3.

0 POLYMER
Learning outcome
Student ables to state the meaning of POLYMERS
List naturally and synthetic POLYMERS
Uses of POLYMERS
Environmental effect cause by POLYMERS

Definition

POLYMERS
Polymers are large molecules made up of many identical repeating monomers which are joined
together by covalent compound

MONOMERS
Monomer is small identical repeating units in POLYMER

POLYMERISATION
Polymerisation is a process by which the monomers are joined together into chain like molecule
called POLYMERS

POLYMERISATION PROCESS (FORMATION OF POLYMER)

Polymerisation Process

MONOMERS POLYMER

H H H H n is a big
| | Polymerisation Process | | number shows
n C = C C C
|
|
|

how many
| | | |
H H H H n monomers are
joined together.
Monomers Polymers
(Ethene) (Polythene)

By Naguib Zakaria
 Exist in living things in nature.
Example
NATURAL POLYMERS Protein, Cellulose, Wool, Silk, Starch,
Natural Rubber and DNA
POLYMERS

Produce through chemical proceses

SYNTHETIC Example
POLYMERS Polystyrene, Polythene, PVC, Nylon
and Plastic

NATURAL POLYMERS

Name Of POLYMER Monomer

Protein Amino Acid

Starch (Carbohydrate) Glucose

Rubber (Polyisoprene) Isoprene

SYNTHETIC POLYMERS
Name Of Polymers Monomer Properties Uses
Durable, light, Shopping bags, plastic
Polythene Ethene
impermeable, insulator cup and plate, toys
Durable, light,
Bottles, furniture, pipes
Polypropene Propene impermeable, can be
and toys
moulded and coloured
Heat insulator, light can Disposable cup and plate,
Polystyrene Phenylethene be moulded and packaging materials, heat
permeable insulators.
Low softening Pipes, pipe fittings, wire
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Chloroethene temperature, elastic and and cable coating and
durable casing, raincoats.
Transparent, strong and Glass replacement.
Perspex Methyl-2-methylpropenoate
light Lenses and optical fibre

WHY SYNTHETIC POLYMERS CAN CAUSE HOW TO AVOID OR REDUCE POLLUTION

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION?
1. Synthetic Polymers are not easily
BIODEGRADABLE.
2. The waste by synthetic polymers
(plastics, food container) will block the
drainage system.
3. The burning synthetic polymer produce
poisonous gas like Carbon Monoxide,
Hydrogen Chloride, Sulphur Dioxides
and Hydrogen Cynide gas.
CAUSED BY SYNTHETIC POLYMERS
1. Reduce the usage of Synthetic
Polymers
2. Recycle the synthetic Polymers
3. Use BIODEGRADABLE Polymers
4. Find alternative to Synthetic
Polymers

By Naguib Zakaria