Food Packaging Technology MCQ - Factors Influencing Polymer Structure and Related Properties

1. Which of the following has greater density?
a) Polypropylene
b) High Density Polyethlene
c) Polystyrene
d) Polyvinyl chloride

  Discussion

Answer: d
Explanation: Amongst the given, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) has the greatest density. Density of Polypropylene is 0.946 g/cm3. Density of High Density Polyethlene is 0.970 g/cm3. Density of polystyrene ranges from 0.96 – 1.04 g/cm3. Density of Polyvinyl chloride ranges from 1.3 – 1.45 g/cm3.

2. Which of the following is the strongest plastic?
a) Teflon
b) High Density Polyethylene
c) Polystyrene
d) Polycarbonate

  Discussion

Answer: d
Explanation: Polycarbonate is the strongest plastic. It has properties such as high impact strength, high flexibility, durability – which make it very suitable for construction purposes.

3. Which of the following is microwave safe plastic?
a) PET
b) PVC
c) PP
d) PS

  Discussion

Answer: c
Explanation: Polypropylene (PP) is microwave safe plastic. It is produced from addition polymerization of propylene. Its melting point is about 160°C.

4. Which of the following plastics has identification number 6?
a) PS
b) HDPE
c) LDPE
d) PET

  Discussion

Answer: a
Explanation: Polystyrene (PS) has identification number 6. The identification number ranges from 1-7, plastics being, PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS and others respectively.

5. Which of the following is used for juice bottles?
a) HDPE
b) PP
c) PET
d) PS

  Discussion

Answer: a
Explanation: HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) is used for making juice bottles. It is a thermoplastic polymer made by polymerization of ethylene. It has a high strength-to-density ratio.

6. Which of the following is used as imitation glassware?
a) PS
b) PVC
c) PET
d) HDPE

  Discussion

Answer: a
Explanation: Polystyrene is used for manufacture of imitation glassware. It is a clear, hard and brittle polymer, making it suitable for making imitation glassware. It is also used as a container for yogurt and jelly.

7. Which of the following is used in making carrier bags?
a) PP
b) LDPE
c) PVC
d) PET

  Discussion

Answer: b
Explanation: LDPE-Low Density Polyethylene is used in the manufacture of carrier bags. It is made by free radical polymerization of ethylene. LDPE has lesser branching, which is responsible for its lower density.

8. Which amongst the following is not a food grade polymer?
a) Ethylene Propylene Diene monomer
b) Polyurethane
c) Polyvinyl Chloride
d) Viton

  Discussion

Answer: c
Explanation: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is not a food grade polymer. It is toxic in nature. A polymer is a labeled food grade when it is inert and doesn’t react with food in a harmful manner. Ethylene propylene diene monomer, polyurethane and viton are food grade polymers.

9. Traditional packaging is more sustainable than edible packaging.
a) True
b) False

  Discussion

Answer: b
Explanation: Edible packaging material is more sustainable than traditional packaging material. It is because of its biodegradable property. Traditional packaging material leaves residues on degrading, whereas edible packaging does not. Therefore, making it more sustainable and suitable for the environment.

10. Which of the following is not a mechanism of film formation in edible coating?
a) Simple co-acervation
b) Complex co-acervation
c) Polymerisation
d) Gelation

  Discussion

Answer: c
Explanation: Polymerisation is not a mechanism of film formation in edible coating. Simple co-acervation, compound co-acervation and gelation are mechanisms of film formation in edible coating. Polymerisation is a phenomenon when monomers combine together to form a polymer. Film formation mechanisms are those which tell about the interaction of film and the substrate.