Q1: Which of the following is not the commercial name of polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) ?

ANS:A - Styrofoam

Styrofoam is a brand name for a type of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) material. It is a lightweight, rigid, and highly insulating plastic foam commonly used in a wide range of applications due to its excellent thermal insulation properties, shock absorption capabilities, and versatility. Here are some key points about Styrofoam:

1. Composition: Styrofoam is made from expanded polystyrene beads, which are derived from the polymerization of styrene monomers. During the manufacturing process, these beads are expanded and fused together to form a cellular structure with numerous air pockets, which give Styrofoam its lightweight and insulating properties.
2. Insulation: Styrofoam is well-known for its exceptional thermal insulation properties. The trapped air pockets within its cellular structure reduce heat transfer through conduction, making it an effective material for insulating buildings, refrigerators, coolers, and various other applications where thermal insulation is required.
3. Versatility: Styrofoam is highly versatile and can be molded or cut into various shapes and sizes to suit different applications. It is commonly used in packaging materials, such as foam packaging peanuts, foam trays, and protective packaging inserts, to cushion and protect fragile items during shipping and transportation.
4. Water Resistance: Styrofoam is inherently resistant to water, which makes it suitable for use in applications where moisture resistance is important. However, it is not waterproof and can absorb water if exposed to prolonged immersion or moisture.
5. Environmental Impact: While Styrofoam offers numerous benefits, its environmental impact has raised concerns due to its non-biodegradable nature and potential for littering. Expanded polystyrene foam takes a long time to break down in the environment and can contribute to pollution if not properly disposed of or recycled.