Polycarbonate

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/polycarbonate

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the chemical structure?Thermoplastic polymers characterized by carbonate groups (-O-(C=O)-O-) in their backbone
2. What is the key monomers?Commonly synthesized from bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene or diphenyl carbonate
3. What is polycarbonate and why is it so strong?Polycarbonate is a clear plastic made from special chemical bonds that give it amazing toughness. It is stronger than glass and is used in things like bike helmets and safety glasses.
4. Where do we see polycarbonate in everyday life?You can find it in bike helmets, sunglasses, reusable water bottles, and even in car headlights and phone cases.

Engineering Thermoplastic: A high-performance plastic with superior mechanical and thermal properties for demanding applications.
Bisphenol A (BPA): A chemical compound frequently used as a monomer in the synthesis of polycarbonates and epoxy resins.
Impact Resistance: The ability of a material to withstand sudden shocks or blows without fracturing or deforming permanently.
Optical Clarity: The degree to which a material allows light to pass through without scattering, enabling clear vision.