Part 2 – Polymers
1. Polyethene is a synthetic plastic that is made from ethene. It is a very common plastic which is moulded into many different shapes, depending on its use. As it is non-biodegradable, many councils encourage householders to recycle this plastic rather than disposing of it in the bin, where it will end up in a landfill site, or incinerator.
(a) Why is Polyethene referred to as a “synthetic” material?
(b) Which raw material is used to produce most plastics?
(c) Draw the full structural formula for ethene.
(d) Ethene is a small molecule that is obtained from much larger hydrocarbons. Name the process that is used to produce ethene from much larger hydrocarbons.
(e) What is meant by the term “non-biodegradable”?
(f) Why is it dangerous to incinerate polyethene?
(g) Suggest why it is important to recycle plastics.
2. For each of the following examples, suggest a property of the plastic that makes it suited for the use described.
(a) Nylon is used for hiking jackets.
(b) PVC is used to make rain gutters and window frames.
(c) Polyethene is used to make plastic bags.
3.
(a) Would a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic be used for frying pan handles?
(b) Explain your answer to (a).
4. Draw the structures of the polymers formed from the following monomers. Show 3 monomer units linked together.
5. Draw the monomers and repeating units formed from the following polymers.
6. The structure of part of a polyacrylonitrile molecule is shown below.
(a) Draw the structural formula for the monomer used to make this polymer.
(b) Name a toxic gas produced when the polymer burns.
7. Polybutene is used to make pipes which carry hot water under pressure. This is very useful in plumbing and underfloor heating.
(a) Draw the structure of butene.
(b) Draw polybutene by showing 3 monomer units linked together.
(c) Butene has 3 isomers. Draw the isomer which
(i) could also be used to form a polymer
(ii) could not be used to form a polymer.
8. Describe 2 plastics which are thought of as ‘novel plastics’. Describe the properties of these plastics and uses for these materials.
