Polymerisation Reactions
Chemistry: AQA A Level, topic 5.4.3
Addition Polymers
Addition polymers are made in the reverse process to cracking. Alkenes add to each other to extend a carbon chain.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Polymerisation Reactions
Poly(decene) is made up of what monomer?
What does the 'n' tell us in this repeat unit of poly(propene)?