Polymers

• What is a polymer?

  A polymer is a large molecule made up of repeating subunits called monomers. It has a high molecular mass.
• Ethene molecules can combine to form poly(ethene). C2H4 --> (C2H4)n. This forms polymer chains which is called addition polymerisation.

  
• How can addition polymers be made?

  They can be made by adding different monomer molecules containing a C=C bond.
• How do you write poly(chloroethene)?

  Poly(chloroethene) is written as (C2H3Cl)n, where n represents the number of repeating units in the polymer chain.

  
• How do you write poly(tetrafluoroethene)?

  PTFE.

  
• What is the structure of a monomer?

  A monomer is a single unit that can join together with other monomers to form a polymer. It typically consists of a repeating unit with functional groups.
• What is the structure of a polymer?

  A polymer is structured as a long, repeating chain of monomers, which are smaller molecular units.
• What are the properties and uses of poly(ethene)?

  Properties: High flexibility, low density, good electrical insulator, chemically resistant. Uses: Packaging materials, plastic bags, bottles, toys.
• What are the properties and uses of poly(propene)?

  Properties: Lightweight, flexible, resistant to chemicals and moisture, low melting point. Uses: Crates, furniture, and ropes.
• What are the properties and uses of poly(chloroethene) (PVC)?

  Properties: tough and cheap.

  Uses: Window frames and water pipes.
• What are the properties and uses of poly(tetrafluroethene)?

  Properties: unreactive, tough, and non-stick

  Uses: non-stick pans and waterproof clothing.
• Why are polyester condensation polymers?

  Polyesters are condensation polymers because they are formed through a condensation reaction between a dicarboxylic acid and a diol, resulting in the elimination of a small molecule such as water.

  
• What reactants are required to form a polyester?

  Molecules with two carboxylic acid groups (-COOH) and molecules with two alcohol groups (-OH).
• How do you describe the formation of an ester bond?

  The carboxylic acid loses an OH from the COOH group. The alcohol loses a H from the -OH group. The two larger molecules combine, forming an ester bond. The OH and H+ molecules lost during the bond formation combine to make water.
• Each time an ester link is formed, a molecule of water is lost.
• What are the problems with the disposal of polymers?

  Disposal in landfill sights - a problem since most polymers are not biodegradable which takes up valuable land.

  Burning plastics can produce a lot of electricity but a lot of toxic gases are released which can harm the environment.
• What are the pros and cons of recycling polymers?

  Pros: Conservation of resources, reduction of landfill waste, energy savings. It also creates jobs and saves money. Cons: Polymers must be separated; the quality of polymers are reduced after recycled and melting down polymers can harm the atmosphere.
• DNA is a polymer made from four different monomers called nucleotides.
• starch and carbohydrates are polymers based on sugars, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen.
• proteins are polymers based on amino acids, which are linked together by peptide bonds.