O- Polymers =)

Question 1

Explain why polyesters are biodegradable but polyalkenes are not biodegradable. (2)

Answer 1

• polyesters- polar C=O bond vs polyalkenes- only non-polar C-C bonds
• polyesters ↑ susceptible to nucleophilic attack

Question 2

Which polymer has hydrogen bonding between its chains?
[1 mark]
A Kevlar
B Polythene
C PVC
D Terylene

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Plasticisers are often added during the manufacture of PVC.
State why a plasticiser is added. (1)

Answer 3

make it ↑ flexible