Year 12 Chemistry
Activity 9.2.A.2 – Comparing Structure, Properties and Uses of Synthetic Addition Polymers
Module
9.2 – Production of Materials
Topic
9.2.A – Synthetic Polymers
Name
Date
Complete the table below to compare the structure, properties and uses of each polymer.
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polystyrene
Monomer common name
The common name of the monomer
here, e.g. ethylene
Monomer systematic name
The systematic (IUPAC) name of the
monomer
Monomer structural formula
A diagram showing the chemical
structure of the monomer
Monomer chemical formula
The chemical formula of the monomer
Polymer structural formula
A diagram showing a section of the
structure of the polymer
Polymer chemical formula
The chemical formula of the polymer
Polymer structure
Describe the structure of the polymer,
e.g. linear or branched
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Molar mass
The approximate molar mass of one
molecule of the polymer
Polymerisation equation
A chemical equation representing the
polymerisation process
Polymerisation process
Name the type of production method
and outline the steps, including the use
of catalysts and temperature and
pressure requirements where relevant
Melting Point
The approximate melting point of the
polymer
Flexibility
Describe the flexibility in comparison to
the other polymers
Hardness
Describe the hardness in comparison to
the other polymers
Strength
Describe the strength in comparison to
the other polymers
Transparency
Describe the transparency in
comparison to the other polymers
Chemical stability
Describe the reactivity of the polymer
Waterproof
Is the polymer waterproof?
Intermolecular forces
Describe the type of intermolecular
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forces exist between molecules of the
polymer?
Uses
Identify some uses of the polymer
Properties related to uses
Explain how the properties of the
polymer relate to its use
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