Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
A polymer is a long molecule made by reacting together several smaller molecules.
About Polymers
This diagram shows several Ethene molecules reacting together to make a polythene molecule. |
Different polymers can have different properties but generally polymers are:
- Easily molded into shape.
- Solid at room temperature.
- Plastic in behaviour.
- An Electrical Insulator.
Polymer | Properties | Application |
Polythene | Plastic, Strong, Ductile | Shopping bags |
PVC | Plastic, Electrical Insulator, Strong | Covering of electrical wires. |
Nylon | Plastic, Strong, Flexible, Ductile. | Clothing |
Key Stage 4
Meaning
A polymer is a large molecule made of many identical smaller molecules called monomers.
About Polymers
- Polymers are held together by covalent bonds.
- The monomers which make up a polymer are simple covalent molecules.
- Most polymers are made of chains of Carbon atoms since they can from up to 4 covalent bonds with adjacent atoms. However, some can be made from Silicon, which can also form 4 covalent bonds.
Examples
Polythene is a polymer made by reacting thousands of Ethene monomers. | PolyTetraFluoroEthene is a polymer made by reacting thousands of TetraFluoroEthene monomers. | PolyPropene is a polymer made by reacting thousands of Propene monomers. |
Applications and Properties
Application | Polymer | Properties |
Windows | Polymethylmethacrylate | Transparent - Light can pass through.
Flexible - Does not break or shatter when a force is applied. |
Application | Polymer | Properties |
Application | Polymer | Properties |
Application | Polymer | Properties |