4.5 ADDITION POLYMERS Flashcards
1
Q
what is a monomer?
A
the small molecules that add together
2
Q
when does an addition polymer form?
A
when molecules with a C=C double bond add into chains
3
Q
what is a polymer?
A
the long chain they form when added together
4
Q
how can we represent an addition polymer?
A
chain in brackets with lines coming out the side and n outside the brackets
n represents the humber of repeats of this unit in the polymer chain (usually a very big number)
5
Q
how is the name of the addition polymer formed?
A
by putting ‘poly’ infant of the monomer chain
6
Q
four commonly encountered polymers:
A
- poly(ethene)
- poly(propene)
- poly(chloroethene)
- poly(tetrafluoroethene)
7
Q
uses of poly(ethene):
A
- drinks bottles
- shopping bags
8
Q
uses of poly(propene):
A
- storage boxes
- climbing ropes
9
Q
uses of poly(chloroethene):
A
- wire insulation
- drainpipes
10
Q
uses of poly(tetrafluoroethene):
A
non-stick coating
11
Q
disposal issues with addition polymers:
A
- they are inert which means they’re chemically very reactive
- they don’t break down very easily
12
Q
how to be rid of an addition polymer:
A
- reuse it
- recycle it
- incinerate it- use the energy released to generate electricity
- chuck it into landfill
