sc24, polymers (paper 2) Flashcards
what is an addition polymer
relatively large molecules made by combinign smaller molecules containing C=C bonds
what is a polymer
a substance of:
- high average relative molecular mass
- made up of small repeating units (monomers)
- combines by chains
what is a polyester
condensation polymers
what are the two monomers polyesters need
- molecule containing two carboxylic acid groups
- molecule containign two alcohol groups
how and when does an ester link form
an ester link forms each time two different monomers react together
what else forms when an ester link forms
a molecule of water
explain how very long polyester molecules can form
when monomers react together:
- the other molecule has a carboxylic acid group and an alcohol group
- these groups can react with more monomers
- the process continous
hence producing a very long polyester molecule
what is a biological polymer
naturally occuring condensation polymers
what are the name of the monomers DNA is made out of
nucleotide
what are the name of the monomers protein is made out of
amino acids
how do amino acids form protein
- each amino acid (alanine) has two reactive functional groups
- which allow many amino acids to bond together
- to form a protein
what are the name of the monomers starch is made out of
sugar monomers (glucose) in rings
define biodegradable
materials that eventually rot away as:
- microbes feed on them which breaks them down
what is an advantage of artificial polymers not beinf biodegradable
last a long time for long use
what is a disadvantage of artificial polymers not beinf biodegradable
don’t break down easily when disposed of
why is disposing of polymers in landfill sites bad
- not biodegradable
- last for many years
- running out of landfill sites
why is burning polymers in landfill sites bad
many polymers release toxic gases when they burn
why is recycling polymers good
by melting and reforming for new objects, we can break them down into new/raw materials
what are the advantages of landfill sites
- waste disposed of quickly
- waste is out of sight once it is covered over
what are the disadvantages of landfill sites
- space for landfill sites are running out
- most polymers aren’t biodegradable
- they are unsightly
- attract pests
what are the properties of poly(ethene)
- flexible
- cheap
- good insulator
what are the properties of poly(propene)
- flexible
- shatterproof
- high soften point
what are the properties of poly(chloroethene), PVC
- tough
- cheap
- long lasting
- good insulator
what are the properties of poly(tetrfluoroethene), PTFE
- tough
- slippery
- corrosion resistant
- good insulator
what is poly(ethene) used for
- plastic bags
- bottles
- clingfilm
what is poly(propene) used for
buckets and bowls
what is poly(chloroethene), PVC used for
- window frames
- gutters
- pipes
- insulation for electrical wires
what is poly(tetrfluoroethene), PTFE used for
- non stick frying pan coat
- containers for corrosive substances
