Addition polymers

Question 1

What is addition polymerisation?

Answer 1

When small molecules with a C=C bond can join together to make one macromolecule, with a long chain of carbon-carbon single bonds

Question 2

What is the formula for making a polymer?

Answer 2

Named as poly(_____)

Draw the alkene with n next to it, then draw with single bond, in brackets with n on the side

Question 3

What are the properties of polymers?

Answer 3

Addition polymers are very long macromolecules, which each contain many electrons so experience very strong Van der Waals forces.

Some addition polymers also experience permanent dipole-dipole forces, or hydrogen bonding. Due to these strong intermolecular forces they have high melting points.

Also inert as carbon backbone is made up of strong, non-polar bonds.

Question 4

What is PVC and how is it made flexible?

Answer 4

poly(chloroethene) is used in a variety of flexible plastic products

Made flexible by adding a plasticiser - creates space in between the PVC chains, reducing the intermolecular forces between them and allowing the material to bend