What is a polymer?
A long chain molecule made from many small repeating units (monomers) joined together.
What type of bonding holds atoms together in a polymer chain?
Strong covalent bonds.
What is addition polymerisation?
A reaction where many unsaturated monomers (alkenes) join together with no other product formed.
What type of monomer makes addition polymers?
Alkenes (unsaturated, C=C).
Why are addition polymers hard to dispose of?
They are inert (unreactive), so they don’t biodegrade easily.
What is condensation polymerisation?
A reaction where monomers join together, forming a polymer and a small molecule by-product (often water).
What monomers are needed for condensation polymers?
Monomers with at least two functional groups (e.g., diols, dicarboxylic acids, amino acids).
Give two examples of condensation polymers.
Polyesters and polyamides (e.g., nylon).
Give 2 examples of natural polymers.
Starch and proteins.
Give 2 examples of synthetic polymers.
Nylon and polyester.
Properties and uses of polyethene (polythene).
Flexible, cheap, poor conductor → plastic bags, bottles, cling film.
Properties and uses of polypropene.
Strong, tough, flexible, mouldable → buckets, ropes, crates.
Properties and uses of PVC (polychloroethene).
Hard, tough, durable (rigid or flexible) → pipes, window frames, insulation.
Properties and uses of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethene, Teflon).
Slippery, resistant to heat/chemicals, non-stick → frying pans, waterproof clothing, coatings.
Why are addition polymers difficult to dispose of?
They are chemically inert and non-biodegradable.
Why is burning polymers problematic?
Releases toxic gases and greenhouse gases.
What are the advantages of recycling polymers?
Reduces landfill, conserves resources, lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
What are the disadvantages of recycling polymers?
Sorting is difficult, quality is lower, recycling process costs money.
What is a biodegradable polymer?
A polymer that can be broken down by microorganisms.
Example of a biodegradable polymer?
Cornstarch-based plastic.
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Formulae Equations And Hazards13
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Atomic Structure And The Periodic Table17
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Bonding And Tyoes Of Substance32
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Calculations Involving Masses24
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States Of Matter And Mixtures16
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Chemical Changes56
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Extracting Metals And Equilibria34
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Seperste Chemistry 1 (metals,quantitative Analysis)51
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Groups In The Periodic Table8
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Rates Of Reaction And Energy Chnages16
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Fuels And Earth Science20
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Seperate Chem 2 (ions,hydrocarbons,properties)20
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Polymers20
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Core Practicals/tests15
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Extra Stuff I Added On63
