Topic 20 - Polymerisation Flashcards
What type of -mer is an alkene?
Monomer.
What do alkenes join to form?
Addition polymers.
What are the two types of polymers?
Natural and synthetic.
How do you form polymers?
By adding multiple monomers.
What does n mean around a monomer?
Many repeat units.
State 4 things about poly(alkenes).
- Saturated molecules.
- Normally non-polar.
- Unreactive.
- Don’t degrade well in landfill.
What are added to polymers to change their properties?
Plasticizers.
How do plasticizers make polymers more flexible?
Slide between polymer chains and push them apart. Weakens intermolecular forces between the chains. Chains can slide easier over each other making them easier to bend.
What does PVC stand for?
Poly(chloroethene).
Why do most polymers need to be disposed of carefully?
They are not biodegradable.
What 3 types of plastics would a landfill be useful for disposing of them in?
- Plastics that are too difficult to recycle.
- Plastics that are too difficult to separate from other materials.
- There is not enough plastic to extract to make it economically viable.
Why are landfills not sustainable?
They take large amounts of area and are expensive.
What governs the properties of polymers?
Intermolecular forces.
Are most polyalkene chains polar or non-polar?
Non-polar.
What is the only intermolecular force present in polyalkenes?
Van der Waals forces.
What are characteristics of low-density poly(ethene)? [4]
Shorter
More branched
Flexible
Weaker
What increases the van der waals forces in polymers? [2]
Longer chain
The closer the monomers are to each other.
What are characteristics of high-density poly(ethene)? [4]
No/very little branching
Long
Rigid
Stronger
What differences are there between halogen polyalkenes and non-polar polyalkenes?
Halogen polyalkenes can form stronger permanent dipole-dipole forces and so will have different properties to non-polar polyalkenes.
Is crude oil a renewable or non-renewable source?
Non-renewable.
What are the three ways to dispose of non-biodegradable plastics?
Landfill
Recycling
Incineration
What are biodegradable polymers?
Ones that decompose naturally.
