POLYMERS Revision

POLYMERS Revision

1. Making Polymers

   • Polymerisation
     • A chemical reaction needed to make a polymer from a monomer
     • Uses a high pressure and a catalyst
     • Monomer molecules join together end to end
   • Polyethene
   • Poly(propene)
   • Addition Polymerisation
     • Involving alkene monomers
     • Unsaturated monomer molecules react together to form a saturated polymer molecule

2. Designer Polymers

   • Gortex
     • Breathable
     • Layers
       • 1 = Exterior fabric
       • 2 = PTFE
         • Tiny holes so tat water vapour can get out but rain droplets can't get in
       • 3 = Interior fabric
   • Polyethene
     • LDPE
       • Making plastic bags
     • HDPE
       • Outdoor furniture

3. Polymer Problems

   • Disposing
     • Waste plastic can be burnt to release heat energy
       • But if the heat energy isn't used, it is a waste of resources
     • They must be burnt at a high temperature to stop toxic gases from being made
   • Recycling
     • Different polymers must be separated
       • Often by hand
     • Very expensive
   • Biodigradable
     • Uses starch

4. Very Large Molecules