Alkenes - Polymerisation in Alkenes Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is meant by the terms monomer & polymer?
- A monomer is a small molecule that can join together to form a polymer.
- A poymer is a large molecule made up of many repeating monomer units.
What type of polymerisation do alkenes undergo?
Addition polymerisation
What is meant by the repeat unit of a polymer?
The smallest group of atoms that repeats over & over to make up the polymer chain.
Describe 3 sustainable ways to process waste polymers.
1 - Incineration for energy recovery: combustion of plastics to produce electricity.
2 - Mechanical recycling: melting & remoulding of sorted plastics to make new products.
3 - Feedstock recycling: heating of unsorted plastics to break polymer bonds & recover the monomers which can be used to produce new polymers.
Explain the environmental benefits of biodegradable & photodegradable plastics.
They break down naturally by biological or light-induced processes, reducing plastic waste & pollution.
What are the advantages & disadvantages of recycling polymers?
Advantages:
1 - Conserves raw materials & energy.
2 - Results in lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to incineration.
3 - Lowers the overall cost of producing plastics.
4 - Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Disadvantages:
1 - Collection & processing of plastics can be costly.
2 - Contamination of plastics during recycling is a common issue.
3 - Can yield lower-quality materials.
What are the advantages & disadvantages of disposing of polymers through incineration?
Advantages:
1 - Can generate energy through combustion, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
2 - Reduces volume of waste sent to landfill.
Disadvantages:
1 - Some polymers (PVC) may produce toxic gases (HCl) when burned.
2 - The release of carbon dioxide contributes to climate change.
3 - Incineration is an energy-intensive process.
How do photodegradable polymers break down?
- By absorbing energy from UV light.
- Causes the bonds in the region of the carbonyl (C=O) group to weaken & break.
