Which polymer is used to make drinking bottles and is widely recycled?

  • A. Bakelite
  • B. Polyethylene terephthalate
  • C. Urea formaldehyde resin
  • D. Melamine resin

Explanation

Polyethylene terephthalate is a thermoplastic polyester that is clear, tough and impermeable to carbon dioxide, and because it melts without decomposing it can be recycled into fibre or new bottles. The other three are thermosetting resins used for electrical fittings, adhesives and tableware and cannot be remelted. Recycling codes on packaging identify the polymer for exactly this reason.

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