9.3.1 What is a polymer?

9.3 POLYMER

What is a polymer?

A POLYMER is a large molecule formed by
chains of smaller molecular units (known as
a MONOMER)





Starch Natural polymers Natural rubber

Polymers that exist naturally

Protein

• Monomer: • Monomer: • Monomer:
GLUCOSE AMINO ACID ISOPRENE

• Use: • Use: • Use:
Produces energy Builds cells & body tissues To make rubber-
based products

Synthetic Polymers

Synthetic Monomer Use
polymer
Polythene Ethene To make plastic
bottles, plastics bags
and pails

Polystyrene Styrene To make packing
container for electrical
equipment

Perspex Methyl To make aeroplane
methacrylate mirrors, windows for
vehicles

Synthetic rubber Neoprene To make gloves, tyres
and shoe soles

Depolymerisation: Polymerisation:
Splitting polymer joining monomers

Addition polymerisation:
Break double bond…

…into a single bond