Question

Which of the following household plastic material is used to prepare drinking straws?

• A. PVC
• B. LDPE
• C. PS
• D. PP

Hint:

Polypropylene (PP) is highly favored in the food industry because it has a high melting point (making it dishwasher safe) and doesn't leach harmful chemicals easily, making it perfect for straws and reusable containers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the specific commercial polymer (plastic) that is primarily manufactured into common household drinking straws.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's review the practical industrial applications of the provided polymers:
- PVC (Polyvinyl chloride): Highly rigid and durable. Used for heavy plumbing pipes, vinyl flooring, and water-resistant raincoats. Not typically used for food-contact disposables.
- LDPE (Low-density polyethylene): Extremely flexible but lacks structural rigidity. Mostly used for thin grocery bags, cling film wrappers, and flexible squeeze bottles.
- PS (Polystyrene): Highly rigid and brittle in its clear form, or used as foam (thermocol). Used for CD cases, rigid disposable cups, and protective packaging. Too brittle to be a flexible straw.
- PP (Polypropylene): Exhibits a perfect balance of excellent chemical resistance, heat tolerance, food safety, and mechanical flexibility without cracking upon bending. It is the global standard material used for making drinking straws, tupperware containers, and ropes.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Drinking straws are prepared using Polypropylene (PP), corresponding to option (d).