Burn Test
IV: Type of polymer (PVC, PET, HDPE, LDPE, etc.)
DV: Colour of flame when burning polymer (Blue, Red, Orange, green, etc.)
CV: Size and shape of polymer (1cm x 1cm square), Weight of polymer sample(1.00g), Heating Method (Bunsen burner), Temperature of environment (25°C ), Time exposed to flame (10 seconds).
Limitations: Although flame colour can be very useful in sorting and classifying polymers, this process can release potentially toxic fumes depending on the type of polymer, which can have detrimental impacts if inhaled. Moreover, there is subjectivity in the observation of flame colour, especially when some flame colours are very similar to each other, which can cause inconsistent and inaccurate results. Furthermore, the smoke and fumes produced from burning the polymers contribute to air pollution, and the burning of the polymer prevents it from being recycled further limiting the use of this method in a practical real-world setting.