Addition Polymers Flashcards

1
Q

Addition polymerisation

A
  • Polymers are large molecules formed from many repeat units of smaller molecules known as monomers.
  • Unsaturated alkene molecules undergo addition polymerisation to produce long saturated chains w/ no double bonds.
  • Addition polymers have high molecular masses.
  • Synthetic polymers are named after the monomers that reacts to form it.
  • Repeat unit from alkene has no double bond.
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2
Q

Biodegradability of polymers

A
  • Polymers are readily available and cheap to process.
  • Polymers are v unreactive which can be useful e.g storing food.
  • But as they are not reactive, they are difficult to dispose.
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3
Q

Recycling

A
  • Recycling conserves finite fossil fuels as well as decreases the amount of waste going to landfills.
  • Discarded polymers are sorted by type. If polymers are mixed, it makes product unusable.
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4
Q

Using waste polymers as fuel

A
  • Some polymers are difficult to recycle.
  • Waste products can be burned, which generates heat t hat can be used to generate electricity.
  • Steam produced by heating can drive turbine producing electricity.
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5
Q

Removing toxic waste products to recycle

A
  • Disposal of some polymers is dangerous e.g PVC because they make toxic products when burnt e.g HCl.
  • New technology uses solvents to dissolve the polymer.
  • High-grade PVC is then recovered by precipitation from solvent and the solvent is used again.
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6
Q

Feedstock recycling

A
  • Feedstock recycling is the chemical and thermal process that can reclaim monomers, gases or oils from waste products.
  • These materials can be used as raw materials.
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7
Q

Benefit of biodegradable and photodegradable polymers.

A
  • Bioplastics produced from plant starch, cellulose etc. offer a renewable and sustainable alternative to oil-based products.
  • Biodegradable polymers are broken down by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide and biological compounds.
  • Photodegradable polymers can be chemically broken down by light.
  • These two types degrade and leave no visible or toxic residues.
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