What is a polymer?
A large molecule made up of lots of small monomers
What happens to alkenes in the addition polymerisation process?
The c=c double bond breaks open
Many unsaturated monomers join together to make one saturated polymer
why are polymers useful?
They are physically strong and chemically inert
What is an issue of addition polymers?
disposal, Addition polymers are not biodegradable meaning they fill up landfill sites and produce plastic pollution
what happens when you burn plastics/polymers?
They release toxic gasses