The development of plastics
Read The development of plastics and check the IELTS Reading answers. The first plastics were developed as a substitute for natural rubber. Chemically, rubber is a polymer-a compound containing large molecules that are formed by the bonding of many smaller, simpler units, repeated over and over aga…
Passage preview
The first plastics were developed as a substitute for natural rubber. Chemically, rubber is a polymer-a compound containing large molecules that are formed by the bonding of many smaller, simpler units, repeated over and over again. The same bonding principle-polymerization-is the basis of the creation of a huge range of plastics by the chemical industry.
Vocabulary from this passage
9 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- application noun
The practical use or relevance of something to a specific purpose
The theoretical physics discovery has no immediate practical application.
- biodegradable adjective
Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms, thereby avoiding pollution
Environmentalists advocate for the use of biodegradable packaging to reduce waste.
- disintegrate verb
To break up into small parts, typically as the result of impact or decay
Without proper preservation, ancient manuscripts can disintegrate into dust.
- incorporate verb
To take in or contain something as part of a whole; to include
The new curriculum will incorporate lessons on digital literacy.
- indestructibility noun
The quality of being impossible to destroy or break
The indestructibility of diamonds makes them suitable for industrial cutting tools.
- insulator noun
A substance or device that does not readily conduct electricity, heat, or sound
Rubber is often used as an insulator for electrical wires.
- polymer noun
A substance that has a molecular structure consisting chiefly or entirely of a large number of similar units bonded together
Synthetic polymers are used extensively in the manufacturing of plastics and resins.
- rigid adjective
Unable to bend or be forced out of shape; not flexible
The government imposed rigid regulations to control the financial sector.
- synthetic adjective
Made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product; not occurring naturally
Many modern fabrics are made from synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester.
Answers with explanations
- 1. photographic film
The table requires a product of **Celluloid**. The text mentions billiard balls, knife handles, and cuffs, but highlights that the **best-known** product was **photographic film**. This fits the category.
- 2. Bakelite
The table requires the name of the plastic from **1907** in the **USA**. The text states Leo Baekeland invented a plastic and **called it Bakelite**. This fits the name column.
- 2-3: manufacturing space
2: The table requires the name of the plastic from **1907** in the **USA**. The text states Leo Baekeland invented a plastic and **called it Bakelite**. This fits the name column.
3: The table requires a **household object** made of Bakelite. The text lists **electrical switches** and domestic items. 'Electrical switches' is the specific object mentioned.
- 3. electrical switches
The table requires a **household object** made of Bakelite. The text lists **electrical switches** and domestic items. 'Electrical switches' is the specific object mentioned.
- 3-4: B
3: The table requires a **household object** made of Bakelite. The text lists **electrical switches** and domestic items. 'Electrical switches' is the specific object mentioned.
4: The table requires the **country of origin** for Polythene in the 1930s. The text explicitly states that chemists in **Britain** discovered it.
- 4. Britain
The table requires the **country of origin** for Polythene in the 1930s. The text explicitly states that chemists in **Britain** discovered it.
- 5. fireproof
The table asks if Rigid PVC is [Property]. The text describes it as a **fireproof** plastic. This adjective fits the property description.
- 6. glass
The table asks what Polystyrene **resembles**. The text describes it as a hard, clear material **like glass**. The word 'glass' completes the comparison.
- 7. foam
The table asks for the form in which **Polyurethane** is usually manufactured. The text states it was **commonly produced as a foam**. This fits the description.
- 8. FALSE
The statement claims the structure of rubber is **very different** to plastics. The text states that the **same bonding principle** (polymerization) is the basis for both, indicating they are chemically similar in structure. Answer: FALSE.
- 9. NOT GIVEN
The statement claims John Wesley Hyatt was an **industrial chemist**. The text mentions he won the prize with celluloid but **does not specify** his profession or title. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 10. FALSE
The statement claims they react in the **same way** to heat. The text explicitly contrasts them: Celluloid can be **softened** by heat (thermoplastic), while Bakelite **cannot be softened** (thermoset). Answer: FALSE.
- 11. TRUE
The statement claims items made of **several plastics** are hard to recycle. The text confirms this, stating that because **different types** are found in the same items and require **different treatments**, recycling is not very easy. Answer: TRUE.
- 12. FALSE
The statement claims starch makes plastic **more durable**. The text states that starch is **attacked by bacteria** and causes the plastic to **fall apart** (biodegrade), which is the opposite of durability. Answer: FALSE.
- 13. TRUE
The statement claims decomposable containers need **particular storage conditions**. The text confirms that bottles made of these materials **have to be stored in the dark** to prevent premature disintegration. Answer: TRUE.