Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers (chemistry only)

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Question 1
Hard

This question is about polymers.

a.

Polyamides are condensation polymers. When the monomers react together, a small molecule is lost.

Name a small molecule that can be lost during the formation of a polyamide.

[1]
b.

Poly(chloroethene) is an addition polymer produced from chloroethene.

Complete the structure of poly(chloroethene) in the polymerisation equation below:

An incomplete chemical equation for the formation of poly(chloroethene). On the left: n molecules of chloroethene. Each molecule consists of a carbon-carbon double bond, C=C. The carbon on the left has two single bonds: one up to an H, one down to an H. The carbon on the right has two single bonds: one up to a Cl atom, one down to an H. An arrow points to the right to show the reaction. On the right of the arrow, there are large parentheses enclosing two carbon atoms bonded by a single bond, C-C. Single horizontal bonds extend left and right from these carbon atoms through the parentheses. The vertical bonds for substituents on these two carbons are left blank.

[3]
c.

Shopping bags can be made from:

  • poly(ethene)
  • cotton
  • a mixture of recycled poly(ethene) and cotton

Recycled poly(ethene) is more durable than cotton.

A bag made from a mixture of recycled poly(ethene) and cotton is more sustainable than using 100% brand new poly(ethene) or 100% cotton.

Suggest why.

[2]
d.

Polymer fibres are used to make ropes for sailing boats.

The table below shows some properties of two polymer fibres.

PropertyPoly(propene)Nylon
Density in g/cm3\text{g/cm}^3g/cm3 (density of seawater ≈1.03 g/cm3\approx 1.03\text{ g/cm}^3≈1.03 g/cm3)0.910.910.911.151.151.15
Tensile strength in MPa\text{MPa}MPa353535808080
UV resistancePoorGood
Water absorptionLowHigh

Evaluate the suitability of poly(propene) and nylon for sailing ropes.

[5]

Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers (chemistry only) Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Chemistry
  3. /Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers (chemistry only)