3.3.4.3 addition polymers

• how are addition polymers produced?

  from alkenes where the double bond is broken to form a repeating unit
• addition polymer

  
• how must the repeating unit always be shown?

  with extended bonds through the brackets showing that it bonds to other repeating units on both sides
• what are reaction conditions used in the production of the polymer chains altered to give the plastics produced?

  different properties
• what produce branched chain polymers with weak IMFs?

  high pressures and high temperatures
• what produce straight chain polymers with strong IMFs?

  lower pressures and lower temperatures
• what are polymers?


  unreactive hydrocarbon chains with multiple strong, non-polar covalent bonds
• what are polymers useful for?

  manufacturing many everyday plastic products e.g. shopping bags
• what does the unreactive nature of the bonds in addition polymers mean?


  they are not biodegradable and cannot be broken down by species in nature
• what is PVC?


  an additional polymer with waterproof properties
• how does PVC gain these properties?

  by the addition of plasticisers during the reaction