A sports company develops a biodegradable running shoe sole using a blend of natural rubber and a synthetic polymer. Fig. 1 shows a machine pressing a sole ...
Question 1 Report
A sports company develops a biodegradable running shoe sole using a blend of natural rubber and a synthetic polymer. Fig. 1 shows a machine pressing a sole sample repeatedly against a rough surface. The company measures the mass lost after 1000 presses. It must balance long life during use with reduced waste after disposal. Natural rubber is a polymer obtained from latex produced by rubber trees.
(a) Name the naturally occurring polymer in the blend. [1]
(b) Describe what a smaller mass loss after 1000 presses shows. [1]
(c) Explain why the company should not choose a sole that breaks down very quickly during use. [2]
(d) Use the information to state one environmental advantage of including natural rubber. [1]
Answer Details
(a) The naturally occurring polymer is natural rubber. [1 mark]
(b) A smaller mass loss after 1000 presses means the material is more wear-resistant, or more durable. [1 mark]
(c) A sole that breaks down very quickly would wear out quickly during normal use. The shoe would need replacement more often and could become unsafe if the sole no longer protects or grips properly. [2 marks]
(d) Natural rubber comes from rubber trees, so it is from a renewable plant source and can reduce the amount of synthetic polymer used. [1 mark]
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
