9.3. Polymers

Polymer

A substance of high average relative molecular mass made up of small repeating units called monomers.

Monomer

A small molecule that can join together to form a polymer.

Poly(ethene)

An addition polymer formed from ethene monomers during addition polymerisation.

Addition Polymerisation

A reaction where many small molecules (monomers) join together to form very large molecules (polymers), without the formation of any second product.

Poly(propene)

A polymer made by the polymerization of propene monomers; known for being flexible and strong.

Poly(chloroethene) or PVC

A tough, cheap, and long-lasting polymer used in products like window frames.

PTFE

A tough and non-stick polymer, commonly used for non-stick coatings on pans.

Condensation Polymerisation

A type of polymerisation where a small by-product, such as water, is formed when creating a polymer from monomers.

Polyester

A type of condensation polymer formed from dicarboxylic acids and di-alcohols; characterized by the formation of ester links.

Recycling Polymers

The process of reusing waste materials from polymers to reduce environmental impact and save resources.

Non-biodegradable Polymers

Polymers that cannot be broken down by decomposers, leading to environmental issues in landfills.

Greenhouse Gas

A gas, such as carbon dioxide, that contributes to the greenhouse effect and climate change when released by the combustion of polymers.

Toxic Hydrogen Chloride

A harmful substance released when burning polymers containing chlorine, such as PVC.

Advantages of Recycling Polymers

Includes reusing waste materials, saving crude oil, and being more economically viable compared to producing new polymers.

Disadvantages of Recycling Polymers

Includes the difficulty and expense of sorting different types of polymers before recycling.