Polymers

Polymers

1. Polymers are very large molecules made from many smaller molecules called monomers.

   • Alkenes can act as monomers because they have a double bond
   • They join in a process called polymerisation

2. Thermosoftening

   • Thermosoftening polymers soften when heated and can be shaped when hot.
   • The shape will harden when it is cooled, but can be reshaped when heated up again.
   • Poly(ethene) is a thermosoftening polymer.

3. Thermosetting

   • Once moulded they cannot be reshaped
   • Vulcanised rubber is a thermoset used to make tyres.

4. Waterproof clothing

   • GORETEX, is waterproof and has many properties of nylon but is also breathable so lets water vapour (sweat) out
   • Nylon
     • Doesn't let rain in but traps sweat inside as well
     • Lightweight
     • Tough
     • Waterproof

5. Disposing of Polymers

   • Landfill
     • Uses up valuble land
     • Fill up quickly
     • Visual pollution
     • Don't biodegrade
   • Incineration
     • Give off a lot of heat energy when they burn
     • Carbon dioxide is prodcuced
     • Toxic gas is also produced
   • Recycling
     • Some can be recycled
     • Reduces the amount of crude oil needed
     • Can be expensive
     • Different polymers must be separated from each other