Question

What is called Thermocol? What happens when the use of Thermocol increases?

Answer 1

Thermocol belongs to a class of non-biodegradable synthetic polymers which has its applications in various forms of packaging of materials, as thermocols are lighter in weight and provide shock resistance, when impacted with force.

Complete answer:
A complex hydrocarbon polymer made from alternating centres of carbon which are connected to phenyl groups forming the monomer styrene results in the formation of the synthetic polymer, known as Thermocol or Polystyrene. Polystyrene is formed from polymerization of styrene compounds which forms a complex network of hydrocarbons in a tetrahedral geometry.
The state of thermocol is plastic in nature which is modulated by temperature making it a thermoplastic. As such, under room temperature conditions, thermocol or polystyrene is in a solid state, but if the temperature is risen to 373K, it starts to flow and again returns to the solid state when the temperature is brought down.
This ability to modify shape based on temperature is used to cast shapes through moulds giving rise to different fits of thermocol as required by design.
Since thermocol is non-biodegradable, it is not environment friendly. This could lead to its deposition in waste and remaining in soil for nearly 100 years without being completely absorbed. Moreover, there is a chance of biomagnification wherein animals might consume the foaming part of thermocol from waste matter in soil leading to its transfer through the food chain.
Thus, thermocol is an environmental hazard if not recycled or not properly dumped in waste. This is the consequence of excessive use of thermocol in any environment. Thermocol also causes problems in the industry as the foaming form can be flammable which could lead to catastrophic ramifications in the production sector.

Note:
Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer which has varied uses in various sectors but comes with a heavy price of causing damage to the environment.