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  • FREE 5-MIN Notes
    • 1. Experimental Techniques
    • 2. Methods of Purification
    • 3. Separation Techniques
    • 4. Qualitative Analysis
    • 5. Kinetic Particle Theory
    • 6. Atomic Structure
    • 7. Elements, Compounds, Mixtures
    • 8. Ionic Bonding
    • 9. Covalent Bonding
    • 10. Mole Concept
    • 11. Electrolysis
    • 12. Energy Changes
    • 13. Speed of Reaction
    • 14. Redox
    • 15. Acids and Bases
    • 16. Salts
    • 17. Ammonia
    • 18. Periodic Table
    • 19. Metals
    • 20. Air
    • 21. Fuels
    • 22. Organic Chemistry
    • 23. Macromolecules
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23. Macromolecules

Macromolecules
  • Macromolecules are very large molecules made by joining thousands of identical small molecules called monomers. 
  • The process of chemically joining up the monomers is called polymerization. 
  • The very large molecule formed is called the polymer.

Addition Polymerisation
  • An addition polymer is formed when unsaturated monomers, containing C=C bonds, joined up to form a polymer without any loss of atoms.
  • The C=C bonds become C-C single bonds in the process.

Condensation Polymerisation
  • Condensation polymers are made from monomers containing alcohol, acid or amino (-NH2) functional groups.
  • At least 2 types of monomers are alternately chemically joined together, in a condensation reaction, to form a large molecule. 
  • In the condensation reaction, for every linkage formed, a small molecule, such as water, is removed.

Nylon - a Polyamide
  • Nylon is made from condensation polymerisation.
  • Diamine molecules and dicarboxylic acid molecules react together.
  • Water molecules are removed in the process.
  • An amide linkage is formed. -CONH-
  • Nylon is used to make ropes, fishing lines, clothes, tents and parachutes.

Terylene - a Polyester
  • Terylene is made from condensation polymerisation.
  • Diol molecules and dicarboxylic acid molecules react together.
  • Water molecules are removed in the process.
  • An ester linkage is formed. -COO-
  • Terylene is made into fibres which are woven into cloth which do not wrinkle easily.

Pollution Problem caused by Plastics
  • Plastics are non-biodegradable, which means that they are not broken down easily into simpler substances by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi in soil.
  • When burnt, they produce toxic gases like CO and HCl which pollute the air.
  • When discarded, plastics do not decompose and take up landfill space.
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  • Home
  • More Information
  • Contact Me
  • Blog
  • FREE 5-MIN Notes
    • 1. Experimental Techniques
    • 2. Methods of Purification
    • 3. Separation Techniques
    • 4. Qualitative Analysis
    • 5. Kinetic Particle Theory
    • 6. Atomic Structure
    • 7. Elements, Compounds, Mixtures
    • 8. Ionic Bonding
    • 9. Covalent Bonding
    • 10. Mole Concept
    • 11. Electrolysis
    • 12. Energy Changes
    • 13. Speed of Reaction
    • 14. Redox
    • 15. Acids and Bases
    • 16. Salts
    • 17. Ammonia
    • 18. Periodic Table
    • 19. Metals
    • 20. Air
    • 21. Fuels
    • 22. Organic Chemistry
    • 23. Macromolecules
  • Free Printables