Polymers

Question 1

what happens during addition polymerisation

Answer 1

C=C double bond breaks to form a single bond so that another bond can be made to join with other monomers
many monomers join together to form a polymer

Question 2

polypropene

Answer 2

H CH₃
–C—C–
H H

Question 3

why are polyalkenes not biodegradable

Answer 3

they are chemically inert as there is no polarity in their bonding therefore they cannot be hydrolysed

Question 4

3 types of waste disposal of non-biodegradable polymers

Answer 4

landfill
incineration
recycling

Question 5

advantage of landfill

Answer 5

quick and easy

Question 6

disadvantages of landfill (2)

Answer 6

eyesore
limited space

Question 7

advantage of incineration

Answer 7

heat energy can generate electricity

Question 8

disadvantages of incineration (2)

Answer 8

carbon dioxide contributes to global warming
toxic gases produced

Question 9

advantage of recycling

Answer 9

means limited hydrocarbon resources are used up less quickly

Question 10

disadvantages of recycling (2)

Answer 10

separation is difficult and expensive
limited market

Question 11

what happens in a condensation reaction

Answer 11

molecules are joined together as water or another small molecule is eliminated

Question 12

polyester linkage

Answer 12

-C(=O)-O-

Question 13

monomers forming polyester linkage

Answer 13

dicarboxylic acid and diol

Question 14

polyamide linkage

Answer 14

-C(=O)-N(H)-

Question 15

possible monomers forming polyamide linkage

Answer 15

dicarboxylic acid + diamines
diacylchloride + diamines
amino acids
carboxylic acid + amine on the same molecule

Question 16

why are polyesters and polyamides biodegradable

Answer 16

the contain a polar bond so can be hydrolysed

(C=O)

Question 17

terylene repeating unit

Answer 17

-C(=O)-{o}-C(=O)-O-CH₂-CH₂-O-

Question 18

nylon 6,6 repeating unit

Answer 18

-C(=O)-(CH₂)₄-C(=O)-NH-(CH₂)₆-NH-

Question 19

kevlar repeating unit

Answer 19

-NH-{o}-NH-C(=O)-{o}-C(=O)-