Addition Polymers
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Give two types of polymers
• Natural Polymers (DNA) • Synthetic polymers e.g poly(ethene)
What are polymers
Long chain molecules when monomers join together
Give examples of synthetic polymers
Nylon and Kevlar
Addition polymers are formed from what?
Alkenes
What are addition polymers
This is when alkenes act as monomers because their double bond can open and join together to make long chains
What is another name for addition polymers
Polyalkenes
What type of bond chain are polyalkenes and give their properties
• Saturated molecules • Non-polar • Unreactive
Give the properties of polyalkenes based on their intermolecular forces
• They are non-polar so the bonds are held together by vander waals forces • Chains are longer, closer which result in strong vander waals forces between the chains
What is the difference between long, straight polyalkenes chains and short, branched chains
• long and straight = strong and rigid • Short and branched = weaker and more flexible
What is the function of a plasticiser and how does it work?
• Makes polymers more flexible • Get between the polymer chain and pushes them apart • Reduces the strength of the intermolecular forces between the chains • They slide around more, making the polymer easy to bend
What is the full meaning of PVC
Chloroethene
Give characteristics of PVC
• Closely packed polymer chains • Hard but brittle at room temperature • Rigid PVC is used to make drainpipes and window frames
Give characteristics and functions of plasticised PVC
• Much more flexible than rigid PVC • Used to make electrical cable insulation, flooring tiles and clothing
What are polymers made up of?
Repeating units
What is the difference between a polymer and a repeating unit?
Repeating unit has got the double bond opened out
How do you write the name of an addition polymer
• Write the name of the alkene monomer in brackets • Stick a ‘poly’ in front
How do you draw a monomer of a repeating unit?
Add a double bond
Explain why pentan-2-ol has a higher boiling point than pent-1-ene
• pentan-2-ol has stronger intermolecular forces • Pent-1-ene has vander waals forces only • Pentan-2-ol has vander waals and hydrogen bonds
Give an equation, showing structural formulas, for the conversion of chloroethene into poly(chloroethene).
Check physical flashcards for answers
State what you would observe if bromine water was added to poly(chloroethene) and explain this observation
• No reaction • Polymer is saturated/ no double bonds
Explain why poly(propene) is unreactive
No polar bonds/non-polar
Suggest why it is beneficial for some polymers to be biodegradable
To prevent build up of waste (in landfill) they can be broken down by natural processes
Golf balls recovered from lakes and ponds can be used again even after being in water for several years. Explain why these golf balls do not biodegrade
• Carbon Carbon bonds are non polar or too strong or not attacked by nucleophiles • Carbon Carbon bonds cannot be hydrolysed