Using Alkenes to Make Polymers Flashcards
Alkenes can be used to make what?
Polymers.
What is the most useful thing you can do to alkenes?
Polymerisation.
What is polymerisation?
Joining together lots of small alkene molecules (monomers) to from large molecules.
What are the long-chain molecules called?
Polymers.
EG.
Many ethene molecules join together to produce what?
Polyethene.
EG Many propene molecules join together to produce what?
Polypropene.
What do different polymers have?
Different physical properties which make them suitable for various different uses.
What do the physical properties of a polymer depend on?
What’s its made from.
What is polyamides usually stronger than?
Polyethene.
What are a polymer’s physical properties also affected by?
The temperature and pressure of polymerisation.
What is polyethene like when its made at 200C and 2000 atmospheres pressure?
Flexible and has low density.
What is polyethene like when made at 60C and a few atmospheres pressure with a catalyst?
Rigid and dense.
Give an example of a light stretchy polymer.
Low density polyethene.
Light stretchable polymers are used to make what?
Plastic bags.
What are elastic polymer fibres used to make?
Super stretchy LYCRA fibre for tights.
What else does polymers make?
Waterproof coatings for fabrics.
What are dental polymers used in?
Resin tooth fillings.
What keeps wounds moist?
Polymer hydrogel wound dressings.
What is being produced NOW?
New biodegradable packaging materials made from polymers and cornstarch.
Give an example of a smart material?
Memory foam.
What is memory foam?
Its a polymer that gets softer as it gets warmer.
Mattresses can be made from memory foam- mould to your body shape.
What are most polymers?
Biodegradable they’re not broken down by microorganisms so they don’t rot.
How are polymers difficult to get rid off?
If you bury them in a landfill site they will still be there years later.
Best thing to do is re-use them as may times as possible then recycle them if you can.
What is the difference betweeen polymers and metal?
The things made from polymers are usually cheaper than those of metal.
How will crude oil products like polymers become more expensive?
As crude oil resources get used up, the price of crude oil will rise.
Name naturally occurring polymers?
Rubber and silk.
Name synthetic polymers?
Polyester.
PVC.
