Polymers (Cambridge International IGCSE Science)

Polymers: the basics

Spec point — nan

• Polymers are large molecules built up from many smaller molecules called monomers

Monomers join together to form long chains (polymers)

• Each monomer is joined to the next by covalent bonds

• Examples of polymers include:

  • Poly(ethene) - addition polymer
  • PVC - addition polymer
  • Nylon - condensation polymer

Addition polymerisation

• Poly(ethene) is formed by the addition polymerisation of ethene monomers

• Ethene is an alkene, so it contains a carbon–carbon double bond (C=C)

• During addition polymerisation:

  • The C=C double bond in each monomer breaks
  • The monomers join together to form a long-chain polymer
  • Only one product is formed

• Many ethene monomers join together to form poly(ethene)

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