In: Chemistry
From the list provided below, select and explain the most suitable polymer for making hot beverage cups.
(Tg = glass transition temperature, Tm = melting temperature)
Polylactic acid: Tg = 60 degrees celcius, Tm = 163 degrees celcius
Polytetrafluoroethylene: Tg = -97 degrees celcius, Tm = 327 degrees celcius
Polyethylene terephthalate: Tg = 70 degrees celcius, Tm = 227 degrees celcius
Polycarbonate: Tg = 150 degrees celcius, Tm = 265 degrees celcius
"Best" material is too hard to define. In the real world of material science, there is only relative best for particular purpose at affordable cost, there is not absolute the "best material" per se.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (Simply PTFE or Teflon) is used as a non-stick pan also in households. It has a wide temperature range among the given set of polymers.Polylactic acid polymer is most suitable as this polymer is environmental friendly and biodegradable, but its glass transition temperature is Tg = 60 degrees celcius. Polycarbonate is also a good choice over a wide range of temperature, generally used for food grade products packaging especially for new born baby's milk bottle as its non-allergic properties.
Answer: Overall Polycarbonate is most suitable polymer for making hot beverage cups.
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