GCSE Chemistry · Edexcel 1CH0 · Topic 9D
Polymers
Key points
- Polymers are long-chain molecules made by joining many small monomers.
- Addition polymerisation: alkene monomers join by opening their C=C bond, e.g. ethene → poly(ethene). The repeat unit has the same atoms as the monomer.
- Examples and uses: poly(ethene) for bags, poly(propene) for crates, PVC for window frames, PTFE for non-stick pans.
- Condensation polymerisation joins monomers with two functional groups each, releasing a small molecule (often water), e.g. polyesters.
- Natural polymers: DNA (from nucleotides), proteins (from amino acids) and starch and cellulose (from sugars).
- Problems with polymers: made from crude oil, not biodegradable, landfill and toxic gases when burned. Recycling helps but sorting is costly.
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Polymers are very large molecules made by joining thousands of small molecules called monomers. Plastics are synthetic polymers, but living things also depend on natural polymers such as DNA and proteins. There are two ways of making them…
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