2.5.3

Polymerisation Reactions

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Addition Polymers

Addition polymers are made in the reverse process to cracking. Alkenes add to each other to extend a carbon chain.

Illustrative background for PolymersIllustrative background for Polymers ?? "content

Polymers

  • Polymers are made up of repeating units which are called monomers.
  • The simplest polymer is poly(ethene) (also called polyethylene or polythene).
    • Poly(ethene) is essentially one very long alkane chain.
    • Its structural formula and monomer unit is shown on this slide.
Illustrative background for Pre-20th century polymersIllustrative background for Pre-20th century polymers ?? "content

Pre-20th century polymers

  • Cotton, rubber and silk are all polymers and have been used for centuries.
  • In the 1800s, chemists learned how to harden rubber so that it could be used in industry.
Illustrative background for 20th century polymersIllustrative background for 20th century polymers ?? "content

20th century polymers

  • The 20th century saw the discovery of synthetic polymers.
    • E.g. Kevlar - bulletproof and used in body armour.
    • E.g. Nylon - commonly used in textiles.
Illustrative background for 21st century polymersIllustrative background for 21st century polymers ?? "content

21st century polymers

  • A lot of research now focuses on making biodegradable polymers.
  • This is because we are now more aware of the danger that plastics pose to wildlife.

Polymers

Polymers are made up of repeating units. Because of this, we can show their chemical structure as a unit that is repeated lots of times.

Jump to other topics

1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

3Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.2Periodic Trends

3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.4Halogens

3.5Noble gases, group 18

3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.7Functional Group Chemistry

3.8Alkanes

3.9Alcohols

3.10Halogenoalkanes

4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

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