TOPIC 9 - POLYMERS UNFINISHED

what is a polymer

a polymer is a substance of high average relative molecular mass made up of small repeating units

9.18C Describe: how ethene molecules can combine together in a

polymerisation reaction and that the addition polymer formed is called

poly(ethene) (conditions and mechanisms not required)

9.19C Describe how other addition polymers can be made by combining

together other monomer molecules containing C=C, to include

poly(propene), poly(chloroethene) (PVC) and poly(tetrafluoroethene) (PTFE)

(conditions and mechanisms not required)

educe the structure of a monomer from the structure of an

addition polymer and vice vers

Explain how the uses of polymers are related to their properties

and vice versa: including poly(ethene), poly(propene),

poly(chloroethene) (PVC) and poly(tetrafluoroethene) (PTFE

Explain:

a why polyesters are condensation polymers

b how a polyester is formed when a monomer molecule

containing two carboxylic acid groups is reacted with a

monomer molecule containing two alcohol groups

c how a molecule of water is formed each time an ester

link is forme

9.23C Describe some problems associated with polymers

Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of recycling

polymers, including economic implications, availability of

starting materials and environmental impact