Polymers and Ethanol Flashcards
What can be used to make polymers?
Alkenes
What happens in polymerisation?
Many monomers form long chains
List some useful applications of polymers that are being developed (6)
Packaging materials, waterproof coatings for fabrics, dental polymers, wound dressings, hydrogels, smart materials (shape memory polymers)
Many polymers are not…
Biodegradable
What does biodegradable mean?
They are broken down by microbes
What’s the problem with polymers not being biodegradable?
They cause problems with waste disposal ie fill land fills
What are plastic bags being made from so they break down more easily?
Polymers and cornstarch
What 2 ways can ethanol be produced?
Hydration and fermentation
What conditions does hydration of ethene need?
Steam in the presence of a catalyst
What does fermentation need?
Yeast
Which method of producing ethanol is renewable?
Fermentation
What’s the equation for fermentation?
Sugar -> Carbon dioxide + Ethanol
