With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements:
- Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties.
- Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage.
- Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products.
- Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — 1 and 3
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a versatile polymer widely used in textiles and packaging. Statements 1 and 3 are correct as PET fibres can be blended with natural fibres to enhance properties, and PET bottles are highly recyclable. Statements 2 and 4 are incorrect because not all PET containers are suitable for storing all types of alcoholic beverages (especially high-proof spirits or at elevated temperatures due to potential chemical leaching), and incineration of PET inevitably produces greenhouse gas emissions, primarily CO₂.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: PET fibres (polyester) are commonly blended with wool and cotton to improve wrinkle resistance, strength, and durability in textile applications.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: While PET containers can store some alcoholic beverages, they are not suitable for all types, particularly high-alcohol content spirits or beverages stored at high temperatures, as chemicals may leach from the plastic.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: PET bottles are among the most recycled plastics globally and can be reprocessed into new bottles, polyester clothing, carpets, automotive parts, and construction materials.
❌ Statement 4 – Incorrect: Incineration of PET releases greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide and potentially toxic compounds; it is not an environmentally friendly disposal method without causing emissions.
📝 Short Notes: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
- Chemical Formula: (C₁₀H₈O₄)ₙ – a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family
- Common Uses: Beverage bottles, food containers, synthetic fibres (polyester), packaging films, and engineering resins
- Recycling Code: #1 (PETE or PET) – one of the most widely recycled plastics worldwide
- Textile Applications: PET fibres (polyester) are blended with natural fibres like cotton and wool to enhance durability, wrinkle resistance, and moisture-wicking properties
- Recyclability: Can be mechanically or chemically recycled into rPET (recycled PET) for new bottles, clothing, carpets, and industrial materials
- Environmental Concerns: Non-biodegradable; incineration releases CO₂ and other pollutants; microplastic generation; requires proper waste management
- Storage Limitations: Not suitable for high-temperature storage or high-proof alcoholic beverages due to potential chemical leaching (acetaldehyde, antimony)
- Advantages: Lightweight, shatter-resistant, excellent barrier properties for gases and moisture, cost-effective, and energy-efficient to produce
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