Polymers (Edexcel GCSE Chemistry): Revision Note

Polymers

• Polymers are large molecules of high relative molecular mass and are made by linking together large numbers of smaller molecules called monomers

• Each monomer is a repeat unit and is connected to the adjacent units via covalent bonds

• Polymerisation reactions usually require high pressures and the use of a catalyst

• Many everyday materials such as resins, plastics, polystyrene cups, nylon etc. are polymers

• These are manufactured and are called synthetic polymers

• Nature also produces polymers which are called natural or biological polymers

Diagram showing how lots of monomers bond together to form a polymer