Polymers (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Chemistry): Revision Note

Polymers: the basics

• Polymers are large molecules built up from many smaller molecules called monomers

• Each monomer is joined to the next by covalent bonds

• Examples of polymers include:

  • Poly(ethene)

  • PVC

  • Nylon

Addition polymerisation

• Poly(ethene) is formed by the addition polymerisation of ethene monomers

• Ethene is an alkene, so it contains a carbon–carbon double bond (C=C)

• During addition polymerisation:

  • The C=C double bond in each monomer breaks

  • The monomers join together to form a long-chain polymer

  • Only one product is formed

• Many ethene monomers join together to form poly(ethene)