CIE Jun 2015 v2 Paper 4 Q9

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16 Polymers consist of monomers joined either by addition or condensation reactions. (a) Complete the table by placing a tick ((cid:22)) in the correct column to indicate the type of reaction that would polymerise each of the monomers. monomer addition condensation both OH OH CH3 H3C [3] (b) Poly(ethene) bags pollute the environment for a long time because they are non-biodegradable. Suggest why.[2] (c) There has been considerable research into making biodegradable plastic bags. The repeat unit for one of the polymers used, polylactic acid (PLA), is shown. CH3 (i) Draw the structure of the monomer for PLA.UCLES 2015 9701/42/M/J/15 [1]<br /> 17 (ii) Suggest why PLA breaks down more easily in the environment than poly(ethene).[1] (d) The table shows the melting points of three polymers. polymer polyethene polychloroethene (PVC) nylon 6,6 melting point / C 137 212 265 Explain the differences in melting point of these three polymers in terms of the intermolecular forces between the chains.[3] [Total: 10]UCLES 2015 9701/42/M/J/15<br />

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