Long Molecules: PolymersMUST know how polymers are madeSHOULD describe some use of polymers

How many FOUR or more letter words from:

P O L Y M E R I S A T I O N

Key question: Why has the development of

plastics been useful?

Plastics

Advantages Disadvantages

Can be easily moulded to shape

Are not biodegradable

Release toxic fumes when burnt

Do not corrode over time

Resistant to bacteria

Mixed plastic difficult to recycle

Can be easily coloured

A polythene bag. Why do we wrap our food?

A new leg made of polypropylene. In what

ways can polymers meet our need for health care?

Why make bottles and food containers from PET

(a polyester)?

A boat with polyester sails and a reinforced plastic

hull. Why sail in a boat like this?

A painting in a shop in Zanzibar. The paint is acrylic. Why do people buy pictures like this?

Why does this farmworker need to wear a

polycarbonate face mask and synthetic rubber

gloves?

Why use polycarbonate to make this roof over the Manchester City

stadium?

Kevlar is the polymer in army helmets and

bulletproof clothing. What makes Kevlar so vital?

Why does this diver choose to wear a wetsuit?

The suit is made of a synthetic rubber,

neoprene.

How does a nylon rope help to meet this climber’s

need for safety?

Plastics are examples of polymers. Polymers are made from oil.

A polymer:• Is a very big molecule• Has a very long chain• Is made from MONOMERS

Styrene polystyrene

MONOMER POLYMER

ethene

polypropene

ester

Monomers are used to make polymers.

Monomers must be alkenes – HAVE DOUBLE BONDS