18.4 Making use of Synthetic Polymers

Question 1

What are synthesis polymers usually called?

Answer 1

Plastics

Question 2

What does plastic mean?

Answer 2

Can be moulded into shape without breaking.

But when used as a thread or in fabrics we call it synthetic polymers.

Question 3

How are most plastics made?

Answer 3

Most plastics are made from chemicals found in the naphtha fraction of petroleum.

The are cheap to make

Question 4

What are the properties of plastics?

Answer 4

1. They don’t conduct electricity or heat (usually)
2. The are unreactive. (Not affected by air water or acid) = sage for storing things in like food.
3. Are light to carry , lighter than stone, wood, glass, most metals
4. They don’t break when you drop them
5. They are strong. Because their long molecules are attracted to each other so they are hard to tear/pull apart
6. They don’t catch fire easily. But when heated the often melt and some co black (char)

Question 5

How do you make a plastic with the properties you want?

Answer 5

By choosing monomers and the reaction condition carefully

Question 6

What conditions do need to get DENSE polythene?

Answer 6

1. 50 degrees
2. 3 or 4 atmospheres pressure
3. And a catalyst

Note: they are close together so the polythene becomes dense.

Question 7

What conditions do you need to get LOW-DENSITY polythene?

Answer 7

1. 200 degrees Celsius
2. 2000 arm
3. Little oxygen present

Note the chains will branch so they aren’t closely packed together so the become less dense

Question 8

What’s special about high-density polythene? What is it used for?

Answer 8

It is strong and hard, so it is used for things like bowls and dustbins.

Question 9

What is special about low-density polythene? What is it used for?

Answer 9

It is light and weak, it is used in making things like plastic bags and cling film for wrapping food.

Question 10

What is the use of polythene?

Answer 10

Low density - Plastic bags , gloves , cling film

High density - mug, bowls, chairs, dustbin

Question 11

Uses of Polychloroethene (PVC)?

Answer 11

Water pipes, hoses, covering of electricity cables, Wellington’s

Question 12

Uses of Polypropene?

Answer 12

Crates and ropes

Question 13

Uses of Polystyrene?

Answer 13

Used as expanded Polystyrene in fast-food cartons, packaging, insulation for homes

Question 14

Uses of Teflon?

Answer 14

Coating frying pans to make them non-stick, fabric protector, windscreen wipers, flooring

Question 15

Uses of nylon?

Answer 15

Ropes, fishing net, lines, tent curtains

Question 16

Uses of terylene?

Answer 16

Clothing mixed with Cotten,thread