From plastic bottles to bulletproof vests, polymers and engineered materials are everywhere — and this deck of 20 flashcards explains the chemistry behind them. You'll start with the difference between addition and condensation polymerisation, then explore the...
From plastic bottles to bulletproof vests, polymers and engineered materials are everywhere — and this deck of 20 flashcards explains the chemistry behind them. You'll start with the difference between addition and condensation polymerisation, then explore thermoplastics versus thermosetting polymers, common everyday plastics like polyethylene and PVC, and processes like vulcanisation that toughen rubber. The deck moves into composite materials such as fibreglass and carbon fibre, explaining how a matrix and reinforcement combine to create stronger materials, before covering biodegradability, microplastics and environmental concerns around plastic waste. A final section covers metal alloys, including why steel and stainless steel outperform pure iron, and Kevlar's unique molecular structure. Suited to A-Level Chemistry and introductory materials science courses, this deck connects abstract polymer chemistry to the real-world materials you interact with daily.
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A large molecule made of many repeating structural units called monomers, joined by covalent bonds.
Addition polymerisation joins monomers with no by-product (usually via double bonds, e.g. polyethylene). Condensation polymerisation joins monomers while releasing a small molecule such as water.
Ethene (CH₂=CH₂), which undergoes addition polymerisation to form long polyethylene chains.
The smallest structural unit that repeats to make up the polymer chain, derived from the monomer.
Thermoplastics soften when heated and can be remoulded (recyclable); thermosets form permanent cross-links when cured and don't soften on reheating.
Extensive covalent cross-linking between polymer chains, which prevents the chains from sliding past each other even when heated.
Proteins, DNA, cellulose and starch are all naturally occurring polymers.
A polymer made from two or more different types of monomers, combining properties of each.
A process that adds sulfur cross-links to rubber, increasing its strength, elasticity and resistance to temperature changes.
A material made from two or more distinct constituent materials that, combined, produce properties different from the individual components (e.g. fibreglass, carbon fibre).
The matrix binds and protects the reinforcement, which typically provides strength and stiffness (e.g. resin matrix with glass or carbon fibres).
The capacity of a material to be broken down by microorganisms into natural substances; most conventional plastics are not biodegradable, causing long-term environmental accumulation.
Recyclable materials can be reprocessed into new products; biodegradable materials break down naturally over time — a material can be one, both, or neither.
Tiny plastic fragments (less than 5mm) resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic debris, now widespread in oceans and ecosystems.
A mixture of a metal with one or more other elements (often another metal), designed to improve properties such as strength or corrosion resistance.
Steel (iron + carbon) is harder and stronger than pure iron; stainless steel (steel + chromium) resists corrosion.
The degree of cross-linking, chain branching, and the strength of intermolecular forces between polymer chains.
An aramid polymer with very strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding between chains, giving it exceptional tensile strength used in body armour.
