Name 2 synthetic materials and explain what natural resources were required to produce them
1. Nylon: Nylon is a synthetic material that is commonly used in the production of textiles, such as clothing and carpets. It is made from petrochemicals, which are derived from crude oil. Crude oil is a natural resource that requires drilling and extraction processes to obtain it.
2. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC is a widely used synthetic material that is used in a variety of applications, including construction, electronics, and healthcare products. It is made from vinyl chloride monomers, which are derived from crude oil or natural gas. Similar to nylon, the production of PVC requires the extraction and processing of natural resources like crude oil or natural gas.
Two synthetic materials are nylon and polyester.
1. Nylon:
- Natural resources required: Nylon is produced from two natural resources, namely coal and petroleum.
- Coal: Coal is used as a source of carbon to produce nylon. It provides the necessary carbon element required for the chemical process.
- Petroleum: Nylon also requires petroleum as a source of raw materials. Petroleum is used to extract the necessary chemicals, such as benzene and ethylene, which are crucial in the production of nylon.
2. Polyester:
- Natural resources required: Polyester is made from natural resources such as petroleum, coal, air, and water.
- Petroleum: Similar to nylon, polyester also uses petroleum as a raw material. It provides the chemicals required for the production process.
- Coal: Coal is used in the production of polyester fibers. It provides energy in the form of heat during the manufacturing process.
- Air: Air is a source of oxygen, which is essential for some chemical reactions involved in the production of polyester.
- Water: Water is used during various stages of the production process, such as cooling and washing. It is also needed for the formation of some chemical compounds used in polyester manufacturing.