13.5 Polymerisation in alkenes

• To show the formation of polymers from monomers

  • repeating unit is written in brackets
  • no double carbon-carbon bonds
  • bonds stick out of the brackets
  • n is written in the bottom right
• Addition polymers are unreactive and non-biodegradable
• Polymers can be recycled
• Polymers can be burnt to generate electricity
• Polymers can be used as an organic feedstock for the production of plastics
• Combustion of halogenated plastics can form toxic waste products
• Biodegradable polymers are plant-based and break down naturally
• Photodegradable polymers contain bonds that weaken in the presence of light