Polymer Properties & Uses

Objective:
 Industry produces a vast range of plastics, including addition polymers (polyethene, polytetrafluoroethene) and condensation polymers
(nylon and polyethylene terephthalate [PET]) which have different properties and uses

Name Monomer(s) Properties Uses

Low density
Polyethene 
LDPE
Addition polymer  many side chains
 irregular packing
 more flexible than HPDE
 chemically inert
High density

HDPE
 few side chains
 long linear regularly packed
chains
 more rigid and stronger than
LDPE
 chemically inert
 PTFE is hydrophobic 
__________________
 
__________________
 Chemically inert
(Teflon)
Addition polymer 

 Low coefficient of friction

 Dicarboxylic acid and diamine  High strength to weight ratio  used in textiles, fishing line and
__________________
Eg: Nylon-6,6 made into thread carpets.

(polyamide)  Polymer structure gives the  .Electrical insulators for high

fibre elasticity voltage electrical insulators,
Condensation switch housings and cable ties.
 Hydrophobic
polymer And
 Degraded by exposure to …..

 Weakened by strong acids

 Transparent 
__________________
 Strong
 Recyclable
__________________
(PET)  Shatter resistant
And
(polyester)  Chemically inert

Condensation
polymer
Questions

1. (a) Given the two monomers shown below, draw a polymer with three repeating units formed when these two polymers react.

(3 marks)

(b) Describe a use of the polymer and the property of the polymer that is related to its use. (2 marks)
2. Polytetrafluoroethene, or Teflon as it commonly known, is used in non-stick surfaces on cooking equipment like saucepans or frying
pans.
(a) Describe the properties that make suitable for this use (2 marks)

(b) Draw and name the monomer or monomers that are made to use this polymer. (2 marks)