polymers

• organic compounds need functional groups + double or triple bonds to be reactive
• addition polymerisation = lots of small alkene monomers join together to make a single long chain molecule - a polymer

  • when a c=c bond breaks = new bond formed
• addition polymerisation:

  
• polymers have very long chains = use a repeating unit
• making a polymer with repeat unit:

  
• poly(ethene) = polythene - plastic bags
• poly(vinyl chloride) = PVC - cable insulation
• poly(styrene) = polystyrene - packaging
• additional polymers are more useful than traditional polymers:

  • large range of properties = can be changed
  • inert = strong bonds so dont react with other materials
• additional polymers are difficult to dispose of:

  • put in land fill = DO NOT BIODEGRADE (because they are inert)
  • incinerate polymers = release toxic gases
• dispose of additional polymers through:

  • choose alternative instead
  • re-using
  • recycling