Polymerisation Flashcards
How does addition polymerisation take place
The monomers that’s have a carbon-carbon double bond and are alkenes
Under high pressure with a catalyst, many small molecules open up the double bonds to form a very long saturated chain
How are plastics formed
When lots of small molecules called monomers join together to make a polymer, there are two types of polymer addition ad condensation
How do you did the monomer from a polymer
To find the monomer used to form an addition polymer take the repeat unit and add a double bond
How does condensation polymerisation take place
It involves two different types of monomers
The monomers react together and bonds form between them making polymer chain
For each new bond that forms a small molecule lost
Nylon is an example of a condensation polymer
What is polyethylene used for
It is a light, stretchable polymer
This makes it ideal for making packaging such as plastic bags, bottles and other containers
What is polypropene used for
It’s is a very tough polymer, relatively flexible and resistant to heat
It’s used to make kettles, food containers as carpets
What is polychloroethene used for
Used to make clothes, pipes and for insulation electrical cables
Why are most addition polymers inert
They don’t react easily because the carbon-carbon bonds in the polymer chain are very strong and aren’t easily broken
Are polymers difficult to get rid of
They take very long to biodegrade because they don’t react easily
Why happens when plastics are burnt
They release toxic gases
Uses of HDPE
Milk jugs, deterrent bottles, margarine tubs, garden furniture
Uses of MDPE
Gas pipes, rubbish bins, storage tanks for fuel
Uses of LDPE
Plastic bags, cling film
Disposing addition polymers in landfills
It uses up valuable land and they are non-biodegradable meaning that microorganisms cannot break them down. They last for many years
Disposing of addition polymers through incineration
Polymers release a lot of heat energy when they burn. The energy can be used to homes or generate electricity. It produces carbon dioxide and toxic gases contributing to climate change
