Polymers

• Entry Level Certificate
• Polymer


  A very big molecule made of thousands of atoms
• Formation of a polymer


  1. Small molecules called monomers join up

  2. Chemical reaction occurs

  3. Long chain of the polymer is formed
• Monomers


  Small molecules that join up to make a polymer
• Examples of polymers


  • Polyethylene
  • Polypropylene
  • Polystyrene
  • PVC
• Properties of polymers


  • Waterproof
  • Easily moulded
  • Very unreactive
  • Resistant to chemicals
  • Hardwearing
  • Not biodegradable
• Polymers are used to make food and drink packaging, and water pipes
• Most polymers end up in landfill
• Polymers can also be burnt, but this produces air pollution
• Biodegradable


  Not broken down by microorganisms
• The more environmentally friendly option is to reduce, reuse, and recycle polymers
• Repeating unit


  Part of the polymer chain
• Common properties of polymers

  Biodegradable<|>Short molecules<|>Easily moulded<|>Unreactive<|>Waterproof
• Investigate biodegradability of polymers


  Bury in soil for a period of time
• Polymers are difficult to dispose of when they are no longer needed