Polymers (GCSE Chemistry)
Polymers
Polymers
Properties of Polymers
- Polymer properties depend on monomers. The properties of a polymer depends heavily on the monomers that it is made from. This determines the bonds in the polymer.
- Polymer properties depend on reaction conditions. The properties of a polymer also depend on the reaction conditions in which the polymer was created.This includes the temperature and pressure of the reaction.
- Polymers can be low or high density. We can produce low density or high density polymers from a monomer. These differences are due to the conditions of the polymerisation reaction.
- Polymers are flexible. One of the properties of polymers is that they are flexible. Another property of polymers is that they provide good insulation.
Thermosoftening and Thermosetting Polymers
- Thermosoftening polymers melt. When heated, thermosoftening polymers will melt. This is because there are only weak intermolecular forces between the polymer chains.
- Thermosetting polymers do not melt. When heated, thermosetting polymers do not melt. This is because they contain cross links between the polymer chains. The cross links are formed by strong covalent bonds and are very hard to break.
Poly(ethene)
- Polymers can be low or high density. As we saw earlier, we can produce low density or high density polymers from a monomer. These differences are due to the conditions of the polymerisation reaction. We will look at the polymers of ethene here.
- Conditions used to make low density polythene. Ethene molecules are added together at very high pressure (over 1000 atmospheres) and moderate temperature (300°C).
- Uses of low density polythene. It is used to make plastic milk bottles, flexible water pipes and electrical insulation.
- Conditions used to make high density polythene. Ethene molecules are added together on the presence of a catalyst at much lower pressure (10 to 80 atmospheres) and lower temperatures (100- 200°C).
- Uses of high density polythene. It is used to make crates, dustbins, rigid water pipes and plastic drums.
Problems with Polymers
- Most polymers are non-biodegradable. Synthetic polymers tend to be non-biodegradable, meaning that they take a very long time to break down. This prolongs their time in landfill sites, therefore causing them to fill up quickly and run out of extra space. The waste may also spread out in seas or oceans, causing harm to marine organisms.
- During the disposal of polymers gases are produced. When disposed, polymers are combusted to produce carbon dioxide. This is a harmful Greenhouse gas. Sometimes, complete combustion cannot occur so carbon monoxide is produced instead of carbon dioxide. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, toxic gas.
- Polymers need to be sorted before being melting and reformed into a new product. There are seven different categories which polymers can be sorted into, before forming a new product through recycling. This prolongs the process and is another cost to consider.
Polymers are large molecules made up of repeating units called monomers. They have unique properties, such as flexibility and high strength, which make them useful in many everyday products.
Some common examples of polymers include plastics, rubber, and fibers like nylon and polyester. These materials are used to make items such as toys, bottles, clothing, and car parts.
Polymers are made by chemically linking monomers together through a process called polymerization. This can occur naturally or through human-made processes such as synthesis.
Synthetic polymers are made by humans through chemical processes. Natural polymers, on the other hand, are made by living organisms and are found in materials like wood, silk, and proteins.
The production and disposal of polymers can have negative impacts on the environment. For example, plastic pollution is a major problem in our oceans and wildlife can mistake plastic for food. It is important to recycle and dispose of polymers properly to minimize their impact on the environment.
Biodegradable polymers are polymers that can be broken down by natural processes such as decomposition. This is different from non-biodegradable polymers, which can take hundreds of years to break down and can have long-term environmental impacts.
Polymers are used in a wide range of products due to their unique properties. They are lightweight, strong, flexible, and can be molded into various shapes and sizes. This makes them ideal for use in products that need to be durable and long-lasting.
Yes, many polymers can be recycled. The recycling process involves breaking down the polymer into its monomer units, which can then be reassembled into a new polymer. This helps to reduce waste and the impact of polymers on the environment.
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