addition+polymers


 * //Addition polymers// **


 * Videos**

Polymerisation of alkenes || media type="custom" key="23376110" A cute video on the structures of polymers || media type="custom" key="23376284" Different types of polyethene ||
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Great summary of polymers ||
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 * Common Misconceptions:**
 * All polymers are recyclable.
 * Polymers are rubber.
 * Intermolecular bonds within polymers stretch.
 * All polymers degrade at high temperatures

> polymer more flexible and softer.
 * Interesting Facts:**
 * Polymers are large covalent molecules made of of repeating units called monomers.
 * Recycling 1 tonne of polymers saves enough energy to run a fridge for a month. Every time you recycle 41 plastic milk bottles, enough energy is saved to run a fridge for an hr.
 * Chemists use the term 'plastic' to describe a property of a material, not the material itself. Plastic describes a substance that can be moulded into different shapes readily.
 * There are 2 types of polyethene, high density HDPE and low density LDPE. HDPE is recyclable, but LDPE is not.
 * The network lattices of thermosetting materials have a structure similar to the covalent network lattice found in diamond.
 * It takes 125 recycled plastic milk bottles to manufacture a 140-litre wheelie bin from recycled plastic.
 * Thermoplastic polymers can be heated and reshaped.
 * Polypropene and polystyrene are not recyclable in Australia.
 * Plasticisers are often included in customised polymers. They are small molecules that fit between chains (so they are further apart). Reducing the intermolecular forces, this makes the


 * Resources:**
 * Polymer Teaching Resources.
 * ShareMyLesson section on polymers.
 * Materials World Modules - Addition Polymerization.
 * Addition Polymers from ChemPaths GenChem Textbook.