PLASTICS 101

HOW ARE PLASTICS FORMED?

 Organic molecules (made of mainly carbon and hydrogen) are joined together in
repeating units to form a long chain. This is called polymerization.
 There are two types of polymerization:
1. Addition Polymerization
2. Condensation Polymerization
How are plastics formed?
Example:
The organic molecule (ripening hormone) ethene, is joined
in a chain multiple times to form the plastic, polyethene or
polyethylene.
EXAMPLES

 Polyethlyene (polyethene)
 Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
 Polystyrene (Styrofoam)
 Nylon
 Terylene
NOTES ASSIGNMENT!

 Record the uses of three of the plastics mentioned in the previous slide.
 Why are plastics useful? List all the benefits of using plastics (Refer to Page
261).
 Antigua and Barbuda has a ban on certain plastic items. Record an explanation as
to why this beneficial to the country as a whole.
RESEARCH AND COMPLETE

1. Polymerization is not only used to form plastics. Name THREE natural polymers
and give a use for each.
2. List some laboratory equipment that are made of plastic.
3. The Fill in the Blanks on Page 261.
4. Many of the raw materials used for making plastics come from petroleum. State
ONE reason why it would be recommended to recycle plastic items.