Using Alkenes to make Polymers Flashcards
What useful process can you do with alkenes?
Polymerisation
What is the name for small alkene molecules?
Monomers
Define ‘monomers’
Small alkene molecules
(they contain a double carbon bond)
Describe the process of polymerisation
Joining together MONOMERS to form very large molecules (POLYMERS)
Why are alkenes able to act as monomers?
Because monomers contain a carbon double bond
Describe polymerisation in terms of bonds
The carbon double bonds in the monomers break and join in an end to end reaction
What is polymerisation also known as?
Additional polymerisation
What are polymers also known as?
Additional polymers
Are monomers saturated or unsaturated?
Monomers are UNSATURATED
Are polymers saturated or unsaturated
Polymers are SATURATED
Name 3 monomers and the polymer they become through polymerisation
- ethene → polyethene
- propene → polypropene
- butene → polybutene
Different polymers have different _______
Different polymers have different PROPERTIES
What are the 2 things the physical properties of a polymer depend on?
- The alkene it’s made from
- The temperature and pressure of polymerisation
Give an example of how the properties of a polymer are affected by the alkene it’s made from
Polyamides are usually stronger than poly(ethene)
Give an example of how the properties of a polymer are affected by the temperature and pressure of polymerisation
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
Light, stretchable polymers such as ___ ___ ___ are used to make ___ ___ .
Light, stretchable polymers such as LOW DENSITY POLY(ETHENE) are used to make PLASTIC BAGS.
Elastic polymer fibres are used to make ____ ____ for ____
Elastic polymer fibres are used to make LYCRA fibre for tights
Name 3 types of polymer and their uses
- Waterproof coatings -> fabrics
- Dental polymers -> resin in TOOTH FILLINGS
- Polymer hydrogel wound dressing -> keep wounds moist
Name an example of a polymer that is a SMART MATERIAL, and explain what it does
Memory foam gets softer as it gets warmer
What can memory foam be made into and what does this mean they do?
Mattresses that mould to your body when you lie on them
Name a negative and a positive of using polymers
Pro: Cheap
Con: Aren’t biodegradable
What 2 things can we do about the problem with polymers and biodegradability?
- We can re-use them as many times as possible
- We can recycle them
Things made from polymers are usually ______ than things made from ____ . However, as crude oil resources get _____ ____, the price of crude oil will ______ .
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.
What does the rising cost of crude oil mean?
That crude oil products like polymers will get MORE EXPLENSIVE