Polymerisation Flashcards
Man-made plastics are made from…
polymers
what is a monomer
a small molecule
A polymer is made from…
lots of monomers joined together.
Monomer molecules usually contain
carbon atoms
Monomers can be joined together to make polymers by…
high pressures
When monomers are joined together we call the reaction…
polymerisation
Different types of monomers can be used to create
different polymers
Different polymers have different…
properties
List some properties of different polymers
How strong, stretchy and easy to mould they are.
Which polymer are plastic milk bottles made from and why?
High Density Polyethene because it is strong and rigid.
Which polymer are plastic bags and squeezy bottles made from and why?
Low Density Polyethene because they are light and stretchable.
Why should low density polyethene not be used for anything that will get hot?
Low density polyethene has a low melting point
Describe the properties of PVC
Strong
Durable
Can be made rigid OR stretchy
What is rigid PVC used to make?
window frames and piping
What is stretch PVC used to make?
synthetic leather
What is polystyrene foam used in?
to protect things in packaging
Coffee cups
Why is polystyrene foam used to make coffee cups?
Because polystyrene is a good thermal insulator
Plastic kettles are made from polymers such as _________ and ________ because
melamine resin and polypropene because they are heat resistant.
What does synthetic mean?
man made
Cotton, wool and silk have been replaced by which synthetic fibres?
nylon and polyester
What are the advantages of synthetic fibres>
lighter
more durable
water-resistant
cheaper
What are the disadvantages of synthetic fibres?
They aren’t breathable
Uncomfortable against the skin.
Wood has been replaced by which synthetic material?
Rigid PVC
What are the advantages of rigid PVC window frames?
Weather-resistant
Strong
Durable
Window frames more secure and don’t need to be painted
What is the disadvantage of rigid PVC window frames?
They do not look as good as wooden frames.
