the sample, looking for recycle codes

b. Try assessing the flexibility by bending, and look at the bending zone

- does the material stretch or is it brittle?

c. Test the hardness, try scratching it with pencils of differing hardness

( B,HB,1-6H ) to ascertain which causes a scratch in the plastic.

Alternatively, attempt to scuff the sample with a fingernail.

d. Cut a small slither with a sharp knife. Does the sample cut cleanly

( thermoplastic )?, or does it crumble ( thermosetting )?

e. Hold sample in small flame, note whether it burns, self-extinguishes on

removal from the flame, colour of the flame, and smell/acrid nature of

fumes when flame is blown out ( Caution - the fumes are likely to be

toxic ). Also attempt to press melted sample against a cold surface, and

pull away - does sample easily form long threads.

f. Drop onto a hard surface, does the sample "ring" or "thud"?

g. Place it in water. Does it float, sink slowly, or sink rapidly?

If it sinks rapidly, it is likely to be halogenated ( PVC, Viton, PTFE )

If it sinks slowly, possibly nylon

If it floats possibly polyethylene or polypropylene.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the classification of plastic?

plastic can be classified into two: 1)thermosetting 2)thermoplastic


How strong is plastic?

extrapolate.... there are several different combinatons of compounds that are classified as plastics


Is plastic nonmetal metal or semimetal?

Plastic is a type of material known as a polymer, which is a nonmetal in terms of its composition. It is not classified as a metal or a metalloid (semimetal).


What are the classifications of plastic?

Plastic is classified as solid if you're referring tot he three states of matter. This is because it has a definite shape and volume which are the same properties as a solid! Plastic as you can see and tell is not liquid or gas.


What are credit cards best classified as?

BadCreditLoans provides an easy and convenient way for people to be matched with a personal loan from up to $5,000. 2u.pw/sLLzM


Are plastic cups organic or inorganic?

Plastic cups are considered inorganic as they are derived from synthetic materials like polymers. Organic compounds are typically associated with living organisms and contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. Plastic, being a man-made material, is not classified as organic.


What are all materials classified as?

Materials can be classified as either natural or synthetic. Natural materials are those that occur in nature, such as wood, cotton, and wool, while synthetic materials are man-made, such as plastic, nylon, and polyester. Materials can also be classified based on their properties, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites.


Is a plastic cup organic or inorganic?

All plastics, except silicone plastics, are organic.


Is plastic markers renewable or nonrenewable?

yes


Is diamond more of plastic or metal?

Diamonds are precious metals. No plastic at all.


How many people have been killed with a plastic knife?

In the US there have been over 800 prison inmates killed from 1969 to 1986 by the infamous plastic knife...from 1987-2009 there have been over 250 prison inmates killed by the now popular Spork..


Is polythene classified as plastic?

Yes,Plastics can be classified by chemical structure, namely the molecular units that make up the polymer's backbone and side chains. Some important groups in these classifications are the acrylics, polyesters, silicones, polyurethanes, and halogenated plastics. Plastics can also be classified by the chemical process used in their synthesis, such as condensation, polyaddition, and cross-linking.