Polycarbonate
By: Charlize .J
Curiosity question: What would make the best suitcase for future travelling?
What is my item?
The one thing that you always bring when travelling, a suitcase. Polycarbonate suitcases are the most popular because they are less likely to crack and are lighter then any other. Also, polycarbonate is not likely to dent as easy as an aluminum suitcase and can be less expensive. Many people who travel are likely to have a suitcase just like the hard shell polycarbonate suitcases that I have a home, this goes to show you how important polycarbonate (PC) is.
What is polycarbonate?
Ploycarbonate, is a very well used plastic it comes in many different forms. Therefore, polycarbonate is all around us and you wouldn’t believe me. Some of the things that this plastic can be used for is; eyeglasses, medical devices, roofing, auto parts, safety helmets, bullet-proof glass, baby bottles and luggage. Polycarbonate was invented in 1953 by Dr. Hermann Schnell of Bayor a philosopher and rector of university of Wurzburg. Also, polycarbonate is a organic compound. An organic compound is any chemical compounds that have carbon-hydrogen bonds. (This is the chemical formula =C15H16O2). Benefits of polycarbonate is that it is durable, flexible, and is recyclable which is very environmental friendly. After, doing all the research that I came to the conclusion that polycarbonate would be the best suitcase to spend your money on.
Is polycarbonate recyclable?
Yes, polycarbonate is 100% recyclable. The pros of polycarbonate is that it can be recycled in to new materials, and a better options then things that are less recyclable. How ploycarbonate is recycled it has to be heated to its highest melting point (311 c). After it is melted it is put into a mould to from its new shape. Polycarbonate can be remoulded and shaped many times over. Polycarbonate is a great material that we use everyday.
Part 2
What questions did you need to research in order to create your post?
- What did we want are item to be?
- What is the most popular suitcase made of?
- Why is polycarbonate the best suitcase?
- What is the chemical formula for polycarbonate?
- What is an organic compound?
- Who invented polycarbonate?
- What are the benefits of a polycarbonate suitcase?
- What are the cons of a polycarbonate suitcase?
- Is polycarbonate recyclable?
- Why do we need polycarbonate?
I needed to research many questions in order to create my post because I had no further knowledge about polycarbonate. By asking many questions I be came very educated.
What new or familiar digital tools did you use as you worked through this project?
New things that I have learned from doing this project is using the schools library online for information. A familiar digital tool that I used was pexels for my pictures to make sure I do not copy any ones image with out there mention. I acquired many platforms to find my information, google, youtube and cc search.
What was the process you used to investigate the topic?
The process that I used to investigate this topic was the 4 A’s that Mr. Robinson had taught us in class. I used this process to best under stand polycarbonate and my why it is the best material for suitcases. I had to analyze all my information to make sure that my dates were right and not only using one source.
How did you verify and cite the information you found?
How I verified my information is not only using one source. Also, I made sure to us trustworthy information online.
How did the process of completing this challenge go? What would have you done better?
This process of completing this challenge was hard then I had thought. Many sources that I first seen did not seem like a reliable source, therefore I had to look for my information from more reliable places. Also, picking a item was hard because me and my partner both like to travel so we had many ideas but we had came to a conclusion. What I would have done better is to pick a element on the periodic table that way I could have found more information on its protons and electrons.
Sources:
“polycarbonate” by andrewpaulcarr is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Photo by Tranmautritam from Pexels
creativemechanisms.com
consumerreports.org
sciencing.com
wikipedia.com
Google, Pexels, cc search and the school libary.
Excellent information fluency post. I really like how you have found some great sub-questions to lead you to get a well-rounded perspective on polycarbonate suitcases. I am glad you looked into something that connected with your travel interest. You have done a great job sharing the digital tools you used but you could have been more detailed in citing your sources. Good debrief on your product and process as well!