4 8 synthetic polymers

Polymers are large molecules of high relative molecular mass and are made by linking together large numbers of smaller molecules called monomers.

The process of making polymers is called addition polymerisation.

Each monomer is a repeat unit and is connected to the adjacent units via covalent bonds.

Polymerisation reactions usually require high pressures and the use of a catalyst.

Examples of synthetic polymers include resins, plastics, polystyrene cups, nylon, etc.

A monomer is a small molecule that can be reacted together in a polymerisation process to form a polymer.

A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units (monomers) typically connected by covalent chemical bonds.

Addition polymerisation is a type of polymerisation in which monomers are added to form a polymer chain without the loss of any molecules.

A polymer that is chemically synthesised, as opposed to natural or biological polymers.

True. Nature produces polymers called natural or biological polymers.

Addition polymers are unreactive and chemically inert, so they don't easily biodegrade.

Disposing of polymers in landfills takes up valuable land, as they are non-biodegradable and cannot be broken down by microorganisms.

Incinerating polymers releases a lot of heat energy and produces carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Polymers that contain chlorine, such as PVC, release toxic hydrogen chloride gas when burned.

A problem with recycling polymers is different polymers must be separated from each other, which is a difficult and expensive process.

Landfill is a site for the disposal of waste materials by burial.

Incineration is the controlled burning of waste materials.

Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.

Biodegradable means capable of being decomposed by biological agents, especially bacteria.

True. If incinerated by incomplete combustion, polymers can produce toxic carbon monoxide.

Condensation polymers are formed when two different monomers are linked together with the removal of a small molecule, usually water.

In addition polymerisation, only the polymer molecule is formed. In condensation polymerisation, the polymer molecule and one water molecule per linkage are formed.

The monomers have two functional groups present, one on each end.

An example of a condensation polymer and its monomers is terylene. This is a polyester made from dicarboxylic acid monomers (a carboxylic with a -COOH group at either end) and diols (an alcohol with an -OH group at either end).

For every ester linkage formed in condensation polymerisation, one molecule of water is formed from the combination of a -H and an -OH group.

Condensation polymerisation is a type of polymerisation in which monomers are reacted together with the loss of a small molecule, such as water.

Polyester is a type of condensation polymer formed by the reaction between a dicarboxylic acid and a diol, with the elimination of water molecules.

A dicarboxylic acid is a carboxylic acid with two -COOH groups, one at each end of the molecule.

A diol is an alcohol with two -OH groups, one at each end of the molecule.

An ester linkage is the functional group formed when a carboxylic acid and an alcohol react, with the elimination of water.