C1 - topic 5 - polymers Flashcards
what is the most useful thing you can do with alkenes?
polymerisation
what is polymerisation?
joining together lots of monomers to form very large molecules - called polymers
what is an example of a polymer?
ethene molecules can be joined up to produce poly(ethene) or polythene
why can poly(ethene) be used for things like plastic bags and hose pipes?
because it is stretchy and light
what is a use of poly(propene) and why?
thermal underwear, carpets, plastic containers, because it is tough and flexible
are most plastic biodegradable or non-biodegradable?
non-biodegradable
what does non-biodegradable mean?
they’re not broken down by microorganisms so they don’t rot
why you burn some plastics what do they give off?
toxic gases
what is the best way to get rid of plastics and why?
recycle the because it help to conserve resources
can all plastics be recycled?
no so the ones that can have to be separated first
there is loads of different plastics so the ones that can be recycled have to be separated from the ones that don’t, what is the problem with this?
it is expensive and difficult
what kind of polymers can be developed to help with the problem associated with disposing them?
biodegradable polymers
are alkenes or Alkanes used to make polymers?
alkenes
joining lots of chlorothene molecules together gives you what?
poly(chlorothene)
poly(chlorothene) is also known as what?
PVC
