What is a polymer Igcse chemistry?

What is a polymer Igcse chemistry?

Polymers are large molecules that are made up of many repeated small molecules. Many small individual molecules, called monomers, are joined up to form a polymer. The process of monomers (small molecules) joining up to form a polymer (long molecule) is called polymerisation.

What are synthetic polymers Igcse?

Describe the formation of poly(ethene) as an example of addition polymerisation of monomer units.

What is polymer short note?

A polymer is any of a class of natural or synthetic substances composed of very large molecules, called macromolecules, which are multiples of simpler chemical units called monomers. Polymers make up many of the materials in living organisms and are the basis of many minerals and man-made materials.

What are the two types of polymers?

There are two types of polymers: synthetic and natural. Synthetic polymers are derived from petroleum oil, and made by scientists and engineers. Examples of synthetic polymers include nylon, polyethylene, polyester, Teflon, and epoxy. Natural polymers occur in nature and can be extracted.

What are the properties of polymers?

Ans: The various physical properties of polymers are their tensile strength, melting point, boiling point, hardness, heat conductivity, electrical conductivity, refractive index, elasticity, crystallinity, permeability, etc.

Which are the natural polymers?

Natural polymers occur in nature and can be extracted. They are often water-based. Examples of naturally occurring polymers are silk, wool, DNA, cellulose and proteins. In our previous section on network polymers, we mentioned vulcanized rubber and pectin.

What is a polymer GCSE?

Polymers are long chain molecules that occur naturally in living things and can also be made by chemical processes in industry. Plastics are polymers, so polymers can be extremely useful. Chemistry (Single Science)

What are polymers GCSE?

What are polymers made up of?

Polymers are large molecules made up of long chains or networks of smaller molecules called monomers. Natural polymers include silk, hair, proteins and DNA, while synthetic (man-made) polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester.

What are the characteristics of polymers?

Characteristics of Polymers

  • Polymers can be very resistant to chemicals.
  • Polymers can be both thermal and electrical insulators.
  • Generally, polymers are very lightweight, with varying degrees of strength.
  • Polymers can be processed in various ways to produce thin fibers or very intricate parts.

Why are brackets used in polymers?

The displayed formula of polymers are written as repeating units with a square bracket at each end. A small n follows the last bracket to show that there could be more repeating units and the chain could go on. > a catalyst. FIGURE 6: A polymerisation plant.

What are 3 properties of polymers?

Heat capacity/ Heat conductivity. The extent to which the plastic or polymer acts as an effective insulator against the flow of heat.

  • Thermal expansion. The extent to which the polymer expands or contracts when heated or cooled.
  • Crystallinity.
  • Permeability.
  • Elastic modulus.
  • Tensile strength.
  • Resilience.
  • Refractive index.
  • What are the main uses of polymers?

    Uses of polymers

    • new packaging materials.
    • waterproof coatings for fabrics (eg for outdoor clothing)
    • fillings for teeth.
    • dressings for cuts.
    • hydrogels (eg for soft contact lenses and disposable nappy liners)
    • smart materials (eg shape memory polymers for shrink-wrap packaging)
    • August 2, 2022