Macromolecules

• Macro Molecules, are large molecules, made by joining together of many small molecules.

Polymerization

• The process of joining together smaller units into a large macro molecule polymer is called polymerization.

Monomer

• Small molecules, that join together to form one large polymer molecule.

Types of polymers

1.Synthetic Polymers: Synthetic Polymers are manmade polymers that are formed by;

• Addition Polymerization

• Condensation Polymers

2.Addition Polymers: Addition Polymers are made from unsaturated monomers through an addition reaction.

3.Condensation Polymers: When two different monomers join, each with two functional group. The monomers join their functional groups, by getting rid of or eliminating small molecules.

Natural polymers

• Natural Polymers are formed by condensation polymerization.

1.Protein: When two amino acids combine with each other, protein is formed and H2O is a by-product.

2.Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are polymers made up of small sugar molecules joined together e.g. starch

3.Fats: Fats are formed through condensation reaction of fatty acids (Carboxylic Acids) and Glycerol.

Synthetic polymers

• Plastics

  • Advantages: cheap, easy shaped, non corrosive, easily coloured.

• Disadvantages : non biodegradable, burn to produce toxic fumes , difficult to dispose of therefore pollutant.

• Artifical fibres