Polymers and their uses

Question 1

What are polymers made out of?

Answer 1

Monomers (usually alkenes)

Question 2

What is a use of poly(propene)?

Answer 2

Crates and ropes

Question 3

What is a use of poly(ethene)?

Answer 3

Plastic bags and bottles

Question 4

What is a use of poly(chloroethene)?

Answer 4

Water pipes and insulation on electricity cables.

Question 5

What are three differences of LDPE and HDPE? What is the non-abbreviated form of their names?

Answer 5

Low-density poly(ethene) has:

• Many branches on the polymer molecules
• Is weak relative to HDPE
• Has a maximum usable temperature of 85ºC

High-density poly(ethene) has:

• Few branches on the polymer molecules
• Is strong relative to LDPE
• Has a maximum usable temperature of 120ºC

Question 6

What is a plasticiser?

Answer 6

A substance that let molecules within polymers slide over each other more easily.

Question 7

What does poly(ethene) dissolve in water to make?

Answer 7

Slime, the more water there is the less viscous it will be.

Question 8

What is a problem with polymers?

Answer 8

They are unreactive so they are not disposed of easily and cannot be biodegraded.

Question 9

What are two ways of disposing of polymers? What is an advantage and disadvantage of each?

Answer 9

Incineration:

• Releases lots of heat energy
• Releases carbon dioxide

Recycling:

• Reduces crude oil consumption and waste
• Can be difficult and expensive

Question 10

What is cracking and how is it done?

Answer 10

Cracking is the separating of hydrocarbons. It is done by vaporising hydrocarbons and passing them over a catalyst at 500ºC.