Addition Polymers

• What is a polymer?

  A large molecule composed of repeating units
• What are the repeating units in polymers called?

  Monomers
• When was nylon invented?

  1935
• What is formed when ethene is polymerised?

  Polyethene
• What is a substituted alkene?

  An alkene with one or more hydrogens replaced
• How is the structure of addition polymers represented?

  By breaking the C=C bond and using brackets
• How are addition polymers named?

  Using IUPAC nomenclature with 'poly' prefix
• What is the trademarked name for polytetrafluoroethene?

  Teflon
• What is the trademarked name for polyacrylonitrile?

  Orlon
• Why are many polymers trademarked?

  They have valuable properties for companies
• What makes addition polymers chemically inert?

  They are typically non-polar
• How do intermolecular forces affect polymers?

  They affect melting point and flexibility
• What contributes to polyethene's strength and rigidity?

  Its unbranched structure
• What is the effect of chlorine in PVC?

  It makes PVC polar and more rigid
• How do plasticisers affect PVC?

  They make PVC softer and more flexible
• What are the differences between natural and synthetic polymers?

  Natural Polymers:

  • Examples: DNA, proteins
  • Composed of biological monomers

  
  

  Synthetic Polymers:

  • Examples: Nylon, PVC
  • Man-made from chemical processes