ADDITION POLYMERISATION

Question 1

polymers

Answer 1

long chain molecules formed when lots of monomers join together
alkenes can react with other alkene molecules via addition polymerisation to form polymers

Question 2

what does n represent

Answer 2

large number of molecules

Question 3

what is the structure inside the brackets called

Answer 3

repeating unit

Question 4

percentage atom economy of addition polymerisation

Answer 4

100%

Question 5

reactivity of addition polymers

Answer 5

unreactive as strong bonds are formed and there are non-polar bonds
double bond is broken resulting in an unreactive alkane

Question 6

how to draw polymers

Answer 6

1. draw the normal alkene with the C=C bond in the middle
2. add n next to the monomer
3. draw the same alkene but without the double bond
4. add square brackets

Question 7

naming polymers

Answer 7

poly(X)
where X is the name of the monomer

Question 8

properties of polymers with no branching

Answer 8

can pack closer together
stronger intermolecular forces between molecules
a strong rigid material is formed such as poly(ethene)

Question 9

properties of polymers with large branches

Answer 9

cannot pack close together
weaker intermolecular forces between molecules
flexible material is formed such as poly(styrene)

Question 10

modifying properties of polymers

Answer 10

plasticisers are used to modify the properties of polymers
the plasticiser molecules get between the polymer chains and push them apart
this reduces the strength of the intermolecular forces therefore more flexible
the more plasticiser added the more flexible