EXPERIMENT 5

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Unit 2: Plastics and fibres

 Plastics and fibres
Aim:
To prepare a polymer from an addition reaction.

Investigative question:
How can a polymer be prepared from an addition
reaction?
Hypothesis:
If phenylethene is heated together with peroxide, a
polyphenylethene forms, which is a solid.
 Plastics and fibres
Variables:
Independent variable (Which is changed.)
Temperature

Dependent variable (Which is measured.)

Solid that forms.

Controlled variable(s) (Which remain(s) the same.)

Reactants
Apparatus
Quantities
 Plastics and fibres
Observations:
After the contents of the test tube is heated, and it
is poured into the ethanol, it forms a solid.
Results:
Answer the following questions:
1. Why are safety measures necessary?
The chemicals used are corrosive, irritating,
flammable and harmful.
2. What process took place when the phenylethene
and the peroxide were heated?
Addition: polymerisation
 Plastics and fibres
3. Give the chemical equation for the reaction that
takes place.

4. What is the common name of the product that

formed?
Polystyrene
 Plastics and fibres
5. Name five items that can be manufactured using
the product.
Margarine tubs, transparent egg containers, plastic
tableware, transparent plastic glasses, CD
holders, plastic hangers.

Conclusions:
If phenylethene and peroxide are heated strongly,
polyphenylethene forms through addition
polymerisation.