5.2 Making Polymers From Alkenes Flashcards
What are polymers and what are they made of?
They are very large molecules made from many monomers
What is a monomer?
Small molecules used to make polymers, commonly alkenes are the small monomers
What is the reaction called to make a polymer?
Polymerisation
Name 2 monomers and their polymers
- ethene –> poly(ethene)
* propene –> poly(propene)
How do monomers become polymers?
The double bonds in the alkene monomers break, causing the spare bonds to join to other monomers, creating a long chain called a polymer
Why does methene not work as a polymer?
It doesn’t have enough bonds
How many monomers are there in a poly(ethene) molecule?
Thousands, or lots
Why can we make polymers from alkenes and not alkanes?
Alkenes have a double bond which needs to break in order to join the monomers together
What are plastics made of?
Polymers
What bonds are used in thermosetting plastics?
Covalent bonds
What type of bonds are used in thermosoftening plastics?
Ionic bonds
Give 4 features of thermosetting polymers
- heat resistant
- less flexible
- unrecyclable
- tough material
Give an example of a thermosetting plastic in use
A plastic box
Name 4 features of thermosoftening plastic
- low boiling and melting points
- flexible
- recyclable
- floppy material
Give an example of a thermosoftening plastic in use
A plastic bag
