12. Polymers
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Are polymers saturated?
Yes
What are monomers?
The constituent alkene molecules of polymers
What happens in addition polymerisation?
A large number of monomers are combined to form a single polymer chain, by firstly breaking the double bonds
What are polyalkenes?
Polymers made from alkene monomers
What are polymers?
When alkene molecules are joined to give large molecules
What property of polyalkenes makes them non-biodegradable?
They are chemically inert
How are polyalkenes disposed of?
By burning, burying in landfills or recycling
What is the difference between a drawing of the repeated unit and the polymer structure?
Repeating unit does not contain brackets or ‘n’
To form condensation polymers, what must monomers have?
A functional group on each end
What is it called when a monomer has a functional group on each end of the molecule?
Bifunctional
In monomers forming condensation polymers, do the functional groups have to be the same?
No - they can be the same or different
What is produced when a bond forms between two monomers in a condensation polymer?
A small molecule (e.g. H2O or HCl) depending on the monomers
What are the common types of condensation polymer?
• polyesters • polyamides • polypeptides
What holds condensation polymers together?
Intermolecular forces
What are the intermolecular forces between condensation polymers dependent on?
The atoms and bonds within the monomers
Why are condensation polymers biodegradable?
They can be hydrolysed - broken down into smaller fragments
Are condensation polymers biodegradable?
Yes
What is the main example of a condensation polymer where the monomers have different functional groups on either side?
Amino acid
What is formed when a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol?
An ester and water
What is formed when a dicarboxylic acid reacts with a diol?
A polyester and water
What is the use of terylene (PET)?
Making plastic bottles and clothing
What type of condensation polymer is PET?
Polyester
What is formed when a carboxylic acid reacts with an amine?
An amide and water
What is formed when a dicarboxylic acid reacts with a diamine?
A polyamide and water