Polymers

Polymers

1. Any substance containing very large molecules, formed when lots of small molecules join together

2. A substance made of macromolecules

3. Synthetic

   • Nylon
   • Terylene
   • Lyrca
   • Plastic
     • Polysterene
     • Perspex
     • Polythene
     • Polychloroethene(PVC)
   • Water-soluble
     • Hair gel & shower gel

4. Natural

   • Starch
   • Cellulose
   • Proteins
   • Keratin

5. Production

   • Addition Polymerisation
     • Double bonds in molecules break & they add on to each other
     • Monomers must have C=C double bonds
   • Condensation Polymerisation
     • Two different monomers join
     • Each has 2 functional groups that take part in reaction
     • Monomers join at functional group by eliminating small molecules

6. Plastics

   • Insulator
   • Unreactive
   • Strong & light
   • Some non-biodegradeable

7. Macromolecules in Food

   • Carbohydrates
     • Monosaccharide
   • Proteins
     • Amino Acids
       • 20 types
   • Fats
     • Esters
     • Formed in condensation reaction
   • Fibre
     • Cellulose