Module 4 - Alkene Polymers

Module 4 - Alkene Polymers

1. ADDITION POLYMERISATION

   • Individual alkenes are monomers. They open up and join together to make longer molecules, known as a polymer.

2. Getting rid of Addition Polymers.

   • Polymers are generally unreactive. But this also means that they aren't biodegradable and are difficult to dispose of in an environmentally friendly way...
   • Landfill is used when it is difficult to seperate the plastics from other waste; the plastic quantity isn't sufficient enough to make separation financially worthwhile; or when it is too difficult to recycle the plastic.
   • Many plastics are made from non-renewable oil-fractions so reusing them is very beneficial. After sorting into different types some plastics can be recycled by melting and remoulding them. Other plastics can be cracked into their monomers and used as organic feedstock to make more plastics or other chemicals.
   • If waste plastics can't be recycled, they can be burned and the heat used to generate electricity. Toxic gases can be produced from this process so it has to be carefully controlled to remove them. These waste gases are passes through SCRUBBERS which neutralise the gases by allowing them to react with a base.

3. Waste Plastics

   • Sorting
     • Remoulding into new objects
     • Cracking
       • Processing..
         • Into other chemicals
         • Into new plastics
         • (Organic Feedstock)
   • Burning as fuel
   • Burying in landfill sites