Polymers

Higher chemistry
From previous work you
should know the terms:
1. Alkenes
2. Addition reaction
3. Polymerisation
4. Monomer
5. Polymer
6. Thermoplastic
7. Thermosetting plastic
Early plastics & fibres
Ethene & propene are very important
starting materials in the petrochemical
industry. Especially production of
polymers.
 Where do these starting materials come
come from?
 How can we produce more of them?
Approximately 80% of ethene comes from cracking ethane
Addition polymerisation
Condensation polymers
Made from a monomer which contains 2
functional groups per molecule.
The monomers join in chains by eliminating a
molecule of water.
Examples we will learn about include
polyesters, polyamides and aramids.
Condensation polymerisation
Polyester…
Is synthesised by
condensation of 2
monomer.

The first has 2 hydroxyl

groups, know as a
dialchohol.

The second has 2

carboxylic acid groups
called a dicarboxylic acid. Hexanedioic acid
Polyester

2H2O

New ester links

Uses of polyesters
If the monomers link only linearly, the
polyester produced can be used for textile
fibres, ropes, cords and sailcloth.
However if the monomers have additional
hydroxyl (-OH) and carboxyl (-COOH)
crosslinking occurs.
This creates a 3D thermoplastic used in the
manufacture of bottles for soft drinks & fleece
jackets.
What to do;
1. Work through Unit 2 topic 5
POLYMERS on scholar
2. Note ALL learning points.
3. Complete all in text questions & tests.
4. If finished work through the first 4
topics within unit 2 as revision.
Higher chemistry presentations
Group 1: Madeha, Ambreen & Martin
Group 2: Charlotte, Linzi & Logan
Group 3: Connor, Thomas,
Group 4: Kyle, Craig & Douglas
Group 5: Gary & David
Task
Your group will investigate a new
development in the polymer industry.
You will have the double period to:
 Investigate your polymer
 Prepare a powerpoint presentation
You must put your findings into your
own words.
Topics
Group 1: Kevlar
Group 2: Poly(ethenol)
Group 3: Poly(ethyne)
Group 4: Biopol & LDPE
Group 5: Poly(vinyl carbazole)
Tasks
Choose 1 member of your group to prepare
the presentation.

That person will not be asked to present to

the rest of the class.

Use: Scholar, your text book & evans. Only

once you have exhausted these resources
should you look elsewhere.