Making Polymers and Polymerisation
ALKENES
- Double bond
- Gas
- Very flammable so could be used as a fuel BUT...
- They can join their individual molecules (MONOMERS) together to make POLYMERS
- This makes plastic which is much more useful
The bracket and n just means that depending on how many monomers you get, the size of the polymer will vary. YOU WILL ALWAYS GET THE SAME NUMBER OF CARBONS AND HYDROGENS THEY WILL JUST BE JOINED WHEN THE DOUBLE BOND BREAKS.
Polymers (plastics)
- Very useful
- Lots and lots of uses (packaging etc.)
- Taken to landfill and can't decompose because they're very unreactive (this is bad)
- Scientists are working on biodegradable polymers by adding corn starch which bacteria can feed off and break down
- These new cornstarch polymers will reduce that amount of pollution caused by polymers
- Polymers can also be re-used to cause less harm to the environment
Uses for polymers
- Food packaging - can let carbon dioxide out and oxygen in
- Fabric coating (protective layer)
- Breathable fabrics like vortex with let's out sweat and keeps out rain
- HYDROGELS - absorbs a lot of moisture so good for wounds
- SHAPE MEMORY POLYMERS, when heated, go back to their original shapes (good for glasses, car bumper etc.)
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