Polymers Flashcards
What are polypeptides made of
Amino acids
What are polyamides made of
Diamine and dicarboxylic acid
What are polyesters made of
Diol and dicarboxylic acid
What link do polyamides and polypeptides contain
-CONH-
What link do polyesters contain
-COO ester link
What type of polymer is kevlar
Polyamide
What type of polymer is terylene
Polyester
Properties and uses of kevlar
Lightweight but strong
Bulletprood vests and car tyres
Nylon 6,6 properties and uses
Strong robust fabric
Ropes, carpets and clothing
Terylene use
Plastic bottles
If a polymer is eaisly hydrolysed does this mean that it will be easy to biodegrade
Yes
Where is the polarity in polymers
On polar C=O and C-N bonds
Which type of polymer is stronger and why
Condensation
Delta charged molecules due to polar bonds mean that hydrogen bonds form within parts of the chain increasing BP and strength
Which type of polymer breaks down more easily in water and why
Condenation due to their polar bonds
General uses of condensation polymers
- Non stick pan coatings
- Plastic bottles
- Fabric
Name three methods of disposal of plastics
Recyling, Incineration and Landfill
Negatives of landfill
- Most polymers aren’t biodegradable
- Methane is produced when plastics are broken down
- Water contamination
-Running out of space
Negatives of incineration
Toxic fumes
HCl from PVC
Postivies of incineration
Can be used to generate electricity and reduces reliance on landfill
Name two ways plastics can be recycled
Melt and remould
Crack polymers down to monomers to be used as organic feedstock
Advantages of recycling
Cheaper to recycle
Less CO2 produced from recycling than incineration
Reduces reliance on landfill and non-renewable resources
Disadvantages of recycling
Plastics can be contaminated and not be able to be recycled
Difficult due to the wide variety of plastics
Expensive
