Polymers (Cambridge O Level Chemistry)

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Polymers: The Basics

  • Polymers are large molecules built by linking 50 or more smaller molecules called monomers
  • Each repeat unit is connected to the adjacent units via covalent bonds
  • Some polymers contain just one type of unit
    • Examples include poly(ethene) and poly(chloroethene), commonly known as PVC
  • Others contain two or more different types of monomer units and which are called copolymers
    • Examples include nylon and biological proteins
  • Different linkages also exist, depending on the monomers and the type of polymerisation
    • Examples of linkages are covalent bonds, amide links and ester links


14-3-1-polymers-basic-

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

  • Poly(ethene) is formed by the addition polymerisation of ethene monomers
  • Addition polymerisation involves the addition of many monomers to make a long chained polymer
  • In this case, many ethene monomers join together due to the carbon carbon double bond breaking 

11-3-1-making-polyethene

Poly(ethene) is formed by addition polymerisation using ethene monomers

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Caroline

Author: Caroline

Expertise: Physics Lead

Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about creating high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.