13.5 Polymerisation in Alkenes

Question 1

What is a polymer?

Answer 1

large molecule

formed from thousands of REPEAT UNITS of SMALLER molecules

called MONOMERS.

Question 2

What is addition polymerisation?

Answer 2

formation of long MOLECULAR CHAIN

from REPEATED ADDITION REACTIONS

of UNSATURATED ALKENE MONOMERS

Question 3

What is a monomer?

Answer 3

SMALL MOLECULE

which JOINS with other monomers

to form a POLYMER.

Question 4

What is the difference between a monomer and a polymer repeat unit.

Answer 4

monomer = the alkene molecule which joins with other alkenes to form polymer.

polymer repeat unit = section of polymer showing single monomer as it would look bonded to other monomers.

Question 5

Under what conditions is ethene turned into polyethene?

Answer 5

high temperature + high pressure

Question 6

How are waste polymers processed for sustainability?

Answer 6

PVC RECYCLING - if burnt, PVC releases HCl + toxins

COMBUSTION - burned to generate electricity

FEEDSTOCK - reclaim monomers

Question 7

What are bioplastics?

Answer 7

polymers made from PLANT PRODUCTS.

conserves oil.

Question 8

What are the different types of bioplastics?

Answer 8

BIODEGRADABLE polymers -
- broken down by microorganisms

PHOTODEGRADABLE polymers -

- broken down by light
- light weakens bonds, contains light-absorbing additives.

Question 9

What is the monomer of polyethene?

Answer 9

ethene

Question 10

What is the monomer of PVC? (polyvinyl chloride)

Answer 10

chloro-ethene