What is meant by the terms monomer and polymer?

A monomer is a small molecule that can join together to form a polymer.

A polymer is a large molecule made up of many repeating monomer units.

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What type of polymerisation do alkenes undergo?

Addition polymerisation

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What is the balanced equation for the addition polymerisation of ethene?

The formula of poly(ethene) is represented by its repeat unit inside square brackets, followed by n to show repetition.

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Describe the systematic naming of addition polymers.

The prefix, poly-, is used followed by the name of the monomer in brackets.


For example, the addition polymer of ethene is poly(ethene).

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What is meant by the repeat unit of a polymer?

The repeat unit of a polymer is the smallest group of atoms that repeats over and over to make up the polymer chain.

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Why are addition polymers unreactive?

They contain strong, non-polar C-C and C-H bonds which require large amounts of energy to break.

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What are the typical uses of poly(chloroethene)?

Typical uses of poly(chloroethene) include drainpipes, flooring, cable insulation and clothing.


The flexiblity of the polymer depends on the additives used in the reaction.

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Explain how the properties of a polymer can be modified using a plasticiser.

Plasticisers insert themselves between polymer chains, increasing the distance between them. This weakens the intermolecular forces holding the chains together. Consequently, the polymer chains can slide past each other more easily, resulting in a softer and more flexible polymer.

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What is a plasticiser?

A plasticiser is a small molecule that is typically added to a polymer to make it softer and more flexible.

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List two reasons why the disposal of polyalkenes is difficult.

  1. Polyalkenes are non-biodegradable due to strong C-C bonds.
  2. Combustion of halogenated polyalkenes releases harmful products such as hydrogen chloride.

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Describe 3 sustainable ways to process waste polymers.

  1. Incineration for energy recovery: combustion of plastics to produce electricity.
  2. Mechanical recycling: melting and remoulding of sorted plastics to make new products.
  3. Feedstock recycling: heating of unsorted plastics to break polymer bonds and recover the monomers which can be used to produce new polymers.

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