Polymers Flashcards
1
Q
What is a polymer?
A
A large molecule made up of lots of small monomers
2
Q
What happens to alkenes in the addition polymerisation process?
A
The c=c double bond breaks open
Many unsaturated monomers join together to make one saturated polymer
3
Q
why are polymers useful?
A
They are physically strong and chemically inert
4
Q
What is an issue of addition polymers?
A
disposal, Addition polymers are not biodegradable meaning they fill up landfill sites and produce plastic pollution
5
Q
what happens when you burn plastics/polymers?
A
They release toxic gasses
