Using Alkenes to make Polymers

Question 1

What useful process can you do with alkenes?

Answer 1

Polymerisation

Question 2

What is the name for small alkene molecules?

Answer 2

Monomers

Question 3

Define ‘monomers’

Answer 3

Small alkene molecules

(they contain a double carbon bond)

Question 4

Describe the process of polymerisation

Answer 4

Joining together MONOMERS to form very large molecules (POLYMERS)

Question 5

Why are alkenes able to act as monomers?

Answer 5

Because monomers contain a carbon double bond

Question 6

Describe polymerisation in terms of bonds

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What is polymerisation also known as?

Answer 7

Additional polymerisation

Question 8

What are polymers also known as?

Answer 8

Additional polymers

Question 9

Are monomers saturated or unsaturated?

Answer 9

Monomers are UNSATURATED

Question 10

Are polymers saturated or unsaturated

Answer 10

Polymers are SATURATED

Question 11

Name 3 monomers and the polymer they become through polymerisation

Answer 11

1. ethene → polyethene
2. propene → polypropene
3. butene → polybutene

Question 12

Different polymers have different _______

Answer 12

Different polymers have different PROPERTIES

Question 13

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

Answer 13

1. The alkene it’s made from
2. The temperature and pressure of polymerisation

Question 14

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

Answer 14

Polyamides are usually stronger than poly(ethene)

Question 15

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

Answer 15

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

BUT

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

Question 16

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

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Elastic polymer fibres are used to make ____ ____ for ____

Answer 17

Elastic polymer fibres are used to make LYCRA fibre for tights

Question 18

Name 3 types of polymer and their uses

Answer 18

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

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Memory foam gets softer as it gets warmer

Question 20

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

Answer 20

Mattresses that mould to your body when you lie on them

Question 21

Name a negative and a positive of using polymers

Answer 21

Pro: Cheap

Con: Aren’t biodegradable

Question 22

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

Answer 22

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

Question 23

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

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

What does the rising cost of crude oil mean?

Answer 24

That crude oil products like polymers will get MORE EXPLENSIVE

Question 25

What is the problem, besides cost, with using crude oil to make polymers?

Answer 25

It may well be that one day there won’t be enough crude oil for fuel AND plastics AND all the other uses

Question 26

Name 2 naturally occurring polymers

Answer 26

1. Rubber
2. Silk