4h

Question 1

Polymerisation

Answer 1

• A large number of monomers joining together form a polymer

Question 2

Addition polymerisation

Answer 2

• Only one polymer is formed

Advantages:
- Low density
- Very unreactive

Disadvantages:
- Non-renewable
- Persists in the environment (non-biodegradable)

Question 3

Naming polymers

Answer 3

• Poly(alkene name)
• E.g. Poly(Ethene)

Question 4

Condensation polymerisation

Answer 4

• Requires 2 different functional groups
• Each monomer must have 2 functional groups
• Each bond produces a small molecule
• n a_monomer_a + n b_monomer_b -> n polymer + n-1 small molecule (e.g. water)
• n a_monomer_b -> n polymer + n-1 small molecule (e.g. water)

Question 5

Biopolyester

Answer 5

• Biodegradable polyester

Question 6

Polymer disposal problems

Answer 6

Burying:
- Polymers remains indefinitely since not biodegradable

Burning:
- Greenhouse / Toxic gases released since polymers are being burn