Ethene And Polymers

Question 1

How can ethanol be produced from ethene?

Answer 1

> ethene can be hydrate with steam to form ethanol.

> at the moment is cheap as ethene is fairly cheap and not much is wasted

> will become more expensive as ethene is derived from crude oil which is a finite resource

Question 2

How can ethanol be made?

Answer 2

> fermentation of sugar using yeast

Question 3

What are the advantages of the fermentation process to make ethanol?

Answer 3

> it needs a lower temperature and simpler equipment

> sugar is a renewable resource and easily grown in poorer countries

> cheap fuel for countries with no oil reserves

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of the fermentation process to make ethanol?

Answer 4

> it is not concentrated

- needs to be distilled and purified

Question 5

What is polymerisation?

Answer 5

> the joining together if lots of small chain alkene molecules( monomers)
To form very large molecules- polymers

Question 6

Why is cornstarch sometimes added to polymers?

Answer 6

> to make biodegradable packaging
- cornstarch is added to the polymer structure

> bacteria can feed off the cornstarch, breaking down the polymer

Question 7

What are sme uses of polymers?

Answer 7

> LD Polythene is used for plastic bags

> elastic polymers are used for Lycra for tights

> resin dental fillings

> memory foam
- gets softer as it gets warmer

Question 8

What are 2 disadvantages of polymers?

Answer 8

> they are not biodegradable and so will stay in landfills for many years

> as crude oil is used up they will become more expensive