Using Alkenes to make Polymers Flashcards

1
Q

What useful process can you do with alkenes?

A

Polymerisation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the name for small alkene molecules?

A

Monomers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Define ‘monomers’

A

Small alkene molecules

(they contain a double carbon bond)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Describe the process of polymerisation

A

Joining together MONOMERS to form very large molecules (POLYMERS)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Why are alkenes able to act as monomers?

A

Because monomers contain a carbon double bond

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Describe polymerisation in terms of bonds

A

The carbon double bonds in the monomers break and join in an end to end reaction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is polymerisation also known as?

A

Additional polymerisation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are polymers also known as?

A

Additional polymers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Are monomers saturated or unsaturated?

A

Monomers are UNSATURATED

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Are polymers saturated or unsaturated

A

Polymers are SATURATED

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Name 3 monomers and the polymer they become through polymerisation

A
  1. ethene → polyethene
  2. propene → polypropene
  3. butene → polybutene
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Different polymers have different _______

A

Different polymers have different PROPERTIES

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the 2 things the physical properties of a polymer depend on?

A
  1. The alkene it’s made from
  2. The temperature and pressure of polymerisation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Give an example of how the properties of a polymer are affected by the alkene it’s made from

A

Polyamides are usually stronger than poly(ethene)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Give an example of how the properties of a polymer are affected by the temperature and pressure of polymerisation

A

Poly(ethene) made at 200oC and 2000 atmospheres pressure is FLEXIBLE** and has **LOW DENSITY

BUT

when made at 60oC and a few atmospheres pressure with a catalyst it is RIGID and DENSE

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Light, stretchable polymers such as ___ ___ ___ are used to make ___ ___ .

A

Light, stretchable polymers such as LOW DENSITY POLY(ETHENE) are used to make PLASTIC BAGS.

17
Q

Elastic polymer fibres are used to make ____ ____ for ____

A

Elastic polymer fibres are used to make LYCRA fibre for tights

18
Q

Name 3 types of polymer and their uses

A
  1. Waterproof coatings -> fabrics
  2. Dental polymers -> resin in TOOTH FILLINGS
  3. Polymer hydrogel wound dressing -> keep wounds moist
19
Q

Name an example of a polymer that is a SMART MATERIAL, and explain what it does

A

Memory foam gets softer as it gets warmer

20
Q

What can memory foam be made into and what does this mean they do?

A

Mattresses that mould to your body when you lie on them

21
Q

Name a negative and a positive of using polymers

A

Pro: Cheap

Con: Aren’t biodegradable

22
Q

What 2 things can we do about the problem with polymers and biodegradability?

A
  1. We can re-use them as many times as possible
  2. We can recycle them
23
Q

Things made from polymers are usually ______ than things made from ____ . However, as crude oil resources get _____ ____, the price of crude oil will ______ .

A

Things made from polymers are usually CHEAPER than things made from METAL. However, as crude oil resources get USED UP, the price of crude oil will RISE.

24
Q

What does the rising cost of crude oil mean?

A

That crude oil products like polymers will get MORE EXPLENSIVE

25
What is the problem, besides cost, with using crude oil to make polymers?
It may well be that one day there won't be **enough** crude oil for **fuel** AND **plastics** AND all the **other** uses
26
Name 2 **naturally** occurring polymers
1. Rubber 2. Silk