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IGCSEChemistryCambridge (CIE)Revision Notes11. Organic ChemistryPolymersPolymers

Polymers (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Chemistry)

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Alexandra Brennan

Written by: Alexandra Brennan

Reviewed by: Stewart Hird

Polymers: the basics

  • Polymers are large molecules built by linking 50 or more smaller molecules called monomers

  • Each repeat unit is connected to the adjacent units via covalent bonds

  • Examples of polymers include PVC and nylon

The formation of polyethene from ethene

Many monomers join together to form a polymer

  • Poly(ethene) is formed by the addition polymerisation of ethene monomers

  • Addition polymerisation involves the addition of many monomers to make a long chained polymer

  • In this case, many ethene monomers join together due to the carbon carbon double bond breaking 

Repeat unit of polyethene

Poly(ethene) is formed by addition polymerisation using ethene monomers

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Alexandra Brennan

    Author: Alexandra Brennan

    Expertise: Chemistry

    Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.

    Stewart Hird

    Author: Stewart Hird

    Expertise: Chemistry Lead

    Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.