Using Alkenes to make Polymers Flashcards
What is the most useful thing you can do with alkenes?
polymerisation
What does polymerisation mean?
Joining together lots of small alkene molecules (monomers) to form very large molecules
What are long-chain molecules made up of small alkene molecules called?
Polymers
What is another name for small alkene molecules?
Monomers
What’s the name for lots of ethene molecules joined together?
poly(ethene) or polythene
What’s the name for lots of propene molecules joined together?
poly(propene)
Make sure you can draw the structure of ethene and polythene
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Different polymers have different [ ]
Physical properties
Polyamides are usually [ ] than poly(ethene)
stronger
What do the properties of a polymer depend on?
What it’s made from
Temperature and pressure of polymerisation
Describe a polymer that would be used for plastic bags
Light, stretchable polymers such as, low density poly(ethene)
Describe a polymer that would be used for Lycra fibre tights
Elastic polymer fibres
What is an example of a smart material (uses a polymer)?
Memory foam. It’s a polymer that gets softer as it gets warmer
Describe some new uses of polymers
1) Waterproof coatings for fabrics
2) Dental polymers are used in resin tooth fillings
3) Polymer hydrogel wound dressings keep wounds moist
4) Biodegradable packaging materials made from polymers and cornstarch
What are the advantages of polymers?
- They’re cheap
