Xperimania

Discussion - 20 January 2009 - "A day without petrochemicals" - any more questions?

AJB — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:35:29 GMT

Following the online discussion, have you any more questions about chemicals and their application?

Write your questions here - and feel free to answer any...

This is your chance for you all to share your observations and queries!

Can you avoid plastic?

AJB — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:20:51 GMT

How long can you go without coming into contact with plastic? It’s harder than you think! Polymers are everywhere…from the plastic bags that carry your shopping to the remote control you use for the television.

Most of us tend to take these common materials for granted and often don’t realise what the objects we use every day are made of.

Take the challenge and see how many hours, or even minutes, you can last without touching or using anything made from plastic.

Tell us what you’ve had to avoid, how long you lasted and what it was that caught you out…what are the alternatives?

Chemicals are all around - but do you know what they're used for?

AJB — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:23:06 GMT

Here are a few common chemicals that we come in contact with each day. But can you suggest what they are used for? Try to think of some of their more obscure uses too…

PVC

Polyurethane

ABS

Polycarbonate

Nylon

Polyester

PET

Polypropylene

Titanium dioxide

How would your school cope without chemicals?

AJB — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:32:46 GMT

Could your school operate without chemicals?

If all chemicals disappeared from your school for a day, how difficult would it be? How would you manage if you had to stop using pens, plastic chairs and tables, computers and sports equipment?