Polymerisation in alkenes Flashcards
What are polymers?
Extremely large molecules formed from many thousands of repeat units of smaller molecules known as monomers.
What process do unsaturated alkene molecules undergo to produce long saturated chains?
Addition polymerisation.
What type of reaction is addition polymerisation?
It produces long saturated chains containing no double bonds.
What factors affect the specific properties of different polymers?
The monomer used.
What conditions are typically used in industrial polymerisation?
High temperature and high pressure using catalysts.
How are synthetic polymers typically named?
After the monomer that reacts to form their giant molecules, prefixed by ‘poly’.
What is a repeat unit in a polymer?
The specific arrangement of atoms in the polymer molecule that repeats over and over again.
How is the repeat unit represented in polymer equations?
In square brackets.
What is the polymer formed from ethene monomers called?
Poly(ethene).
What are common uses of poly(ethene)?
Supermarket bags, shampoo bottles, and children’s toys.
What is poly(chloroethene) also known as?
Poly(vinyl chloride) or PVC.
What is a significant environmental concern regarding polymers?
Many alkene-based polymers are non-biodegradable.
How does recycling polymers benefit the environment?
It conserves finite fossil fuels and decreases the amount of waste going to landfill.
What process is used to recycle polymers?
Sorting by type, chopping into flakes, washing, drying, and melting.
What are the hazards associated with disposing of PVC?
High chlorine content and release of toxic gases when burnt.
What is feedstock recycling?
Chemical and thermal processes that reclaim monomers, gases, or oil from waste polymers.
What are biodegradable polymers?
Polymers that are broken down by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and biological compounds.
What is an example of a compostable polymer?
Polymers based on poly(lactic acid).
Fill in the blank: _______ are produced from plant starch, cellulose, plant oils, and proteins.
Bioplastics.
What do photodegradable polymers contain that allows them to degrade?
Bonds that are weakened by absorbing light.
What is the advantage of using bioplastics?
They protect the environment and conserve valuable oil reserves.
